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Overview
In the chess game that is best-in-class ratings, the 2021 Ram 2500 and 3500 rise above rival heavy-duty trucks with their unmatched ride quality and luxury options. The largest Rams boast massive max towing and engine-torque figures—they can pull up to 35,100 pounds, and their Cummins diesel makes up to 1000 lb-ft of torque—and yet the 2021 Ford Super Duty trumps both those maximums. Still, neither the Ford nor the heavy-duty Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra ride as smoothly or are as elegant as the fanciest Rams. That’s because the Rams’ plushest interiors are quiet and covered in rich materials. Plus, there’s no shortage of high-tech options, with myriad driver assists and a huge 12.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system. While the 2021 Ram 2500 and 3500 no longer hold the best-in-class headlines for power and towing—at least for now—they’re not far behind, either. And that means they’re still hugely capable and still more luxurious than any other HD pickup truck.
What’s New for 2021?
The 2021 Ram 2500 and 3500 carry over without any alterations from the previous model year.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
- Tradesman: $35,790
- Big Horn: $39,715
- Laramie: $51,330
- Power Wagon: $55,230
- Longhorn: $58,775
- Limited: $63,630
Most Ram HD buyers are willing to pay up for the diesel, but the standard 6.4-liter gas engine is plenty capable, even in the 3500. For the best mix of capability, space, luxury, and price, we would stick with the most popular model, which is the 2500 4×4 Crew Cab Laramie. Although more are sold with the Cummins, unless towing huge trailers is a high priority for you, stick with the 410-hp V-8, which is quicker around town and pairs with an excellent eight-speed automatic transmission. With the dollars saved, spring for the limited-slip differential and load-leveling air suspension, which further improves the Ram’s already impressive ride quality. However, if you plan to go off-road, skip the air suspension and add the Off Road package. It adds Bilstein shocks, a skid plate, and hill-descent control.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Three engines are available. Standard power in all models comes from a 410-hp 6.4-liter V-8, which makes 429 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with an excellent eight-speed automatic. This is the only engine and transmission offered in the Power Wagon, which is exclusively four-wheel drive. However, every other model is also offered with a 6.7-liter Cummins diesel inline-six with either rear- or four-wheel drive. Two versions of the diesel are available. The first is available in both 2500 and 3500 models and makes 370 horsepower and 850 lb-ft of torque. The 400-hp high-output version, which is only available on the 3500, makes an incredible 1000 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are backed by a six-speed automatic whereas its diesel competitors all pack more modern 10-speed transmissions. At 1060 pounds, the Cummins engine outweighs the V-8 by 490 pounds, so the diesel models don’t handle quite as well around town, and they’re not quick, but they can haul and tow significantly more weight. Ram has done an incredible job refining the Cummins. Although it’s still noisier than the V-8, it’s no longer a raucous beast.
Towing and Payload Capacity
With the Cummins HO and its 1000 lb-ft of torque, a Ram 3500 has a towing capacity of 35,100 pounds and a maximum payload of 7680 pounds. Ram says these numbers are class leading. When equipped with that engine, the more popular 2500 4×4 Crew Cab model offers a max payload of 2380 pounds and max trailer-weight rating of 19,010 pounds. Those are strong numbers for the class. With the 370-hp version of the Cummins, the 2500 4×4 Crew Cab can haul 3240 pounds and pull 16,870. With the standard V-8, the truck can also handle 3240 pounds, and tow 14,370, which is more than enough for most jobs and weekend expeditions.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Fuel economy is not estimated by the EPA on commercial vehicles such as the Ram 2500 and 3500 with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of more than 8500 pounds. While we’ve only tested one of these gargantuan Rams—a 3500 with the high-output Cummins, four-wheel drive, mega cab, and dual-rear-wheel axle—it earned 16 mpg on our 75-mph real-world fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regiment.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
As with most pickups, the Ram’s extensive number of trim levels and cab styles mean its interior materials, passenger space, and number of in-cabin tech features can vary widely in terms of quantity and quality. A single cab, a spacious four-door Crew Cab, and the massive Mega Cab (which offers the largest rear seat in the class), are available. Although heavy-duty trucks from Ford, Chevy, and GMC are also large and luxurious inside, the Ram has the best interior in the segment with luxury-car-level detailing, extreme comfort, and a clean, modern design, while the highest trim levels offer premium materials. The top Longhorn trim even gets striped wood and gold trim on the dash, doors, and gauges along with the Longhorn logo hand-branded into the wood on the truck’s upper glovebox door. The cabin’s design also features functional controls and a ton of interior cubby storage. Its multilevel center console can accommodate a laptop with a 15.0-inch screen. Every Ram HD also comes with standard acoustic glass and active noise cancellation tied into the audio system, and the result is a truck that’s luxury-car quiet inside—even the diesel models.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Ram also packs its heavy-duty trucks with in-cabin tech that rivals some big-buck luxury sedans and SUVs, including the latest infotainment technology. The Ram’s system is intuitive, with simple menus and prompts. It also responds quickly to user inputs, and its 8.0-inch touchscreen is large and well placed. Ram also offers a giant 12.0-inch reconfigurable touchscreen, which is the largest in the class and gives the truck’s interior a high-tech look and feel. The system also features navigation, a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. For your devices, the truck’s interior features five USB ports and up to three 115-volt outlets, which can handle up to 400 watts to run or charge tools quickly.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The heavy-duty Ram hasn’t been crash tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). However, both the 2500 and 3500 can be equipped with a long list of driver-assistance technology. Key safety features include:
- Available forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
- Available blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
- Available adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Ram provides its two heavy-duty models with a competitive limited warranty. While both its powertrain coverages span five years, gas-fed engines get 60,000 miles of protection while the diesels offer 100,000 miles—which is similar to what’s offered by the Ram’s HD rivals. Unlike Chevy and GMC, however, the Ram has no complimentary scheduled maintenance.
- Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
- Gas powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
- Diesel powertrain warranty covers five years or 100,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
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