When the job calls for serious towing, massive payloads, and heavy-duty capability, few trucks are better known than the Ford Super Duty and Ram Heavy Duty. Find out how these pickups compare to help you decide which heavy-duty work truck is ready for your toughest jobs.
Key Takeaways:
- The Super Duty's SuperCab short bed returns, while Ford adds a new Lariat Premium Package and diesel for the Tremor package.
- Ram adds Black Express and Warlock packages while expanding its warranty coverage.
- The Super Duty leads the segment with up to 40,000 pounds of towing and an 8,000-pound max payload.
Ford builds on the Super Duty's already extensive lineup with several welcome additions. Buyers can now order the new Lariat Premium Package, which bundles many of Ford's advanced towing technologies into a single option package for Lariat Crew Cab 4WD models. The SuperCab body style also returns alongside the 6.5-foot short bed.
For the first time, the Tremor package features the available 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel engine. Ford also expands availability by offering STX styling on dual-rear-wheel models and introduces a one-time purchase option for seven years of connected vehicle services.
Ram follows last year's redesign with a pair of new appearance-focused packages. The 2500 Black Express is available as a Crew Cab with either rear- or four-wheel drive and both bed lengths, while the Warlock package is reserved for Crew Cab 4x4 models with the short bed. Both feature either the standard 6.4-liter HEMI V8 or the available 6.7-liter Cummins turbo-diesel. Ram also introduces a new 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty for gasoline-powered Heavy Duty models.
Model Year Changes
| 2026 Ford Super Duty |
2026 RAM HD |
| Lariat Premium package combines trailer tech on Crew Cab 4WD |
Added 2500 Black Express trim |
| SuperCab with 6.5-foot short box returns to lineup |
Added 2500 Warlock trim |
| Tremor package available with diesel engine |
Extended 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty for all gas-powered models |
| STX Appearance Package offered on Dually trucks; added 7-year connectivity plan available for single purchase |
No other changes for 2026 |
Pickups Power Built for Heavy-Duty Jobs
Ford gives Super Duty buyers one of the broadest engine lineups in the heavy-duty segment. XL models begin with a 405-hp 6.8-liter V8 producing 445 lb-ft. XLT and higher trims receive the larger 7.3-liter gas V8 with 430 horsepower and 485 lb-ft. Drivers who need maximum capability can choose between two versions of Ford's 6.7-liter Power Stroke turbo-diesel. The standard-output engine generates 475 horsepower and 1,050 lb-ft, while the High-Output version increases those figures to 500 horsepower and an unheard-of 1,200 lb-ft. Every Super Duty engine pairs with a 10-speed automatic, and buyers can choose between rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive.
Every RAM Heavy Duty starts with a 405-hp 6.4-liter HEMI V8 producing 429 lb-ft. Buyers can also choose the available 430-hp 6.7-liter Cummins turbo-diesel inline-six delivering 1,075 lb-ft of torque. Every Ram HD uses an eight-speed automatic transmission.
When towing and hauling are the priority, the Super Duty still sets the benchmark. It can tow up to 30,000 pounds using a conventional hitch, 35,000 pounds with a fifth-wheel setup, and an incredible 40,000 pounds using a gooseneck hitch. Max payload reaches 8,000 pounds.
The Ram 3500 delivers impressive numbers of its own, but it doesn't quite reach Ford's limits. Equipped with the available Cummins turbo-diesel, it can tow up to 36,610 pounds, while maximum payload tops out at 7,590 pounds when configured with the standard gasoline V8.
Which Heavy-Duty Truck Delivers More?
The 2026 Ford Super Duty gives buyers more engine choices, configurations, higher towing and payload ratings, and new features that expand its capabilities. If you're ready to get behind the wheel, we're here to help at Banner Ford of Mandeville!