Ram 2500 Diesel vs. Gas: Should You Choose the Cummins or the HEMI?

The Numbers Side by Side

Here is how Ram rates the two engines in the 2500.

• High-Output 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6: 430 horsepower and 1,075 lb-ft of torque, maximum towing of 20,000 pounds, maximum payload of 3,600 pounds, paired with the TorqueFlite HD eight-speed automatic.
• 6.4L HEMI V8: 405 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque, maximum towing of 17,750 pounds, maximum payload of 3,930 pounds, paired with the TorqueFlite 8 eight-speed automatic.

Two details jump out. The horsepower figures are close, but the Cummins makes about two and a half times the torque, and torque is what gets a heavy trailer moving from a stop and up a grade. The HEMI, meanwhile, posts the higher payload rating, so it can carry more weight in the bed. Figures vary by configuration, so check the exact truck on our Ram 2500 page.

When the Cummins Earns Its Place

The diesel makes the most sense when heavy towing is a regular part of your life rather than an occasional chore.

• Frequent heavy towing: Diesels produce their torque at low engine speeds, which makes long pulls with a fifth-wheel camper, equipment trailer, or horse trailer feel calmer and more controlled.
• Better mileage under load: Diesels generally get better fuel economy than gas engines, and the gap tends to widen when you are towing.
• Longevity and resale: Diesel engines are known for long service lives, and diesel trucks generally hold their value well at trade-in time.
• Braking assistance: An available automatic smart exhaust brake helps control speed on long downgrades so you lean less on the service brakes.

If your towing needs go beyond what the 2500 offers, the Ram 3500 extends capability further. Compare both on our Ram 3500 page.

When the HEMI Is the Smarter Buy

For many owners, the gas engine is the more practical heavy-duty choice.

• Lower purchase cost: Gas-powered heavy-duty trucks typically cost less upfront than comparable diesels.
• Cheaper, easier fueling: Gasoline is usually less expensive per gallon than diesel and available at every station.
• No diesel exhaust fluid: Gas engines do not need the DEF additive that modern U.S. diesels require, and routine maintenance is generally simpler.
• Higher payload: If you haul heavy loads in the bed more than you tow, the HEMI’s higher payload rating works in your favor.
• Easy cold starts: Gas engines fire quickly on frigid mornings without special preparation.

If you tow a boat a few weekends each summer and use the truck for work around Homer Glen the rest of the year, the HEMI often delivers everything you need for less money. Our finance team can compare monthly payments on both configurations side by side.

Owning a Diesel Through a Chicago Winter

Winter in northern Illinois is the one place where diesel ownership asks more of you. Plan for these habits from November through March:

• Plug in the block heater on the coldest nights to make starting easier.
• Use winter-blend fuel or an anti-gel additive, since diesel fuel can gel in extreme cold.
• Keep DEF topped up and store spare fluid where it will not freeze solid.
• Avoid running the tank dry. A diesel that runs out of fuel may need its fuel system primed before it will restart.

Diesel maintenance also tends to cost more than gas maintenance because of the more complex exhaust aftertreatment system. That does not make the Cummins a bad choice, but it should be part of your math. Our service department maintains both engines and can walk you through the recommended schedule before you buy.

Run Your Own Cost Comparison

The right engine is the one that costs less over the years you own the truck, not just on the day you buy it. Before you decide, write down your own numbers for each item:

• The difference in purchase price between comparable diesel and gas trucks
• How many miles you drive per year, and how many of those miles involve towing
• Local fuel prices for diesel and gasoline, and the mileage you expect from each
• Diesel exhaust fluid and the added cost of diesel maintenance
• How long you plan to keep the truck, and what each engine is likely to bring at trade-in

Owners who tow heavy loads for many miles each year often find the diesel pulls ahead over time. Owners who tow occasionally usually find the HEMI wins on total cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Ram 2500 Cummins worth it over the HEMI?

It is worth it if you tow heavy trailers often. The High-Output Cummins makes 1,075 lb-ft of torque and is rated to tow up to 20,000 pounds, while the HEMI makes 429 lb-ft and tows up to 17,750 pounds. Occasional towers usually do fine with the HEMI.

Which Ram 2500 engine has more payload?

The 6.4-liter HEMI V8 has the higher maximum payload rating at 3,930 pounds, compared with 3,600 pounds for the High-Output Cummins. If you load the bed more than you tow, the gas engine has the edge.

Do diesel trucks need special care in cold weather?

Yes. In very cold weather, diesel owners should use the block heater, choose winter-blend fuel or an anti-gel additive, and keep diesel exhaust fluid topped up. Gas engines start more easily in the cold without extra steps.

Does a diesel truck cost more to maintain?

Generally, yes. Diesel trucks require diesel exhaust fluid and have more complex emissions equipment, which raises maintenance costs. Many owners offset that with better fuel economy when towing and stronger resale value.

Can I test drive both engines at Bettenhausen CDJR of Lockport?

Yes. We can line up a Cummins and a HEMI-powered truck so you can compare them back to back. Visit 16471 W. 159th St. in Lockport or call our sales team at 815-524-0642.

The Ram 2500 diesel vs gas choice is really a question about your trailer, your miles, and your timeline. Heavy, frequent towing points to the Cummins, while lighter towing and bed-heavy work point to the HEMI.

Already driving a truck you plan to replace? Start with a trade-in estimate, then stop by our Lockport showroom to drive both engines and see which one fits the way you work.