2023 Ram 3500

Trucks are big business in the USA, and the heavy-duty truck segment inhabited by the likes of the 2023 Ram 3500 is at the top of the pile. If you want to haul heavy payloads and tow big rigs, the 3500 can get down to business with the best of them thanks to headline figures such as a payload capacity of up to 7,680 pounds and a towing capacity of over 37,000 pounds. Add to that the potent Cummins turbo-diesel engine with up to 420 horsepower and 1,075 lb-ft of torque and we're talking big numbers indeed. A quick review of the new Ram 3500 HD truck's main rivals reveals that the Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD boasts similar stats, but the redesigned 2023 Ford F-350 Super Duty aims to unseat all and sundry for class honors this year with even more impressive specifications, including a 500-hp diesel. The Ram has traditionally had a leg up on its rivals thanks to its refined ride and class-leading interior, making it an easier car to live with day by day, but does this still hold true, now that the formidable new F-350 has arrived? Let the battle of the Titans commence.

Like rival HD trucks, the Ram 3500's price starts in the mid-$40k range, with the base Tradesman retailing for $46,780. After that comes the Big Horn at $51,310, the Laramie at $64,025, the Limited Longhorn at $74,495, and the Limited at $78,320. These prices are for the cheapest configurations of each trim in 4x2, with 4x4 adding a few thousand dollars to the total. The same applies to Crew Cab and Mega Cab body styles. Adding the 6.7-liter Cummins turbo-diesel engine with the standard 370-hp output adds $9,695 to the cost of the truck, while the 420-hp High Output diesel will set you back $12,495.

These prices for the Ram 3500 are MSRP and don't include Ram's $1,895 destination fee.

In the fashion of a good HD truck, the Ram 3500 forges ahead like a tank. All the engines offer decent shove, but the Cummins diesel does stand out for its huge torque - especially in HO format. It's a bit of a shame that the Cummins is still saddled with an old-school six-speed auto then, although this doesn't seem to affect performance much. Towing is effortless, and the integrated exhaust brake can be set to hold a selected speed on downhills - and works very well in practice. Ride refinement is not expected from a big rig with a suspension setup that has to allow for hauling and towing massive loads, but the Ram 3500 does an excellent job ironing out the bumps nonetheless, even if it's not as comfortable as the lesser Rams with their coil-sprung rear ends. Optional automatic self-leveling rear air suspension adds another layer of refinement, making this truck pleasant to use on an everyday basis.

For several years now, the Ram 3500 has had little trouble rising right to the top of its class because, although it's beaten by rivals on a metric here and there, the refined driving experience and upmarket cabin have always marked it out as something special among HD trucks. Its position at the top doesn't go unchallenged, though, and the redesigned new Ford F-350 aims to steal the crown from the Ram 3500 with superior power, torque, hauling, and towing numbers. Whether it has what it takes to match or beat the Ram's overall driving experience, we'll have to see. As for now, the Ram remains an excellent choice - and will remain at the top of many people's shopping lists.

A heavy-duty truck is usually bought with a specific job in mind, so your choice will mostly depend on that. The Tradesman is a no-frills work truck, and the fully loaded Limited is the luxurious but expensive flagship. But there's a reason the Laramie is the most popular trim in the lineup, and that's because it offers the best blend of what the typical HD truck buyer wants. The standard gas V8 works through a modern eight-speed automatic and is ample, so you only have to opt for the expensive diesel upgrade if you're going to make full use of the trailering capacity. At just over $64k, the Laramie trim represents good value and is decently family-friendly and well-equipped with features such as the larger infotainment screen, leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, navigation, and a premium audio system.