2017 Ford F-250 vs 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 vs 2017 Ram 2500
Reliability Side-by-Side
2017
Ford F-250
Grade B
A powerhouse performer that will serve you well, provided you commit to its specific maintenance demands, especially the diesel variants.
2017
Chevrolet Silverado 2500
Grade A-
A powerhouse of a truck, but its sophisticated emissions system and steering components require proactive attention to ensure long-term, trouble-free ownership.
2017
Ram 2500
Grade B-
A powerhouse truck with legendary capability, but prepare for the potential costs of maintaining its complex systems, especially the diesel.
Best For
Best for Reliability
2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
Score 88/100 vs 82/100
Best for Lowest Risk
2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
low risk
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Cost of Ownership
| Line Item | 2017 Ford F-250 | 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500★ | 2017 Ram 2500 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Maintenance | — | — | — |
| Moderate Repairs | — | — | — |
| MPG (City/Hwy) | N/A / N/A | N/A / N/A | N/A / N/A |
| MSRP (New) | $32,535 | $33,435 | $31,485 |
Major-failure risk and insurance outlook for each vehicle are in their full reliability reports.
Biggest Risks on Each
2017 Ford F-250
6.7L Power Stroke Emissions System
Front End Suspension & Steering
Body & Frame Corrosion
2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
Emissions System (DPF/DEF)
Steering and Suspension Components
HVAC System Actuators
2017 Ram 2500
Diesel Emissions System
Front End Suspension & Steering
Electrical System
Get the Full Report on Each
7-system breakdown, mileage danger zones, repair costs, and expert verdict for each vehicle.
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Editorial Take
The 2017 Ford F-250 Super Duty, 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD, and 2017 Ram 2500 are commonly cross-shopped because they sit in the heart of the heavy-duty market: true work trucks that can tow big trailers, haul heavy payloads, and still serve as daily transportation. Buyers typically compare them based on diesel vs gas powertrain needs, towing and payload limits, cab/bed configurations, and long-term durability under load. The Ford often draws shoppers chasing maximum towing tech and broad trim availability, the Chevrolet appeals to those who want a proven Duramax/Allison combination and straightforward ergonomics, and the Ram stands out for ride comfort (especially with rear coil springs) and strong diesel torque. Key decision factors usually come down to intended use (gooseneck/fifth-wheel towing vs payload-heavy hauling), comfort and noise levels on long trips, and total cost of ownership including repairs. HEAD-TO-
Reliability & Common Issues
2017 Ford F-250 Super Duty (6.2 gas and 6.7 diesel) - 6.7 Power Stroke emissions system complaints (DEF heaters, NOx sensors, EGT sensors) that can trigger check-engine lights or reduced-power modes, more commonly reported as mileage climbs past roughly 60,000–120,000 miles depending on duty cycle. - Early 2017 build electrical/trim issues (camera/sensor faults, infotainment glitches, warning messages). These are often intermittent and sometimes corrected with software updates, but can be frustrating. - Front-end wear on heavy-use trucks (ball joints/steering components) can show up earlier if the truck spends life on rough roads or carrying heavy plow/weights. 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD (6.0 gas and 6.6 Duramax) - Duramax L5P emissions-related sensor issues (NOx sensors, DEF level/quality sensors) that can cause warnings and drivability derates; tends to appear more with higher mileage or lots of short-trip operation. - Some owners report A/C condenser leaks or weaker A/C performance over time, often showing up in the 40,000–90,000-mile range depending on climate. - Steering/suspension wear (idler/pitman arms on some setups) and brake wear can be accelerated by heavy towing and larger tire setups. 2017 Ram 2500 (5.7/6.4 gas, 6.7 Cummins) - Front suspension and steering wear (track bar, tie-rod ends, ball joints) that can contribute to looseness or vibration; more likely as miles accumulate (often 60,000–120,000+) and on rough roads. - Cummins emissions components (EGR/DPF/NOx sensors) can cause warning lights and occasional limp-mode behavior, especially in lots of idling/short-trip use; higher-mileage trucks see this more. - Electrical/infotainment quirks (Uconnect freezes, sensor faults) are not universal but are common enough complaints in this generation.
Value & Cost of Ownership
When new, pricing was broadly similar at the entry level, but optioning a diesel adds a large premium (commonly several thousand dollars, and often closer to five figures when combined with required packages). On the used market, diesel trims command significantly higher prices than gas trucks with comparable miles because of towing demand and perceived longevity. The 2017 F-250 often holds value strongly, especially 6.7 diesel crew cab 4x4 models; the Silverado 2500HD Duramax/Allison also retains value very well due to powertrain reputation; the Ram 2500 Cummins is consistently desirable and can be the best deal when comparably equipped trucks are priced below Ford/Chevy in a given region. Insurance costs typically track MSRP, repair costs, and theft rates; in many areas, differences are modest, but higher-trim diesels usually cost more to insure. Maintenance cost is where gas vs diesel becomes decisive: diesels require more oil, fuel filters, DEF fluid, and can face expensive emissions or turbo-related repairs as mileage climbs. Under heavy towing, the Duramax/Allison combination is known for smoothness and tends to be well-liked for longevity, the Power Stroke offers excellent capability but can be more complex and expensive to repair, and the Cummins benefits from strong engine durability but can come with higher costs if emissions components or front-end parts wear out. Resale value is strongest for diesel crew cab 4x4 configurations across all three.
Editorial Verdict
Best for families: 2017 Ram 2500 (especially Crew Cab). The smoother empty-bed ride (often helped by rear coils) and comfortable interior make it the easiest to live with day to day, while still offering serious towing. Best for commuters: 2017 Ram 2500 gas (5.7 or 6.4) or 2017 F-250 6.2 gas. Gas HD trucks avoid many diesel emissions-related ownership headaches for short trips, and they cost less to buy used; pick Ram for ride comfort, Ford for a more modern 2017-up cabin and strong overall refinement. Best for enthusiasts: 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Duramax/Allison. The L5P Duramax delivers strong power, the Allison-backed towing feel is exceptionally confident, and the truck’s straightforward nature appeals to buyers who prioritize drivetrain character and long-haul towing stability. Best value overall: 2017 Ram 2500 (carefully inspected) or a 2017 Silverado 2500HD gas 6.0. If diesel towing isn’t mandatory, the Silverado 6.0 is often the most cost-effective long-term. If comfort matters and you find a well-maintained Ram with documented front-end service, it can be the best blend of capability, livability, and price.
Parts & Accessories for These Vehicles
Products for 2017 Ford F-250
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