2021 Ram 3500 Review: The Occidental Work-Ox
When it comes to purposed, hardy pickup trucks in the USA, performance figures, capability, and functional brilliance are the qualities that set the best of the best apart from the rest. In this regard, the Ford F Series range of pickup trucks lead the classification and has for a while now, but the 2021 Ram 3500 is steamrolling its way to the podium from its second-place position, as the best version of itself it's ever been. With up to 420 horsepower and earth-thrumming 1,017 lb-ft of torque ceded from the optional turbodiesel Cummins engine, the 3500 pickup truck is more of a work-ox than a typical workhorse. Despite all its power and brawn, it also delivers an exceptionally refined and comfortable ride and comes standard with a good selection of creature comforts and conveniences. It's therefore not only a dependable and adept utilitarian vehicle but also a comfortable and pragmatic family cruiser. The 2021 Ram 3500 truck carries a price tag of $36,880, which is rather appealing, considering what it brings to the table.
3500 Exterior
Dimensions
Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Curb Weight |
---|---|---|---|---|
232.0 in | 140.0 in | 77.8 in | 79.4 in | 6,056.0 lbs |
3500 Performance
Engine and Transmission
As a purposed heavy-duty workhorse, the 3500 pickup truck comes with all the essential apparatus required for dependable performance and arduous labor. Standard across the board is a 6.4-liter V8 Hemi engine that's been modulated to deliver up to 410 hp and 429 lb-ft of torque. Power is forwarded through an 8-speed automatic transmission to the truck's rear-wheel drivetrain, while an all-wheel drivetrain is optional. The Tradesman, in its Regular Cab config and with this powertrain setup is rated for a 7,680-pound payload capacity and 18,210-pound towing capacity. A 6.7-liter turbocharged diesel engine is offered in two different states of tune: the low-output rating comes in at 370 hp and 850 lb-ft and the high-output rating at 420 hp and 1,075 lb-ft. With the latter unit, the Regular Cab Tradesman 4x2 can carry 6,570 lbs onboard and haul up to 37,100-lbs in tow.
3500 Interior
3500 Trunk and Cargo Space
Warranty
Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Roadside Assistance |
---|---|---|---|
3 Years / 36,000 Miles | 5 Years / 60,000 Miles | 5 Years / 100,000 Miles | 5 Years / 100,000 Miles |
Verdict: Is the 2021 Ram 3500 A Good Pickup Truck?
The most astounding quality about the Ram 3500, being that it's a heavy-duty pickup truck, is its surprisingly refined ride quality and its luxurious cabin. There isn't much in terms of creature comforts and conveniences in the lower-tier models but the mid- and upper-tier models are fairly sumptuous, avant-garde, and extensively outfitted. What's even more impressive is the 3500's class-leading capability: the high-output Cummins turbo-diesel unit, with its 1,075 lb-ft of torque, and the many purposed heavy-duty underpinnings, including an available gooseneck attachment, accord the 3500 truck its leading 37,100-pound towing capacity. The fifth-generation Ram 3500 really brings the heat to the class and gives the Ford F-350 Super Duty a good run for its money while continuously staying well ahead of the Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD. It's not perfect, however, as it is a very thirsty vehicle, the NHTSA and IIHS's review of the 2021 Ram 3500 also returned fairly poor results, and its reliability expectations weren't much better. Nevertheless, it's an exceptional 4-door truck for any American who needs a highly capable workhorse that can also double down as a comfortable daily cruiser.
What Ram 3500 Model Should I Buy?
Choosing which 2021 Ram 3500 to go for will completely come down to what you intend to use it for. The Tradesman is the purebred workhorse of the line, but for the best in capability, opting in the turbo-diesel Cummins, keeping the Regular Cab config, and using the 4x2 drivetrain is essential. The Lamarie is the model to go for if you're looking for a family-friendly luxury truck. We'd configure it with the diesel Cummins unit for the improved pep and fuel-efficiency, and with the Mega Cab for the expansive room it provides for passengers. It also comes with a far better array of creature comforts and conveniences, including the larger 8.4-inch infotainment touchscreen, keyless entry, power-adjustable front seats with heating, and dual-zone automatic climate control.