2019 Ram 3500 Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byTravis LangnessReviews Editor

　　Travis Langness has worked in the automotive industry since 2011. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career.

　　

What's new

Fully redesigned for 2019Stronger and lighter frame componentsUpgraded powertrains and transmissionsNew interior and exterior stylingPart of the fifth Ram 3500 generation introduced for 2019

　　The Ram 3500 was a class leader even before this year's redesign. Now with new safety and technology features, increased towing and payload capacities, and updated powertrains, it sets the bar in the heavy-duty truck segment that much higher.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2019 Ram 3500 Tradesman 2dr Regular Cab LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) 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 (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $34,845 MSRPTradesman 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $37,645 MSRPTradesman 4dr Crew Cab SB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $38,300 MSRPTradesman 4dr Crew Cab LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $38,500 MSRPTradesman 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $41,200 MSRPTradesman 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) (Most Popular) - $41,400 MSRPLone Star 2dr Regular Cab LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $39,095 MSRPLone Star 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $41,895 MSRPLone Star 4dr Crew Cab SB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $43,450 MSRPLone Star 4dr Crew Cab LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $43,650 MSRPLone Star 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $46,350 MSRPLone Star 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $46,550 MSRPLone Star 4dr Mega Cab 4WD SB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $47,850 MSRPBig Horn 2dr Regular Cab LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $39,095 MSRPBig Horn 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $41,895 MSRPBig Horn 4dr Crew Cab SB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $43,450 MSRPBig Horn 4dr Crew Cab LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $43,650 MSRPBig Horn 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $46,350 MSRPBig Horn 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $46,550 MSRPBig Horn 4dr Mega Cab 4WD SB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $47,850 MSRPLaramie 4dr Crew Cab SB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $50,450 MSRPLaramie 4dr Crew Cab LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $50,650 MSRPLaramie 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $53,350 MSRPLaramie 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $53,550 MSRPLaramie 4dr Mega Cab 4WD SB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $54,850 MSRPLonghorn 4dr Crew Cab SB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $57,650 MSRPLonghorn 4dr Crew Cab LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $57,850 MSRPLonghorn 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $60,550 MSRPLonghorn 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $60,750 MSRPLonghorn 4dr Mega Cab 4WD SB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $62,050 MSRPLimited 4dr Crew Cab LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $62,350 MSRPLimited 4dr Crew Cab SB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $62,650 MSRPLimited 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $65,250 MSRPLimited 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $65,550 MSRPLimited 4dr Mega Cab 4WD SB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $67,050 MSRP

　　vs

　　$233/mo

　　Avg. Large Truck

　　Underneath, the Ram 3500 gets several updates for 2019. Ram is using more high-strength steel and aluminum in the frame and throughout the bodywork, reducing the truck's overall weight. There are new bushings and mounts to increase ride comfort and decrease noise. And for more standard power, the Ram 3500 now has the previously optional 6.4-liter V8 instead of the old standard 5.7-liter V8. It's hooked up to a new eight-speed automatic transmission. And, of course, you can still get the Ram's optional 6.7-liter six-cylinder turbodiesel (made by Cummins) paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.

　　Inside, the 2019 Ram 3500's cabin can be decked out in some surprisingly premium materials in the higher trim levels. Feature highlights include a new optional 12-inch Uconnect infotainment screen and available safety options such as adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning and blind-spot monitoring. Of course, if all you want is a basic work truck, Ram can set you up that way, too.

　　None of these upgrades or changes make the 2019 Ram 3500 any less capable. In fact, it's the opposite. With more power and less weight than previous models, the Ram 3500 can tow and haul more than ever before. And with more interior tech than ever, it might be the most livable heavy-duty truck we've ever driven.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

　　

Trim tested

　　Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our first drive of the Ram 3500 Limited (turbodiesel 6.4L inline-6 | 6-speed automatic | 4WD).

　　

Driving

　　The standard V8 is powerful, but the 6.7-liter turbodiesel is where it's at. The abundance of power and torque makes moving this massive truck easy, even with a trailer in tow. Despite its size, the 3500 is relatively easy to drive, even with the dual rear-wheel setup. The steering is light enough for quick turns and highway maneuvers.

　　

Comfort

　　The 3500 has a bumpy ride most of the time, but it's not unbearable. A quiet interior, well-padded seats and a forgiving suspension make for a totally competent highway cruiser.

　　

Interior

　　With all sorts of available leather-wrapped surfaces and wood grains on the dash, the 3500 can look and feel like a plush luxury SUV. Buttons and interior controls are laid out in a logical and easy-to-use manner, and there's plenty of space in every seating position for adults. Thanks to large windows and a relatively low beltline, visibility is excellent.

　　

Utility

　　The standard V8 in the Ram 3500 can tow as much as 18,210 pounds, depending on the cab configuration you choose. Go with the big turbodiesel and that capability nearly doubles to a maximum 35,100 pounds. The six-speed Aisin automatic paired to the Cummins turbodiesel has relatively quick upshifts, and it doesn't hunt for gears on long grades.

　　

Technology

　　The optional 12-inch Uconnect screen (the same one that debuted in the latest Ram 1500) is one of the most impressive screens in any new vehicle today. The Uconnect software that powers it is quick to respond to commands, easy to learn, and supported by ultra-crisp graphics. Optional safety tech such as adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring and forward collision warning are excellent additions on such a work-oriented rig.

　　

Which 3500 does zzdcar recommend?

　　There are dozens of available configurations for the Ram 3500. For a basic workhorse, we recommend the base-level Tradesman. The luxury-oriented Limited trim level is on the opposite side of the spectrum. Can't decide? The Big Horn/Lone Star trim level is an appealing middle-ground pick.

　　

2019 Ram 3500 models

　　The 2019 Ram 3500 is available in three cab styles, with two bed lengths and two powertrains. Depending on the configuration, the 3500 is offered in five different trim levels: Tradesman, Big Horn/Lone Star, Laramie, Laramie Longhorn and Limited.

　　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 long-bed crew cab but combines an even bigger cabin with the short bed.

　　The standard engine for the Ram 3500 is a 6.4-liter V8 (410 hp, 429 lb-ft of torque) paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. A turbocharged 6.7-liter diesel six-cylinder engine is also available. In its Standard Output form, the 6.7-liter diesel engine puts out 370 hp and 850 lb-ft and is matched to a six-speed automatic transmission. The High Output version of the diesel powerplant generates 400 hp and 1,000 lb-ft of torque. It's paired with a six-speed Aisin-sourced automatic transmission.

　　The Tradesman is the most basic trim. Standard feature highlights include 18-inch steel wheels, a locking tailgate, air conditioning, a 40/20/40-split front bench, a tilt-only steering wheel, a 3.5-inch driver information display, vinyl upholstery, and a six-speaker stereo, Bluetooth, a USB port, and a 5-inch touchscreen interface.

　　Power windows and locks, including the locking tailgate, are standard on crew-cab models, as are power-adjustable heated mirrors. Regular-cab models have manual controls and non-heated mirrors by default.

　　The Big Horn (Lone Star for shoppers in Texas) equips it with chrome exterior trim, 18-inch alloy wheels (chrome on the Lone Star), an integrated trailer brake controller, remote locking and unlocking, a power-sliding rear window, remote ignition, cloth upholstery, carpeted floors, and full power accessories for all body styles.

　　The Laramie builds off the Big Horn/Lone Star and adds more chrome trim, a soft-closing tailgate, LED headlights and taillights, foglights, a 115-volt power outlet, power-folding and auto-dimming mirrors, remote ignition, front and rear parking sensors, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 7-inch driver display screen, a power-adjustable driver's seat, leather upholstery, driver-seat memory functions, a power-adjustable front passenger seat, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a 10-speaker surround-sound audio system, HD and satellite radio, and an 8.4-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

　　The Longhorn supplements the Laramie's substantial features list by including a chrome mesh grille, a spray-in bedliner, LED bed lights, automatic high beams, automatic wipers, upgraded leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, wood interior and steering wheel trim, power-adjustable pedals with memory settings, front bucket seats, heated rear seats, and a navigation system.

　　The Limited trim comes with power-deployable running boards, 20-inch wheels, additional chrome exterior trim, the RamBox cargo management system (which includes bedside storage compartments, an adjustable bed divider and tie-downs), and special black leather upholstery.

　　Many upper-trim features are available on lower trim levels as part of packages or as stand-alone options. Other optional equipment highlights include a load-leveling air suspension, a cargo-view camera, a 12-inch Uconnect touchscreen, wireless smartphone charging, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning, a 360-degree surround-view parking camera, fifth-wheel trailer preparation, a 17-speaker stereo system, a CD player and a sunroof.

　　Jump to:Related 2019 3500 articles

　　

2019 3500 Highlights

Type: Crew CabMega CabRegular CabCrew Cab

　　Trim: TradesmanLone StarBig HornLaramieLonghornLimitedTradesman

　　

Base MSRP	$38,300
Engine Type	Gas
Seating	6 seats
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Max Towing Capacity	23,000 lbs.
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles