If you’re in the market for a heavy-duty truck in Bakersfield, then you’re bound to come across the 2025 Ford F-250 Super Duty and 2025 Ram 2500. Both models are powerful enough to haul equipment to oil fields, traverse ranches across Kern County, or tow RVs to Lake Isabella, so you may have trouble picking between the two. That’s why our experts at Jim Burke Ford put together this guide detailing what sets these workhorses apart — from raw power to tech features — so you can pick the right truck for your needs.
Engines and Powertrains
The heart of any great truck is the engine, and both the 2025 F-250 Super Duty and Ram 2500 come with a range of powerful options to help you get the work done.
2025 F-250 Engines
Ford offers four engine options: a 6.8-liter V-8, a 7.3-liter V-8, a 6.7-liter Power Stroke turbo-diesel, and the top-tier High-Output Power Stroke. All engines pair with a TorqShift 10-speed automatic transmission. Below is a quick breakdown of each option’s specs, but remember, the numbers can vary by configuration, cab style, and bed length:
- 6.7-liter V-8: 405 horsepower and 445 lb-ft of torque
- 7.3-liter V-8: 430 horsepower and 485 lb-ft of torque
- 6.7-liter Power Stroke: 475 horsepower and 1,050 lb-ft of torque
- High-Output Power Stroke: 500 horsepower and 1,200 lb-ft of torque
2025 Ram 2500 Engines
Ram keeps it simple with two solid engine options: the 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 and 6.7-liter Cummins High-Output Turbo Diesel. The 6.4-liter engine is a good fit if you want to save on upfront costs but still need decent pulling power. But if power is your priority, consider the 6.7-liter Cummins, a powerhouse engine that’s sure to tackle any work you throw at it. Just like the Ford, the exact numbers will vary by cab type, box length, and drivetrain. With that in mind, let’s go over the numbers:
- 6.4-liter HEMI V-8: 405 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque
- 6.7-liter Cummins High-Output Turbo Diesel: 430 horsepower and 1,075 lb-ft of torque
Towing and Payload
Both trucks pack smart towing tech for real-world use. Ford’s Pro Trailer Backup Assist and Smart Hitch help you back up to trailers without the stress. Ram counters with effective Trailer Sway Control and brake controller systems that keep loads stable on windy Highway 58 or the Grapevine. Your actual numbers will depend on your exact truck setup, so check the specs for your configuration. Let’s compare the F-250 vs. Ram 2500 towing capacity.
2025 Ford F-250
Looking at the numbers, the 2025 F-250’s towing capacity has a clear edge on the Ram. The 6.7-liter Power Stroke lets you tow up to 22,000 pounds conventionally, while the High-Output version pushes it even further to 23,000 pounds. The F-250 holds that same 23,000-pound rating for fifth-wheel and gooseneck setups — plenty powerful for hauling large campers to the mountains or equipment trailers for work.
2025 Ram 2500
The 2025 Ram 2500’s towing capacity depends on how you build it. With the 6.4-liter HEMI V-8, you can tow up to 17,750 pounds with a payload maxing at 3,940 pounds. If you pick the 6.7-liter Cummins, towing jumps to 20,000 pounds, though payload drops to 3,600 pounds. Overall, the Ram 2500’s towing ranges from 15,070 to 20,000 pounds, depending on your setup, with payload varying from 1,790 to 3,940 pounds.
Work Tech and Trailering Tools
Ford’s Pro Trailer Hitch Assist uses artificial intelligence trained on over 60,000 hitching scenarios to detect obstacles up to 20 feet away for hands-free operation. Pro Trailer Backup Assist steers trailers via knob control while handling acceleration and braking through multiple camera views. For even more convenience, Ford’s Smart Hitch system uses sensors to help you track the weight distribution.
Ram, meanwhile, focuses on stability with Trailer Sway Control that automatically adjusts braking and engine power during winds or quick maneuvers. The Electronic Brake Controller system lets you manage trailer braking from the cabin, while the split screen and telescopic trailer tow mirrors further eliminate blind spots.
Off-Road Options
The F-250 Tremor package includes 35-inch all-terrain tires, upgraded suspension with 17-inch twin-tube dampers, a limited-slip front differential, and skid plates. Use Rock Crawl mode and Trail Control to fly over rough terrain on Bakersfield’s back roads.
Ram offers two off-road options: the 2025 Power Wagon and Rebel trims. The Power Wagon features the 6.4-liter V-8, a new eight-speed automatic transmission, front and rear lockers, a disconnecting sway bar, and a factory winch. But for all its off-road prowess, towing drops to 10,530 pounds and payload to 1,570 pounds. Meanwhile, the Rebel features Bilstein gas-charged monotube shocks, skid plates, and 33-inch off-road tires.
Interior, Infotainment, and Driver Assistance
Ford’s SYNC 4 system comes with screens from 8 to 15.5 inches, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto built in. Voice commands work using cloud processing, and you can schedule software updates overnight instead of sitting at the dealer. Safety tech includes precollision assist, blind-spot assist, reverse brake assist, and intersection assist, plus a bird’s-eye camera view and warnings when opening doors.
Ram counters with Uconnect 5 that runs five times faster than before. Screen options include an 8.4-inch, a 12-inch, and a class-topping 14.5-inch display, along with a 12.3-inch digital dash and even a 10.25-inch screen for your passenger. The safety package includes a digital rearview mirror, lane-keeping systems, drowsiness detection that spots when you’re getting tired, road sign detection, and lane management for those long Highway 99 drives.
Ownership, Upfit-Friendliness, and Value
Both trucks offer commercial upfit options, power take-off connections, and upfitter switches for special work needs. Choosing between the Ford Super Duty vs. Ram 2500 comes down to which mix of towing muscle, payload, and work features best fits your daily life — whether that’s ranch work, oil service, or construction across Bakersfield.
2025 Ford F-250
Ford’s Super Duty comes with tons of customization options. You can add gooseneck hitch kits, trailer brake controllers, and that slick Pro Trailer Hitch Assist system. Fuel tank options give you plenty of range choices: 29-gallon diesel, 34-gallon diesel, 48-gallon gas, or 48-gallon diesel — great for minimizing pit stops on long hauls.
2025 Ram 2500
Ram shines with its power delivery. The 2.4-kilowatt onboard power system feeds two covered 110-volt outlets right in the bed, so you can run tools all day without dragging a generator to the job site. The Auto-Level Rear Air Suspension makes hitching easier and smooths out the ride, whether you’re loaded with materials or running empty.
Test Drive the 2025 Ford F-250 Today at Jim Burke Ford
Both trucks are ready to handle your diverse work needs, but you won’t know which one is truly the right one until you take it for a spin. To get started, contact us online or visit us in Bakersfield, California, to explore our lineup of 2025 F-250 trucks and match the right heavy-duty truck to your work demands.
