2017 Ram 3500 Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byDan FrioReviews Editor

　　Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to zzdcar, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

　　

What’s new

　　For 2017, the Ram 3500 carries over unchanged.

　　

Vehicle overview

　　The 2017 Ram 3500 is a top pick for a heavy-duty truck thanks to its refined interior, class-leading ride comfort, and tremendous towing and hauling capabilities. If the baby brother 2500 can't meet your towing or hauling needs, the Ram 3500 is the workhorse that can deliver the additional muscle with equal refinement.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2017 Ram 3500 Tradesman 2dr Regular Cab LB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of N/A undefined in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　Not Available  for 3500 Tradesman

　　3500 Tradesman

　　Tradesman 2dr Regular Cab LB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) - $33,245 MSRPTradesman 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) - $36,045 MSRPTradesman 4dr Crew Cab SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) - $36,845 MSRPTradesman 4dr Crew Cab LB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) - $37,045 MSRPTradesman 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) - $39,645 MSRPTradesman 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) (Most Popular) - $39,845 MSRPSLT 2dr Regular Cab LB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) - $37,445 MSRPSLT 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) - $40,245 MSRPSLT 4dr Crew Cab SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) - $41,945 MSRPSLT 4dr Crew Cab LB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) - $42,145 MSRPSLT 4dr Mega Cab SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) - $43,445 MSRPSLT 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) - $44,745 MSRPSLT 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) - $44,945 MSRPSLT 4dr Mega Cab 4WD SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) - $46,245 MSRPBig Horn 4dr Crew Cab SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) - $43,825 MSRPBig Horn 4dr Crew Cab LB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) - $44,025 MSRPBig Horn 4dr Mega Cab SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) - $45,325 MSRPBig Horn 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) - $46,625 MSRPBig Horn 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) - $46,825 MSRPBig Horn 4dr Mega Cab 4WD SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) - $48,125 MSRPLone Star 4dr Crew Cab SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) - $43,825 MSRPLone Star 4dr Crew Cab LB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) - $44,025 MSRPLone Star 4dr Mega Cab SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) - $45,325 MSRPLone Star 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) - $46,625 MSRPLone Star 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) - $46,825 MSRPLone Star 4dr Mega Cab 4WD SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) - $48,125 MSRPLaramie 4dr Crew Cab SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) - $48,745 MSRPLaramie 4dr Crew Cab LB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) - $48,945 MSRPLaramie 4dr Mega Cab SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) - $50,245 MSRPLaramie 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) - $51,945 MSRPLaramie 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) - $52,145 MSRPLaramie 4dr Mega Cab 4WD SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) - $53,445 MSRPLaramie Longhorn 4dr Crew Cab SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) - $55,475 MSRPLaramie Longhorn 4dr Crew Cab LB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) - $55,675 MSRPLaramie Longhorn 4dr Mega Cab SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) - $56,975 MSRPLaramie Longhorn 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) - $58,675 MSRPLaramie Longhorn 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) - $58,875 MSRPLaramie Longhorn 4dr Mega Cab 4WD SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) - $60,175 MSRPLimited 4dr Crew Cab LB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) - $58,875 MSRPLimited 4dr Crew Cab SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) - $59,175 MSRPLimited 4dr Mega Cab SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) - $60,675 MSRPLimited 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) - $62,075 MSRPLimited 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) - $62,375 MSRPLimited 4dr Mega Cab 4WD SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) - $63,875 MSRP

　　vs

　　$233/mo

　　Avg. Large Truck

　　Like the 1500 and 2500, the Ram 3500 is available in several different configurations involving cabin, powertrain and box length choices, but it offers superior towing and hauling abilities.

　　There are few competitors in this segment, but none have one of the Ram's best features: an optional rear air suspension with automatic load-leveling that makes it easy to haul big cargo with confidence and comfort.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

4.5 / 5

　　The 2017 Ram 3500 is a top pick for a heavy-duty truck thanks to its refined interior, class-leading ride comfort, and tremendous towing and hauling capabilities. If the baby brother 2500 can't meet your towing or hauling needs, the Ram 3500 is the workhorse that can deliver the additional muscle with equal refinement.

　　

Trim tested

　　Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions, although trim levels share many aspects. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2014 Ram 3500 SLT Crew Cab (6.7L inline-6 turbodiesel; 4x4; 6-speed automatic; 8.2-ft bed). NOTE: Since this test was conducted, the current Ram 3500 has received minor revisions. Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's Ram 3500.

　　

Scorecard

Overall	4.5 / 5
Driving	4.0
Comfort	5.0
Interior	4.5

　　

Driving

4.0

　　The Ram 3500 DRW (Dual Rear Wheels, or dually) diesel shines in braking and handling. We were a bit let down by the overboosted steering, and keep in mind you need to order the heavy-duty automatic to get the engine's highest torque rating.

　　

Acceleration

3.0

　　While Ford and GM use V8 diesels, Ram uses an inline-six. We tested the 3500 with the high-output version (385 horsepower and 850 pound-feet at the time; 2017 output is 900 lb-ft). At our test track, the big truck accelerated to 60 mph in 9.1 seconds.

　　

Braking

4.5

　　As with most trucks designed for towing, the brake pedal was spongy with a long travel, hurting confidence in around-town stopping. But it whoa-ed down from 60 mph in 137 feet, with incredibly consistent stops and zero pedal fade.

　　

Steering

2.0

　　Rams usually exhibit sharper steering than this 3500, which lacked feel and had too much power assist. It still went where we pointed it; it just required much wheel turning to get there, due in part to the long wheelbase.

　　

Handling

4.5

　　Our truck's optional dual rear wheels gave the Ram great stability through corners, and the stiff suspension exhibited little body lean. As expected, some midcorner bumps will upset the rear because of the non-independent suspension.

　　

Drivability

4.0

　　The exhaust brake does a nice job slowing the truck on downhills, and that's helpful because using the column-lever manual shifting buttons doesn't always result in a downshift. It sounds cool, too. The transmission will hold one gear up long grades thanks to all that torque.

　　

Off-road

3.5

　　The 4x4 system on the Ram 3500 dually is intended more for fire roads, snow and muddy farm work. A truck like this is way too big to tackle any kind of real rock-climbing activity like you might throw at a Jeep.

　　

Comfort

5.0

　　You can't expect a truck with a 5,600-pound payload capacity, which can seemingly tow a house, to drive like a crossover SUV. But the Ram is perhaps the smoothest-riding pickup in the heavy-duty segment, aided by comfy, supportive front seats. The cabin is supremely quiet as well.

　　

Seat comfort

4.5

　　The front seats are well padded and covered with grippy cloth, and they have some lateral support for cornering. The armrests have thick padding. The rear seats are not quite as plush, and the seatback is a bit upright. The middle seat is comfortable enough for short trips.

　　

Ride comfort

4.5

　　The optional load-leveling rear air suspension is there for towing, not comfort. Although the ride isn't pillowy, it's still smoother than rivals. The rear can get bouncy over certain freeway sections, but it takes a big hit to upset this truck.

　　

Noise & vibration

5.0

　　The diesel engine is impressively quiet at idle, with barely any diesel noise evident at highway speeds. The tires are virtually noiseless, even over coarse pavement, and there's minimal wind noise, even with wide side mirrors.

　　

Interior

4.5

　　The Ram's interior has modern styling with user-friendly controls, including the best-in-segment Uconnect system. The cabin is open and airy and easy to see out of. It doesn't sit too high off the ground, even though it's a 3500. Ram needs to add a damped tailgate and some form of bumper step.

　　

Ease of use

5.0

　　This interior is as good as it gets as far as trucks go. The touchscreen/infotainment system is easy to use, the climate control system has large knobs and buttons, and the audio system has knobs for volume and tuning. The steering wheel buttons will seem small if you're wearing gloves.

　　

Getting in/getting out

5.0

　　It doesn't ride as high as you'd guess for a 3500. Perfectly placed grab handles plus the optional side steps help you get in, as do the large door openings. The rear doors open nearly 90 degrees, and there are grab handles. But it's a bit more of a hop to get into the rear than the front.

　　

Roominess

4.0

　　Lots of headroom for cowboy hats, plus plenty of elbow space on the huge center armrest. Rear headroom isn't super-abundant and could be tight for the tall-of-torso, but everyone else will be fine. Plenty of legroom, plus excellent toe room under the front seat.

　　

Visibility

4.0

　　The relatively narrow roof pillars make for easy outward viewing, plus all the side windows are nice and tall. The optional backup camera in the rearview mirror is tiny, though at least it has parking lines. Rear parking sensors are optional.

　　

Quality

　　The exterior gaps and paint quality are good. Inside, solid material and design choices give off a premium vibe. The quietness suggests there's no scrimping in unseen places.

　　

Utility

　　The 2017 Ram 3500 is all about towing, hauling and bed capacity. There's nothing dramatic — just either a massive 8-foot long bed or the more convenient 6-foot-4-inch short bed.

　　

Small-item storage

　　There are generously sized pockets in all four doors plus handy storage wells hidden under the rear floor mats. The Ram gives you plenty of bins and pockets to supplement the dual gloveboxes.

　　

Cargo space

4.0

　　The door pockets are narrow but long with two bottleholders each. The 3500 has a sliding front bin, a large armrest bin with USB, an auxiliary input, a 12-volt charger and SD card slot. Unlike the competition, the Ram does not have a damped tailgate or any kind of bumper step.

　　

Towing

5.0

　　This is a pretty unstoppable combination that can tow up to 31,210 pounds, with various stops in between (13,910 pounds with the smaller V8 or 16,370 pounds with the 6.4-liter, for example).

　　

Hauling

　　The Ram 3500 with the diesel and the heavy-duty automatic transmission can haul up to 6,580 pounds (regular cab configuration).

　　

Technology

　　Large, logically located virtual buttons, reasonably quick response times and ample functionality for smartphone users make the Ram 3500's 8.4-inch touchscreen one of the best examples in almost any vehicle.

　　

Which 3500 does zzdcar recommend?

　　Given the multiple ways to configure a Ram 3500, it's tricky to recommend any single trim. Need a dependable daily truck that doesn't require much fuss? The Tradesman with a split bench seat and power accessories. Need something comfortable to take clients to job sites or pull the toy hauler in style? The Laramie Longhorn or Limited with the 5th Wheel/Towing Prep pack will do. A daily driver that can do weekend dirty work? The SLT Crew Cab with a short bed. Whatever your needs, there's likely a Ram 3500 to suit it.

　　

2017 Ram 3500 models

　　Like many heavy-duty pickups, the 2017 Ram 3500 is available in multiple configurations. There are three cab styles, two bed lengths, three engines, two transmissions, and six trim levels: Tradesman, SLT, Big Horn/Lone Star, Laramie, Laramie Longhorn, and Limited. At one end of the spectrum is the Tradesman, a minimal-frills workhorse. At the other, the Limited, which widens the boundaries of big-truck luxury.

　　Cab styles include a two-door regular cab, a four-door crew cab, and a four-door jumbo crew cab called Mega Cab. The regular cab comes with an 8-foot bed only, while the crew cab has either the long bed or a short bed (6 feet 4 inches). The Mega Cab rides on the same wheelbase as the crew-cab long bed but combines an even bigger cabin with the short bed.

　　Most 3500s come with a 5.7-liter V8 gasoline engine (383 horsepower, 400 pound-feet of torque) paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. A modified version of this engine runs on compressed natural gas and produces identical power figures to the gasoline version.

　　The 3500 is available with either rear-wheel drive or part-time four-wheel drive. There are two optional engines: A 6.4-liter V8 (410 hp, 429 lb-ft of torque) paired to a six-speed automatic transmission and a turbocharged 6.7-liter diesel six-cylinder. The latter makes 350 hp and 660 lb-ft when matched to a six-speed manual transmission. When paired with a six-speed automatic, those numbers are 370 hp and 800 lb-ft of torque. There's even a heavy-duty six-speed auto that churns out 385 hp and 900 pound-feet.

　　Tradesman and SLT trims are available with all three cabs, while the Big Horn/Lone Star, Laramie, Laramie Longhorn and Limited versions can only be ordered with crew and Mega cabs.

　　The Tradesman is the most basic trim and comes with 17-inch steel wheels, automatic headlights, black grille and bumpers, a locking tailgate, a 40/20/40-split front bench, a tilt-only steering wheel, and a six-speaker stereo with a USB port and an auxiliary audio input. Vinyl upholstery and flooring are standard, but a cloth bench seat is a no-cost option. Power windows and locks (including the locking tailgate) are standard on crew-cab models, as are power heated mirrors. Regular cabs have manual controls and non-heated mirrors by default. Available for the Tradesman and geared toward commercial users is Work Grade heavy-duty vinyl upholstery.

　　The SLT adds chrome exterior trim, 18-inch steel wheels, an integrated trailer brake controller, power heated mirrors, a power-sliding rear window (manual on regular cabs), keyless entry, an overhead console, cloth upholstery, carpeted floors, full power accessories, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a 5-inch touchscreen interface and satellite radio.

　　The Big Horn (Lone Star for shoppers in Texas) adds 18-inch alloy wheels, a limited-slip rear differential, chrome grille slats, foglights, remote ignition, a 115-volt power outlet, a 10-way power driver seat (with power lumbar adjustment), premium cloth upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls.

　　The Laramie builds off the Big Horn/Lone Star and adds a standard 6.4-liter V8, two-tone paint, more chrome trim (including the bumpers), projector headlights, LED taillights, front and rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, driver-seat memory settings, a six-way power front passenger seat (with power lumbar adjustment), heated and ventilated front bucket seats, a heated steering wheel and a 10-speaker surround-sound audio system. The limited-slip differential is dropped as standard equipment but is available as an option.

　　The Laramie Longhorn adds to the Laramie's substantial features list by including a chrome mesh grille, cream-colored bumpers, running boards, a spray-in bedliner, remote ignition, a full center console, upgraded leather upholstery, wood interior and steering wheel trim, power-adjustable pedals (with memory settings), heated rear seats, a navigation system and HD radio.

　　The Limited trim adds monotone paint, color-keyed bumpers, 20-inch wheels, additional chrome exterior trim, automatic high-beams, automatic wipers, the RamBox cargo management system (includes bedside storage compartments, an adjustable bed divider and tie-downs), keyless entry and ignition, and special black leather upholstery.

　　Many upper trim features are available on lower trim levels as options. Other option highlights include a load-leveling suspension, a cargo-view camera, fifth-wheel trailer preparation, off-road tires, a CD player and a sunroof.

　　

2017 3500 Highlights

Type: Crew CabMega CabRegular CabRegular Cab

　　Trim: TradesmanSLTTradesman

　　

Base MSRP	$33,245
Engine Type	Gas
Seating	3 seats
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Max Towing Capacity	31,210 lbs.
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles