2021 RAM 3500

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Rating7.7
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$35,795 - $67,885
Starting Price 
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Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on October 31, 2023

ProsConsWhat's New

Tremendous towing capacity

Noisy diesel engine

It gets a more powerful diesel engine

Refined and quiet cabin with great comfort

No dedicated off-road package

Minor changes to the interior

A plethora of user-friendly entertainment features

A high driving position makes it hard to potter around the city

Available digital rearview mirror

Plenty of available safety technologies

Maximum towing capacity has been raised to 2000 pounds.

Specs & Features

$38,595

price

410 hp @ 5600 rpm

horsepower

429 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

torque

8-Speed Automatic

transmission

6.4L 8cyl 4WD 8A

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

The RAM 3500 sits in the full-size pickup truck segment with its Hitech and clever features and uncompromised off-roading and workhorse performance. It is an adept pickup truck with oodles of practicality and oozes great comfort and ride quality. The new RAM 3500 Regular Cab gets a power tweak in diesel engines which now produces 75 lb-ft of torque more than its previous version, a revamped cabin with more features than before.

Buying Advice

 There are not many options in the Regular Cab configuration but our recommendation would be the Big Horn trim which will cost you another $4000. The Big Horn not only adds features but also provides an improved and luxurious cabin experience. Let's have a look at some significant features offered by the Big Horn trim. It gets 6 speakers, Premium cloth front seat upholstery, and Power heated mirrors.

Comparative Analysis against Competition

 The paramount factor is that it is now capable of towing a maximum capacity of 2000 pounds. Speaking of looks, it is bulky and looks simply superb. It could also easily be the best-looking pickup truck in its competition. Speaking of towing capacity, it is capable of towing high loads with so much ease and we could also call it the game changer of pick-up trucks. Moreover, it rivals the likes of pickup trucks like the Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD, Ford F-350 Superduty, and GMC Sierra 3500 HD.

Features

The 2021 RAM 3500 Regular Cab is limited to only 2 trims namely the Tradesman and the Big Horn. It comes with 2 engine options on offer and comes as both front-wheel drive and All wheel drive options. Tradesman is the entry-level trim which is priced at $36,880 and is equipped with features like 18-inch steel wheels, Air conditioning, Bluetooth hands-free calling, Backup camera, Tire fill alert system, a 5-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

Trim

Tradesman

Big Horn

MSRP (RWD)

$36,880

$40,630

MSRP (AWD)

$39,680

$43,430

Key Features

Brake Assist

Adds to Tradesman features

 

Black w/chrome surround grille

Remote activated perimeter/approach lights

 

Cruise control with steering wheel controls

Black w/chrome surround grille

 

Voice-activated radio

Keyfob (all doors) remote keyless entry

 

Chrome interior accents

6 Speakers

 

4 Speakers

Cloth front seat upholstery

 

Brake Assist

 

Which trim should you buy?

 There are not many options in the Regular Cab configuration but our recommendation would be the Big Horn trim which will cost you another $4000. The Big Horn not only adds features but also provides an improved and luxurious cabin experience. Let's have a look at some significant features offered by the Big Horn trim. It gets 6 speakers, Premium cloth front seat upholstery, and Power heated mirrors.

Fuel Economy
6.7/10

Due to the fact that the 2021 RAM 1500 offers the highest power output combination, it also struggles in terms of fuel economy. The figures mentioned in the table below are slightly lower than its rivals. The 6.4-liter V8 engine with the automatic transmission returns a mileage of 13 mpg in the city, 17 mpg on the highway, and a combined 15 mpg which makes the RAM 3500 a thirsty vehicle in terms of fuel consumption. When it comes to driving range, with its smallest tank of 32 gallons, it is capable of traversing 418 miles in the city and 544 miles while cruising down the highway which is a lot in isolation but not quite adequate when compared to its rivals.

Models

2021 RAM 3500 Regular Cab

2021 Ford F-350 SuperDuty Regular Cab

2021 GMC Sierra 3500HD Regular Cab

2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD Regular Cab

MPG (City)

13

14

15

17

MPG (Highway)

17

18

19

23

MPG (Combined)

15

16

17

19

Fuel Tank Capacity (Gallons)

32

34.0

36

36.0

Range (City/Highway/Combined; Miles)

416/544/480

476/612/544

540/684/612

612/828

As far as the fuel tank capacity is concerned, Both GM twins have the biggest fuel capacity of the lot. It can contain up to 36 gallons of fuel but the combined range of all 4 cars mentioned above is very similar with minor differences. The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD, on the other hand, delivers impressive fuel efficiency figures of 17 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway despite producing the same power as the GMC.

Interior
8.2/10

Although the RAM 3500 Regular Cab loses out to its rivals in terms of performance, the interior it offers is such a nice place to be in. To start with, the materials used inside the cabin are truly upscale and the center infotainment system with a nice touchscreen is definitely a standout. The steering wheel looks huge and premium with all the necessary controls mounted on it.

The large AC vents on the other hand blend in well with the design of the dashboard. The seats are covered with premium cloth upholstery which looks great indeed. Like every other Regular Cab truck, the RAM 3500 also comes with seating for 3 passengers. On the flip side, the dimensions of the cabin appear to be a bit cramped.

It also comes with the smallest cargo capacity of 74.7 cubic feet.

Models

2021 RAM 3500 Regular Cab

2021 Ford F-350 SuperDuty Regular Cab

2021 GMC Sierra 3500HD Regular Cab

2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD Regular Cab

Seating Capacity

3

3

3

3

Front Row (Headroom/Shoulder Room/Legroom; inches)

39.8/65.9/40.9

40.8/66.7/43.9

43.1/66/44.5

43.1/66.0/44.5

Cargo Capacity (cubic feet)

74.7

78.5

83.5

83.5

In comparison, both the twin pick-up trucks offer the greatest numbers as far as interior dimensions are concerned. Also, the car with the least cargo space in its trunk is the 2021 RAM 3500 Regular Cab which measures 74.7 cubic feet followed by the Ford F-350 Super Duty which offers 78.5 cubic feet of cargo space. On the whole, the GM twins win the cargo space competition. Some of the standout interior features are listed below:

  • Urethane Gear Shifter Material
  • Seats with Cloth Back Material
  • Outside Temp Gauge
  • Manual Adjust 4-Way Driver Seat
  • Underseat Ducts and Console Ducts

What’s there to keep you entertained?

 The basic infotainment system of the 2021 RAM 1500 Regular Cab comes with an 8.4-inch touch screen infotainment display which works perfectly fine with great graphics. An optional 12.4-inch touch screen is a perfect choice if you are buying a RAM 3500 and also the best-looking screen in its competition. However, it gets no Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. Some other standout infotainment features include

  • 6 Speakers
  • Active Noise Control System
  • Streaming Audio
  • Voice Activation
  • GPS Antenna Input

Exterior
8.2/10

The 2021 RAM 3500 still retains the same traditional styling with even more personality. It is huge and bulky with a huge front grille with the RAM sculpted on the front grille which is a highlight feature of the exterior. You can have the grille either with a chrome finish or fully blacked out. The headlights are bold and as you move up the trim ladder, it comes with LED lights and a muscular front bonnet gives it the styling of the famous Dodge Charger.

Body lines passing through the side are simple and very conventional but sporty. The wheels on offer look big and give it an upright stance. It gets 18-inch alloy wheels as standard. The taillights also look distinctive and complement the styling of the car. Coming to the dimensions, the RAM 3500 is a mediocre-sized pickup truck which in turn offers better handling than some of its rivals.

Models

2021 RAM 3500 Regular Cab

2021 Ford F-350 SuperDuty Regular Cab

2021 GMC Sierra 3500HD Regular Cab

2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD Regular Cab

Curb Weight (lbs)

6056

5909

6231

6231

Length (inches)

232.0

231.8

235.5

235.5

Width (inches)

79.4

80.0

81.75

81.75

Height (inches)

77.8

78.7

80.94

80.94

Ground Clearance (inches)

11.2

8.7

11.2

11.2

Wheelbase (inches)

140.0

141.6

141.6

141.6

Among the competition, the external dimensions of the cars mentioned above are pretty close. The Ford F-350 Superduty sits lowest with just 8.7-inch ground clearance but not the longest. The heaviest trucks happen to be both GMC and Chevrolet which weigh 6231 lbs. Moreover, other cars in the segment like RAM 3500 and Ford F-350 look more athletic. Some Standout and optional exterior features are listed below

  • Bold front chrome grille
  • Power-operated tailgate
  • Power retractable running boards
  • LED Headlamps and tail lamps
  • 18-inch wheels
  • Variable Intermittent Wipers

Safety
6.0/10

Sadly, the 2021 RAM 3500 Regular Cab has not been tested by the topmost authorities which are NHTSA and the IIHS but the host of safety features it comes with are really impressive. Handling such a huge vehicle is very challenging hence the active and passive features that come along with the car. Furthermore, some of the prominent safety features are listed below.

  • Back-Up Camera
  • Electronic Stability Control (ESC) And Roll Stability Control (RSC)
  • Tire Specific Low Tire Pressure Warning
  • ABS And Driveline Traction Control
  • Curtain 1st And 2nd Row Airbags
  • Optional Trailer Reverse Guidance
  • Optional CTR Stop Lamp w/Cargo View Camera
  • Optional Auto High Beam Headlamp Control

Competition
7.0/10

2021 RAM 3500 Regular Cabvs 2021 Ford F-350 SuperDuty Regular Cab:

The Ford F-350 Super Duty is another stellar pickup truck in the segment which offers great performance with extreme off-roading capabilities. Moreover, it offers 5 engine options so that you have a lot of options to choose from. However, the interior of the RAM 3500 looks better than the one in the Ford. In a nutshell, Ford F-350 is also a great choice to buy when it comes to a full-size pickup truck.

2021 RAM 3500 Regular Cabvs 2021 GMC Sierra 3500HD Regular Cab:

The GMC Sierra 3500 HD Regular Cab is a very competitive truck in its class. Priced at $37,100, it is one of the most affordable and capable pickup trucks out there. Moreover, it also offers a better and a tweaked engine that produces more power output than the RAM 3500. However, the RAM outshines the Sierra in terms of looks and interior quality.

2021 RAM 3500 Regular Cabvs  2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD Regular Cab:

The Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD Regular Cab has a niche of its own in the market even though it shares the underpinning with the GMC, it shows its true colors when it comes to balancing power and efficiency. Despite being a powerful pickup truck, it returns top-notch fuel economy. Moreover, it has one of the most comfortable interiors with colossal room for the passengers. On the plus side, it also offers great practicality with great cargo space.

Final Verdict

Among the flooded pickup trucks in the automotive market, the RAM 3500 Regular Cab has been one of the successful vehicles to the automaker due to its capability and robustness. There is no denying the fact that it is an impressive pickup truck. However, it has some negatives too. For instance, the fuel efficiency is not up to the expectations and it is short on interior space. Apart from that, it is a very potent truck and outshines its rivals in some aspects and you can definitely check this out if you're planning to buy one.

Trims

    Tradesman
    $35,795 onwards
    • 5-inch touchscreen infotainment system
    • Air conditioning
    • Backup camera
    • Bluetooth hands-free calling
    • Vinyl seats and floors
    Lone Star
    $39,670 onwards
    • Engine: 6.4L 8cyl 4WD 8A
    • Horsepower: 410 hp @ 5600 rpm hp
    • Torque: 429 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 7.2 sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: -
    Big Horn
    $39,670 onwards
    • Cloth seats
    • Heated tow mirrors
    • Keyless entry
    • Power windows
    Big Horn/Lone Star
    $42,470 onwards
    • Air conditioning
    Laramie
    $51,235 onwards
    • Engine: 6.4L 8cyl RWD 8A
    • Horsepower: 410 hp @ 5600 rpm hp
    • Torque: 429 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 7.2 sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: -
    Laramie Longhorn
    $58,630 onwards
    • Engine: 6.4L 8cyl RWD 8A
    • Horsepower: 410 hp @ 5600 rpm hp
    • Torque: 429 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 7.2 sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: -
    Limited Longhorn
    $63,030 onwards
    • Engine: 6.4L 8cyl 4WD 8A
    • Horsepower: 410 hp @ 5600 rpm hp
    • Torque: 429 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 7.2 sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: -
    Limited
    $63,185 onwards
    • Engine: 6.4L 8cyl RWD 8A
    • Horsepower: 410 hp @ 5600 rpm hp
    • Torque: 429 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 7.2 sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: -

Compare to similar cars

Price

$35,795- $67,885

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

7.66

Horsepower

410 hp @ 5600 rpm

Torque

850 lb.-ft. @ 1700 rpm

Capacity

6

Read Review

$29,300- $64,195

Gasoline

7.48

285 hp @ 5300 rpm

305 lb.-ft. @ 3900 rpm

3

Read Review

$34,095- $66,335

Gasoline

7.62

370 hp @ 2800 rpm

429 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

3

Read Review

$36,500- $65,700

Gasoline

7.87

401 hp @ 5200 rpm

464 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

3

Read Review

$34,230- $84,390

Gasoline

7.87

385 hp @ 5750 rpm

430 lb.-ft. @ 3800 rpm

-

Read Review

$35,300- $63,300

Gasoline

7.67

401 hp @ 5200 rpm

464 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

3

Read Review

$35,745- $87,375

Gasoline

7.82

385 hp @ 5750 rpm

430 lb.-ft. @ 3800 rpm

3

Read Review

$30,100- $61,190

Gasoline

8.1

285 hp @ 5300 rpm

305 lb.-ft. @ 3900 rpm

3

Read Review

$35,900- $65,100

Gasoline

7.98

401 hp @ 5200 rpm

464 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

3

Read Review

$37,100- $67,500

Gasoline

8.26

401 hp @ 5200 rpm

464 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

3

Read Review

2021 RAM 3500 vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    2021 RAM 3500

    Ranked #8

    7.9 sec--
    6 sec14.5 sec-
    6.5 sec--
    6.6 sec15.2 sec-
    6.9 sec--
    2021 RAM 2500

    Ranked #5

    7.2 sec15.3 sec-

    2021 RAM 3500 vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      2021 RAM 3500

      Ranked #2

      ---32 gal.- -
      20 mpg21 mpg17 mpg28.3 gal.448/588 mi.
      15 mpg21 mpg17 mpg28 gal.448/588 mi.
      ---36 gal.-
      ---36 gal.-
      ---36 gal.-

      2021 RAM 3500 vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        2021 RAM 3500

        Ranked #2

        232 in.79.4 in.79.5 in.13.3 in.140 in.
        235.5 in.81.75 in.79.94 in.10.2 in.141.55 in.
        235.5 in.81.75 in.80.94 in.11.2 in.141.55 in.
        235.5 in.81.75 in.79.94 in.10.2 in.141.55 in.
        235.5 in.81.75 in.80.9 in.11.2 in.141.6 in.
        2021 RAM 2500

        Ranked #2

        232 in.79.4 in.80.2 in.13.1 in.140.5 in.

        2021 RAM 3500 vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          83.5 cu.ft.-137.4 cu.ft.
          11.6 cu.ft.98 cu.ft.44.1 cu.ft.
          89.1 cu.ft.-89.1 cu.ft.
          83.5 cu.ft.119.7 cu.ft.83.5 cu.ft.
          89.1 cu.ft.39.8 cu.ft.89.1 cu.ft.
          2021 RAM 2500

          Ranked #6

          --74.7 cu.ft.

          2021 RAM 3500 vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            Bed Length
            SourceCompare
            2021 RAM 3500

            Ranked #1

            ---98 ft.
            137.4 cu.ft.83.5 cu.ft.137.4 cu.ft.98 ft.
            100.7 cu.ft.11.6 cu.ft.44.1 cu.ft.98 ft.
            76.3 cu.ft.89.1 cu.ft.89.1 cu.ft.98 ft.
            89.1 cu.ft.89.1 cu.ft.89.1 cu.ft.98 ft.
            83.5 cu.ft.83.5 cu.ft.83.5 cu.ft.98 ft.

            2021 RAM 3500 vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Towing Capacity
              Gooseneck/5th Wheel Towing Capacity
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              2021 RAM 3500

              Ranked #8

              --4600 lbs.- -
              22800 lbs.13100 lbs.4160 lbs.5877 lbs.
              21500 lbs.17200 lbs.4481 lbs.6339 lbs.
              2021 RAM 2500

              Ranked #3

              19990 lbs.14540 lbs.3690 lbs.6307 lbs.
              18510 lbs.17370 lbs.3857 lbs.5914 lbs.
              18510 lbs.17370 lbs.3857 lbs.5924 lbs.

              Top RAM Cars

              2021 RAM 1500 Classic

              Horsepower : 395 hp @ 5600 rpm

              MPG Combined : 20 mpg

              0-60 : 7.1 sec

              #1

              2021 RAM 1500

              Horsepower : 305 hp @ 6400 rpm

              MPG Combined : 20 mpg

              0-60 : 7.1 sec

              #2

              2021 RAM Promaster 3500

              Horsepower : 280 hp @ 6400 rpm

              MPG Combined : 21 mpg

              0-60 : 8.1 sec

              #3

              2021 RAM 3500 User Reviews

              4.0

              [1 Reviews]

              1

              [0.0%] [0 Reviews]

              2

              [100.0%] [1 Reviews]

              3

              [0.0%] [0 Reviews]

              4

              [0.0%] [0 Reviews]

              5

              [0.0%] [0 Reviews]

              POPULAR TAGS

              CWC

              Consumer With Choices

              2022 RAM 3500

              Tradesman 2dr Regular Cab 8 ft. LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A)

              4

              User Overall Rating

              Posted On: September 30, 2023

              2022 Ram Dually

              Pros - Towing capability: Ride comfort

              Cons - Radio dependability: Ram Customer Support; Ram Engineering Team

              Love the truck: Hate the radio: Zero customer service. I have owned this truck for just over one year. It has been in the shop four times (1 - 4 days each time) due to the radio will not hold the preset stations. Constant pain in the ... to reset the stations. Ram's continuous message: The next software update will correct the issue. There have been several software updates with zero resolution....

              2/10
              Features
              5/10
              Interior
              5/10
              Design
              5/10
              Safety
              2/10
              Reliability
              5/10
              Deal Value
              5/10
              Dealer Review