2027 Ram 2500 and 3500 Gas vs. Diesel: HEMI or Cummins?

The 2027 Ram Heavy Duty HEMI V8 is the payload-focused choice, while the Cummins High-Output turbo-diesel provides substantially more torque and the lineup’s highest preliminary towing ratings. The right engine depends on whether your truck will carry more weight in its bed or pull a heavier trailer.

Both engines are paired with eight-speed automatic transmissions and are available across a broad lineup of Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 configurations. Before choosing, compare the truck’s exact payload and towing ratings with your passengers, cargo, hitch equipment, and fully loaded trailer.

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2027 Ram Heavy Duty HEMI vs. Cummins at a Glance

The HEMI V8 is paired with a TorqueFlite 8HP75-LCV automatic transmission. The Cummins uses a TorqueFlite HD eight-speed automatic.¹

2027 Ram 2500 and 3500 Towing and Payload Comparison

The preliminary maximums show the central difference between the two engines: the Cummins leads in towing, while the HEMI leads in payload.

Maximum ratings apply only to specific, properly equipped configurations. Cab, bed, drivetrain, axle ratio, packages, passengers, cargo, hitch equipment, and other factors affect the capability of an individual truck.¹

Is the HEMI or Cummins Better for Towing?

The Cummins High-Output turbo-diesel is the stronger choice when towing is the main priority. Its 1,075 lb.-ft. of torque supports preliminary maximum towing of up to 20,000 pounds in the Ram 2500 and 37,020 pounds in the Ram 3500.

That does not mean every diesel truck carries the same rating. A Crew Cab, Regular Cab, Mega Cab, four-wheel-drive truck, and two-wheel-drive truck can have different limits even when they use the same engine.

Start with the trailer rather than the engine. Confirm its loaded weight, tongue or pin weight, hitch requirements, and the cargo that will travel in the truck. A driver regularly towing equipment along I-78 may need a different configuration from someone who only pulls a smaller trailer a few times each year.

Which Engine Is Better for Payload?

The 6.4-liter HEMI V8 offers the higher preliminary maximum payload in both the Ram 2500 and Ram 3500.

For 2027, a new Payload Upgrade Package helps properly configured HEMI-powered Ram 2500 trucks reach a preliminary maximum payload of 4,580 pounds. The package raises gross vehicle weight rating from 10,000 to 11,040 pounds and includes:

• A Ram 3500 frame
• Leaf-spring rear suspension
• An anti-spin rear differential

The package is offered on select Tradesman, Big Horn, Laramie, Limited, and Limited Longhorn configurations.¹

Payload matters whenever weight is placed in the cab or bed. Tools, materials, passengers, accessories, and hitch weight all count against the truck’s available capacity. For home-project supplies picked up along Tilghman Street, the higher payload potential of the HEMI may be more useful than choosing the engine with the largest trailer rating.

2027 Ram 2500 Gas vs. Diesel

The Ram 2500 offers a practical balance of heavy-duty capability, passenger comfort, and configuration choice.

Choose the HEMI V8 when:

• Payload is a higher priority than maximum towing
• The new Payload Upgrade Package fits your needs
• You want a gas-powered Rebel or Power Wagon
• Your truck will regularly carry tools, materials, equipment, or hitch weight

Choose the Cummins High-Output turbo-diesel when:

• Your trailer requires the higher Ram 2500 towing rating
• Diesel torque is important for regular towing
• You want the new diesel-powered Power Wagon
• You are building the truck around a known trailer and load

The Ram 2500 uses a five-link coil rear suspension and offers an available automatic-leveling rear air suspension. These suspension choices can matter to drivers who split their week between work routes such as American Parkway and regular daily driving around Allentown.¹ ²

2027 Ram 3500 Gas vs. Diesel

The Ram 3500 expands the capability range for buyers with more demanding payload or towing requirements.

The HEMI-powered Ram 3500 offers the lineup’s highest preliminary payload rating at up to 7,580 pounds. Selected four-wheel-drive, single-rear-wheel configurations also receive a 400-pound increase in gross vehicle weight rating and payload capability for 2027.

The increase applies to:

• Regular Cab trucks with the 8-foot bed
• Crew Cab trucks with the 6-foot, 4-inch bed

The Cummins-powered Ram 3500 reaches the lineup’s highest preliminary towing rating at up to 37,020 pounds when properly equipped.

The Ram 3500 uses a rear Hotchkiss leaf-spring system and offers an available supplemental air-suspension system. A truck used for regional work travel toward Fogelsville may need a very different cab, bed, drivetrain, and axle setup from one built primarily around a large recreational trailer.¹ ³

Can You Get a Cummins in the 2027 Ram Power Wagon?

Yes. The 2027 Ram 2500 Power Wagon is available with the 6.7-liter Cummins High-Output turbo-diesel for the first time.

The 6.4-liter HEMI V8 remains available, giving Power Wagon shoppers a choice between traditional V8 power and the Cummins engine’s higher torque output. HEMI-powered models also reintroduce an optional beadlock-capable wheel.

A Warn electric winch is available as a standalone option on HEMI-powered Rebel and Power Wagon models. It no longer requires the Level 1 Equipment Group. A sport performance hood is also available separately on both models.¹

For drivers carrying seasonal equipment toward Blue Mountain, the choice should still begin with payload, towing requirements, and the exact equipment fitted to the truck—not the engine name alone.

The Engine Is Only One Part of the Configuration

A Ram Heavy Duty engine cannot be evaluated separately from the rest of the truck. Cab, bed, drivetrain, suspension, axle, equipment, and passenger needs all affect how well a configuration fits its intended use.

Available body configurations include:

• Regular Cab with an 8-foot bed
• Crew Cab with a 6-foot, 4-inch bed
• Crew Cab with an 8-foot bed
• Mega Cab with a 6-foot, 4-inch bed

The Mega Cab is offered with four-wheel drive. The wider Ram Heavy Duty lineup includes both 4×2 and 4×4 configurations.¹

A shorter bed and more passenger space may make sense for a truck that also handles everyday errands near Lehigh Street. A longer bed may be more useful when carrying bulky materials or equipment. The better configuration is the one that fits the truck’s real workload.

Towing Features to Compare Beyond the Engine

Available Ram Heavy Duty towing technology can help with visibility, trailer positioning, and monitoring while underway.

Depending on configuration, available features include:

• Digital rearview mirror with tow mode
• Trailer reverse steering control
• Blind-spot monitoring with trailer detection
• Power-folding and power-telescoping trailer tow mirrors
• Trailer-Tow Pages
• Automatic-leveling rear air suspension
• RamBox cargo management system
• Relocatable bed anchor points
• LED bed lighting

Feature availability varies by model, trim, package, and configuration. Confirm the equipment on the specific truck you are considering.¹ ² ³

HEMI vs. Cummins: Which One Should You Buy?

Choose the 6.4-liter HEMI V8 when higher payload potential is the priority, especially if you are considering the new Ram 2500 Payload Upgrade Package.

Choose the 6.7-liter Cummins High-Output turbo-diesel when you need more torque and the highest available towing rating.

For a truck carrying gear to the Lehigh Parkway, payload and bed utility may drive the decision. For a truck built around a heavy trailer, the Cummins may be the better starting point. In either case, compare the truck’s configuration-specific ratings with the actual weight you plan to carry or tow.

2027 Ram Heavy Duty FAQs

Is the HEMI or Cummins better for a Ram 2500?

The HEMI V8 offers the higher preliminary maximum payload, while the Cummins High-Output turbo-diesel offers the higher preliminary maximum towing rating. The better choice depends on whether your workload places more weight in the truck or behind it.

How much can a 2027 Ram 2500 tow?

Preliminary maximum towing reaches up to 17,740 pounds with the HEMI V8 and up to 20,000 pounds with the Cummins High-Output turbo-diesel. Actual ratings vary by configuration and equipment.

What is the maximum payload of a 2027 Ram 2500?

A properly configured HEMI-powered Ram 2500 with the Payload Upgrade Package has a preliminary maximum payload rating of 4,580 pounds. The preliminary maximum for a Cummins-equipped Ram 2500 is 3,990 pounds.

How much can a 2027 Ram 3500 tow?

The Cummins High-Output turbo-diesel provides a preliminary maximum towing rating of up to 37,020 pounds when properly equipped. The HEMI V8 has a preliminary maximum of up to 18,140 pounds.

Can the 2027 Ram Power Wagon have a diesel engine?

Yes. The 6.7-liter Cummins High-Output turbo-diesel is available in the Power Wagon for the first time for 2027. The 6.4-liter HEMI V8 remains available.

Do all Ram Heavy Duty trucks achieve the maximum towing and payload figures?

No. Maximum ratings apply only to specific configurations. Cab, bed, drivetrain, axle, packages, passengers, cargo, hitch equipment, and other factors affect the capability of an individual truck.

Compare Ram Heavy Duty Trucks in Allentown

The team at Nucar Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram of Allentown can help you compare Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 configurations around your towing, payload, passenger, and daily-driving needs.

You can also review the dealership’s Ram Heavy Duty research page, value your trade, or start a finance application before visiting us at 1608 Plaza Lane in Allentown. A clear comparison makes it easier to choose the right truck, and that is one more reason Everyone Loves A Nucar!