Does the 2500 and 3500 have the same engine?

The engines generally mirror each other: both 2500 and 3500 heavy-duty pickups usually offer the same gasoline and diesel engines, while the key differences are in payload, torque ratings, and whether dual rear wheels are available.

This article breaks down the engine options for three major brands—Ram, Ford, and GM—so you can see where the engines are shared and where they diverge by model year or configuration.

Ram Heavy-Duty: 2500 vs 3500

Engine options across 2500 and 3500

Ram's heavy-duty lineup commonly offers two engine families that appear on both the 2500 and 3500 variants.

• 6.4L Hemi V8 gasoline


• 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel inline-6

In Ram's lineup, these engines cover the typical gasoline and diesel options available for both the 2500 and 3500, with the 3500 adding dual rear-wheel configurations and higher payload ratings in many trims.

Ford F-Series Heavy-Duty: F-250 / F-350

Engine options

Ford positions the F-250 and F-350 with the same engine choices across most model years.

• 7.3L V8 gasoline


• 6.7L Power Stroke diesel

Engine availability aligns across the two heavy-duty variants; payload and chassis differences are the main distinctions, not the engines themselves.

GM Heavy-Duty lineup: Silverado/Sierra 2500HD and 3500HD

Engine options

GM's heavy-duty trucks typically offer two core powertrains across 2500HD and 3500HD.

• 6.6L V8 gasoline


• Duramax 6.6L Turbo-Diesel V8

As with other brands, the 3500HD often adds higher payload and dual rear-wheel configurations, while the engines remain the same across the two sizes in most model years.

Summary

Across Ram, Ford, and GM, the 2500- and 3500-class pickups generally share the same engine options, including gasoline and diesel powertrains. The main differences are in payload ratings, driveline setup (such as dual-rear-wheel configurations on the 3500), and trim-specific availability. Always verify the exact engine choices for a given model year and trim with the manufacturer or dealer.

Are 2500 and 3500 engines the same?

So far, the 2500 and the 3500 are identical in terms of engine options. However, with the RAM 3500, you have another option. The available 6.7L Cummins® High-Output Turbo Diesel I6 Engine offers 420 horsepower and best-in-class 1,075 lb-ft of torque.

What's the difference between 2500hd and 3500hd?

The main difference between a 2500HD and 3500HD is the 3500HD's higher towing and payload capacities, which are achieved through its beefier suspension and optional dual rear wheels. While the 2500HD is a heavy-duty truck suitable for most tasks, the 3500HD is built for maximum power and is ideal for the heaviest jobs like large trailers and commercial use. The 2500HD is often a better choice for a daily driver due to its narrower body and slightly smoother ride, while the 3500HD's dual-wheel option makes it wider and less maneuverable in urban areas.
 
This video explains the differences between 2500HD and 3500HD trucks: 58sSoCal ChevyYouTube · Oct 5, 2023
Towing and payload

• 3500HD: Has higher maximum towing and payload capacities, with some configurations allowing for up to 36,000 lbs of towing.
• 2500HD: Offers strong, but lower, towing and payload capacities, suitable for most heavy-duty tasks. 

Drivetrain and chassis

• 3500HD: Can be configured with dual rear wheels (DRW) to increase stability and load capacity, though it's also available in single rear wheel (SRW). It has a more robust suspension and chassis to handle heavier loads. 
• 2500HD: Is only available with single rear wheels (SRW), making it narrower and easier to handle in tight spaces. 

You can watch this video to see a comparison of the rear suspension between 2500HD and 3500HD trucks: 1mtruckguyjoeYouTube · Jul 11, 2017
Ride and maneuverability

• 3500HD: The dual rear wheel configuration can result in a stiffer, more robust ride, especially when unladen, and a larger turning radius. 
• 2500HD: Typically provides a slightly softer ride quality compared to the 3500HD, making it a more comfortable option for everyday driving and parking. 

Other similarities

• Engine and transmission: Both models often share the same engine and transmission options, like the 6.6L turbo diesel with 975 lb-ft of torque and a 10-speed automatic transmission. 
• Interior and technology: Many interior features, technology, and cab configurations are identical between the two trucks. 

Does the Ram 2500 and 3500 have the same engine?

Both trucks have the power to help you get the job done. They share two of the same engines: the 6.4L V8 and 6.7L turbo engines. However, only the RAM 3500 offers the additional high-output diesel engine option for even more capability.

Does the Chevy 2500 and 3500 have the same engine?

When comparing the Chevy Silverado 2500 vs. 3500, both share the same engine options, so you're getting serious power regardless of your choice. The standard 6.6L V8 gas engine delivers 401 horsepower and 464 lb. -ft.