2017 Ford F-250 vs 2017 Ram 2500: Which HD Work Truck is the MPG Champ?

The base model 2017 Ford F-250 and the 2017 Ram 2500 came to us with very few options, rear-drive only and both trucks have gas engines. In this way, we were able to procure the least expensive versions of these trucks. Our TFLtruck viewers has asked for bare-bones trucks to be featured for some time. Automakers tend to send us their most expensive trucks, which can breach the $70,000 mark.

Featured recently in a Ford vs Ram drag race, the 2017 Ford F-250 and 2017 Ram 2500 now battle it out for MPG supremacy.

Both trucks were tested at the same time. While one truck is saddled with our 12,500 lbs trailer, the other will drive completely unladen. Once we complete the 98-mile loop, we switch the trailer to the other truck. This way, both trucks will run on the same day on the same highway with the same real-world conditions.

As we previously mentioned: “These two trucks are as closely matched as we can get them. The 2017 Ram 2500 has a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 that makes 410 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque. The 2017 Ford F-250 has a 6.2-liter V8 that makes 385 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque. Both trucks use a 6-speed automatic transmission that feeds the rear wheels. Neither vehicle is equipped with a four-wheel drive (4WD) system.”

In this video, we give you our MPG data on the spot – and the numbers may surprise you.

Nathan Adlen
Easily amused by anything with four wheels, Nathan Adlen reviews vehicles from the cheapest to the most prestigious. Wrecking yards, dealer lots, garages, racetracks, professional automotive testing and automotive journalism - Nathan has experienced a wide range of the automotive spectrum. Brought up in the California car culture and educated in theater, childhood education, film, journalism and history, Nathan now lives with his family in Denver, CO. His words, good humor and video are enjoyed worldwide.