2026 Ram 2500 vs 2026 Ford F-250

• Ram brings the popular Warlock and Black Express sport trucks into the heavy-duty lineup for 2026.
• Ram 2500 drivers have the option of a standard 6.4-liter HEMI gas V8 or step up to the high-torque 6.7-liter Cummins diesel.
• High-end trims now feature a massive 14.5-inch vertical touchscreen and a high-def digital rearview mirror.

The big news for 2026 is Ram's decision to offer a sportier, more accessible look by expanding its lineup trim. The Black Express and Warlock models migrated from the 1500 series to the 2500 series, giving heavy-duty buyers more styling options than ever before.

The Warlock is a 4WD Crew Cab with a short bed, designed for those who need extra off-road capability. It comes from the factory with Bilstein dampers, a rear limited-slip differential, a transfer case skidplate, and hill descent control. You'll recognize it by the blacked-out bumpers, flares, and grille surround, along with a unique Warlock bedside graphic.

It rides on 20-inch diamond-cut wheels wrapped in 34-inch Goodyear Duratrac all-terrain tires. You can order it in a full spectrum of colors, including Flame Red, Molten Red, Ceramic Grey, Forged Blue, Silver Zynith, Granite Crystal, Bright White, or Diamond Black. The interior is work-centric, with cloth bench seats, carpeted floors, and front arear all-weather mats.

The Black Express offers a similar attitude but focuses on a monochromatic street look. Available as a Crew Cab with either RWD or 4WD and short- or long-bed options, it features a sport performance hood and body-colored grille surrounds and bumpers. It also gains front and rear parking sensors, black cab-length tube side steps, and 20-inch black wheels. Like its mystical, it shares the same paint options and features a cloth bench seat with carpeted flooring and mats.

Ford's strategy is a lot less involved for 2026. The car company moved some of its high-tier trailering systems (Pro Trailer Backup Assist and Hitch Assist) into the Lariat Premium package to help manage the truck's 40,000-pound maximum towing capacity. Ford also reintroduces the SuperCab with a 6.5-foot bed and, for the first time, allows its high-output diesel engine to pair with the off-road Tremor package.

Standard power for the 2026 Ram 2500 comes from a 6.4-liter HEMI V8, which cranks out 405 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic and serves as the exclusive powertrain for the 4WD-only Power Wagon. You also have the option of a 6.7-liter Cummins turbo-diesel inline-six with RWD or 4WD, delivering 430 horsepower and a massive 1,075 lb-ft of torque.

If your priority is finding the absolute most powerful engine on the market, Ford's lineup may feel like overkill for the average job. The 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel offers a massive 1,200 lb-ft of torque in its High-Output form--stats that look great on a brochure but can add unnecessary complexity for some drivers. Ford also offers the 405-hp 6.8-liter V8 and the 500-hp 7.3-liter "Godzilla" V8, all mated to a 10-speed automatic.