2020 Ram 3500 Review

　　

2020 Ram 3500 Review

byKurt NiebuhrSenior Vehicle Test Editor

　　Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of zzdcar' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.

　　Over the past decade, pickups have been gaining steady improvements in both utility and everyday usability. Check out the 2020 Ram 3500, for example. Coming off of last year's full redesign, the 3500 boasts up to 35,100 pounds of towing capacity when fitted with its optional diesel engine. That's more than enough to haul whatever trailer you might want to pull. On top of that, the 3500 can do it while also keeping you comfy and connected with a premium cabin and the latest technology features.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 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) - $35,345 MSRPTradesman 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $38,145 MSRPTradesman 4dr Crew Cab SB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $38,800 MSRPTradesman 4dr Crew Cab LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $39,000 MSRPTradesman 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $41,700 MSRPTradesman 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) (Most Popular) - $41,900 MSRPLone Star 2dr Regular Cab LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $39,345 MSRPLone Star 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $42,145 MSRPLone Star 4dr Crew Cab SB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $43,700 MSRPLone Star 4dr Crew Cab LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $43,900 MSRPLone Star 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $46,600 MSRPLone Star 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $46,800 MSRPLone Star 4dr Mega Cab 4WD SB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $48,100 MSRPBig Horn 2dr Regular Cab LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $39,345 MSRPBig Horn 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $42,145 MSRPBig Horn 4dr Crew Cab SB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $43,700 MSRPBig Horn 4dr Crew Cab LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $43,900 MSRPBig Horn 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $46,600 MSRPBig Horn 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $46,800 MSRPBig Horn 4dr Mega Cab 4WD SB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $48,100 MSRPLaramie 4dr Crew Cab SB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $50,800 MSRPLaramie 4dr Crew Cab LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $51,000 MSRPLaramie 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $53,700 MSRPLaramie 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $53,900 MSRPLaramie 4dr Mega Cab 4WD SB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $55,200 MSRPLonghorn 4dr Crew Cab SB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $58,100 MSRPLonghorn 4dr Crew Cab LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $58,300 MSRPLonghorn 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $61,000 MSRPLonghorn 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $61,200 MSRPLonghorn 4dr Mega Cab 4WD SB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $62,500 MSRPLimited 4dr Crew Cab LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $62,800 MSRPLimited 4dr Crew Cab SB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $63,100 MSRPLimited 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $65,700 MSRPLimited 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $66,000 MSRPLimited 4dr Mega Cab 4WD SB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $67,500 MSRP

　　vs

　　$233/mo

　　Avg. Large Truck

　　Of course, Ram isn't alone in the heavy-duty truck game. Chevrolet, Ford and GMC all offer just as much power, towing and payload capability from their trucks. Recently, Ford has stepped up its engine offerings, while Chevrolet and GMC completely redesigned their 3500 series trucks to include new electronic driver aids and more comfortable interiors. Full-size heavy-duty trucks tend to engender incredible brand loyalty. But whether you're a Ram fan or just shopping for the best truck available, you'll find the 3500 to be a compelling choice.

　　

Which 3500 does zzdcar recommend?

How you pick from the seemingly endless combinations of trim levels, powertrains, and bed length and cab configurations depends largely on how you plan to use your Ram 3500. As a broad recommendation, the well-rounded Laramie trim is a good place to start since it includes many of the upscale luxury finishes and helpful driver aids found in the top-of-the-line Limited without breaking the bank.

　　

2020 Ram 3500 models

The 2020 Ram 3500 is offered in five main trim levels: the Tradesman, Big Horn, Laramie, Longhorn and Limited. All trim levels have the option of multiple cab configurations, two bed lengths (6.4 feet and 8 feet), and rear- or four-wheel drive. The Ram's engine lineup includes:

　　A standard gasoline V8 and an optional diesel six-cylinder:

　　6.4-liter gasoline V8 (410 hp, 429 lb-ft) and eight-speed automatic transmission 6.7-liter Cummins turbocharged inline-six diesel (370 hp, 850 lb-ft) and six-speed automatic High-output version of the above diesel with 400 hp and 1,000 lb-ftFrom there, the Ram 3500's trim levels are:

　　Tradesman

　　The basic work truck with maximum towing capability:

　　Vinyl bench seats 5-inch infotainment touchscreen Air conditioning 17-inch steel wheels Keyless ignitionBig Horn

　　A little nicer than the Tradesman thanks to:

　　Chrome bumpers Cloth seats Trailer brake controller Keyless entry 18-inch chrome wheelsLaramie

　　Adds extra appointments such as:

　　Unique chrome grille Leather seating surfaces 8.4-inch infotainment touchscreen Soft-opening tailgate with remote release Power-folding chrome tow mirrorsLonghorn

　　A more stylish Laramie with:

　　Special wood trim Available two-tone paint Unique wheels Available load-leveling rear air suspensionLimited

　　Adds the maximum in luxury and tech feature, including:

　　12-inch infotainment touchscreen Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic detection Power-folding running boards Unique grille 20-inch wheelsOther significant options for the Ram 3500:

　　Dual rear-wheels Cargo bed storage bins (RamBox) Premium Harman Kardon sound system Surround-view camera system Advanced driver safety features such as traffic-adaptive cruise control

　　

2020 3500 Highlights

Type: Crew CabMega CabRegular CabCrew Cab

　　Trim: TradesmanBig HornLone StarLaramieLonghornLimitedTradesman

　　

Base MSRP	$38,800
Engine Type	Gas
Seating	6 seats
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Max Towing Capacity	24,180 lbs.
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles