2021 Ram 3500

History/Overview

This is the Ram 3500’s third year since a 2019 redesign. This is as tough as a Ram pickup gets before you move up to the brand’s commercial chassis.

What’s New/Key Changes From Last Year

New for 2021 is a Limited Night Edition sporting monochromatic exterior upgrades.

Available Trims

The Ram 3500 comes in Tradesman, Big Horn, Power Wagon, Laramie, Limited Longhorn, and Limited trims. Engine options are a 6.4L gas V8 and a Cummins-built 6.7L inline six-cylinder diesel. Both come with an eight-speed transmission and rear-wheel drive, with 4WD being optional.

There are four configurations to choose from: regular or crew cab with an eight-foot-box; crew cab with a six-foot-four-inch box; and mega cab with six-foot-four-inch box.

Standard Features

Tradesman is fitted with a 5.0-inch infotainment display and a four-speaker stereo; Big Horn adds a trailer brake controller.

Power Wagon gains electronic locking front and rear differentials, an 8.4-inch touchscreen, and parking proximity sensors front and rear.

Laramie brings a 10-speaker stereo; Limited Longhorn gains navi; and Limited’s additions are a 12.0-inch touchscreen and blind spot monitoring.

Key Options

Most trims can be optioned with a self-levelling rear air suspension and a sunroof. Power Wagon and up offer a 17-speaker sound system.

All trims can add a 360-degree camera system and a cargo camera, which are grouped in a tow tech package with trailer reversing guidance, blind spot system, and tow mirrors.

Forward collision detection, automatic braking, lane keeping assist, adaptive steering and blind spot monitor are optional across the line (save Limited, which gets the blind spot setup as standard), bundled as a safety group with adaptive cruise, LED taillights, automatic high beams, and rain-sensing wipers.

A Tradesman level 1 group adds keyless, heated mirrors, and power windows. The level 2 package gets carpeted floors with mats, a sliding rear window (power-operated in some trims), and satellite radio.

Big Horn level 1 gets 18-inch wheels, fog lights, eight-way power driver’s seat adjustments, leather-trimmed steering wheel, an auto-dimming mirror, and an integrated garage door remote. Level 2 gets a TFT gauge display, front and rear proximity sensors, heated front seats and steering wheel, dual-zone auto A/C, and a 115-volt power outlet.

The Power Wagon level 1 option gains remote engine start, power pedal adjustments, heated seats, and a power tailgate. Level 2 adds rain-sensitive wipers, automatic high beams, intelligent keyless entry, and 10 speakers.

Laramie level 1 is similar, but adds ventilated front seats, and blind spot monitoring. Level 2 gains heated rear outboard chairs, wireless smartphone charging, and a 17-speaker stereo.

Limited Longhorn level 1 extras are a 12.0-inch touchscreen, blind spot system, 17 speakers, wireless device charging, and power-operated running boards.

Finally, Limited level 1 comes with 360-degree outside camera views, all-speed forward collision mitigation, adaptive cruise with auto-stop, a better stereo, and trailer reversing assistance.

Fuel Economy

As a heavy duty truck, Ram 3500 fuel consumption estimates are not required by Natural Resources Canada.

Competition

The Ram 3500 competes with Ford’s Super Duty F-350, the Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD, and GMC’s Sierra 3500HD.