Ram 2500 trim comparison
2026 Ram 2500 Big Horn vs Power Wagon
The 2500 Big Horn starts at $50,235 while the Power Wagon is $72,880. That $22,645 gap buys 3 meaningful differences.
The Power Wagon adds 4WD instead of RWD. If you deal with winter roads or need traction off-pavement, that could be worth $22,645 by itself. If not, the Big Horn saves you the money.
Stay with the Big Horn if RWD already works for your weather and routine. Move to the Power Wagon only when 4WD changes the way you will actually use the vehicle.
Think about this as a monthly tradeoff, not just a sticker gap. The Power Wagon adds about $398/month on a typical 60-month loan, or around $23,880 more overall with interest. So the call is less about the raw price gap and more about whether 4WD matters for where and how you drive versus RWD.
Lock one trim, change the other side, and move through exact pair pages without resetting back to the full lineup every time.
Who notices the difference
The higher trim starts to make more sense when extra traction matters for your weather, roads, or weekend use.
When both feel the same
Both the Big Horn and Power Wagon share the same 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
The upgrade math
You are paying $22,645 for 2 measurable differences, which works out to about $11,322 per change.
Key Differences at a Glance
This is the fast read: price, power, efficiency, and the feature flips most likely to change the answer.
Every Difference, Side by Side
This is the full read behind the quick decision signals above: the complete hardware, comfort, and equipment story. 3 specification differences, 3 shared.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2026. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | Big Horn | Power Wagon |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $50,235 | $72,880 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 6.4L V8 | 6.4L V8 |
| Horsepower | 405 hp | 405 hp |
| Torque | 429 lb-ft | 429 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD | 4WD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| Fuel Tank | 32.0 gal | 31.0 gal |
| Dimensions | ||
| Wheelbase | 140.5" | 149.0" |
| Length | 232.0" | 238.8" |
| Width | 79.4" | 79.1" |
| Height | 78.0" | 80.9" |
| Truck Specs | ||
| Cab Type | Regular Cab | Crew Cab |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 3yr/36k | 3yr/36k |
| Powertrain | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion | 5yr/100k | 5yr/100k |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
Data sources: licensed third-party automotive data, EPA fueleconomy.gov, NHTSA, and official manufacturer materials. Values marked est. are estimated.
2026 Ram 2500 Big Horn vs Power Wagon Questions Shoppers Ask
Use this page for the direct trim answer, then zoom back out to the Ram 2500 lineup, the Ram brand hub, the Full-Size Trucks, the how to pick a trim guide, or our mid-trim value research when you need the bigger shopping path behind this one matchup.
How much more does the 2026 2500 Power Wagon cost than the Big Horn?
The Power Wagon starts at $72,880 compared to $50,235 for the Big Horn (both Regular Cab RWD). That is a $22,645 difference, or approximately $398/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2026 Ram 2500 Big Horn and Power Wagon have the same engine?
Yes. Both use the 6.4L V8 producing 405 hp and 429 lb-ft of torque. The engine hardware does not change between these trims, so the real differences are in equipment and feature content.
Does the 2026 2500 Big Horn come with 4WD?
No. The Big Horn comes standard with RWD while the Power Wagon has 4WD. This affects traction, fuel economy, and curb weight.
What warranty does the 2026 Ram 2500 come with?
All 2026 Ram 2500 trims, including both the Big Horn and Power Wagon, come with Ram's standard warranty: 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain coverage. Warranty does not vary by trim level.
Is the 2026 Ram 2500 Power Wagon worth $22,645 more than the Big Horn?
The $22,645 adds 4WD. Worth it if you need the traction. Not worth it if you drive on dry roads year-round.
The Full Story Behind This Price Gap
Use the direct answer above for this exact matchup, then use these guides to understand whether you are really looking at a feature step-up, a package shuffle, or the point where the lineup starts changing in a meaningful way.
Breaking Down the $22,645 Gap
The 2500 Power Wagon costs $22,645 more but shares the same engine, fuel economy as the Big Horn. The differences are mostly cosmetic or marginal, so the practical jump is limited.
How the Big Horn and Power Wagon Feel Different
The Power Wagon adds 4WD, giving it better traction for towing in wet conditions, gravel roads, and winter driving. Expect slightly lower fuel economy and higher curb weight.
What Both Trims Share
Despite the differences above, the Big Horn and Power Wagon share engine and transmission, keeping the core 2500 experience consistent across trims.
The Short Version
$22,645 more for the 2500 Power Wagon gets you 2 real differences. At $398/month more, the question is whether those specific changes are things you will use regularly.
Trim-Matched Accessories
These add-ons are split by trim intent so the recommendations follow the actual use case, not just the same repeated product block.
Ram 2500 Big Horn
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the Big Horn best when the goal is covering the daily-use gaps without paying up to the next trim.
Ram 2500 Power Wagon
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the Power Wagon when you want the accessories to match the nicer cabin, broader utility, or more premium use case.
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Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material for the 2026 model year. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Ram or any dealership.
Page updated 2026-03-18. Verify equipment, pricing, and regional availability with the manufacturer or dealer.