2021 Ram 3500

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.

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.

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.