2016 Ram 3500 Review
2016 Ram 3500 Review





+75
Used 3500 for sale
Appraise This CarRam 3500 model years
Ram 3500 types
- Crew Cab
- Mega Cab
- Regular Cab
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Monumental torque with diesel and automatic powertrain
- high-quality interior
- Mega Cab's roomy rear seat
- quiet highway ride.
Cons
- Diesel's lower output with the manual transmission.
What’s new
New diesel calibration increases the engine's power to 900 pound-feet of torque. The top-tier Laramie Limited trim gets a refreshed exterior.
Edmunds says
The 2016 Ram 3500 is a top pick for a heavy-duty truck thanks to its refined, well-equipped interior and astounding towing and hauling capabilities.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2016 Ram 3500 Tradesman 2dr Regular Cab LB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) 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 Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
Not Available for 3500 Tradesman
3500 Tradesman
vs
$267/mo
Avg. Large Truck
Vehicle overview
If you're reading this review, we're guessing you frequently face some absolutely massive towing and hauling challenges. While its baby brother Ram 2500 can tow up to 17,980 pounds and carry a payload of 3,990 pounds, the 2016 Ram 3500 eclipses those figures by offering up to 31,210 pounds of towing capacity and a payload rating of 7,390 pounds. But just because you need a truck that can move mountains doesn't mean you have to suffer with a harsh, uncompromising ride. Depending on how you equip it, the Ram 3500 can be one of the most luxurious pickups on the market.

The 3500 is the top dog in the Ram Truck kennel.
If all you need is a truck that can haul anything you throw at it, the base Ram Tradesman might be right for you. Niceties such as automatic headlights, tow hooks and an audio system with a USB port come standard on even the most modestly equipped 3500. Go up the price ladder and you'll find heated and ventilated seats, premium leather upholstery, LED taillights and a cargo-view camera. Opt for the crew or Mega Cab configurations and you'll find rear legroom to rival that in the Mercedes-Benz S-Class limousine.
In addition to the unique Mega Cab (extra-large crew cab) body style, the Ram 3500 also offers the option of a load-leveling rear air suspension. Available for both single- and dual-rear-wheel trucks, it supplements the 3500's standard leaf spring rear suspension with a dual-mode airbag system that helps level out the rear of the truck whether you're towing or hauling. We also appreciate the Ram 3500's three available engines, including a midrange 6.4-liter gasoline V8 with robust performance that slots beneath the immensely capable (but costly) Cummins turbodiesel inline-6.
The only two competitors in this specialized heavy-duty truck class are the Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD (and its GMC Sierra sibling) and the Ford F-350. Neither come close to the Ram's tremendous 31,000-pound tow rating, but both can tow a significant amount without breaking a sweat. Where the 2016 Ram 3500 really differentiates itself is inside the cabin, thanks to its high-quality materials, impressive array of creature comforts and user-friendly tech features. If you're looking for a big truck that's dependable on the job and still up for a good time on the weekend, the 2016 Ram 3500 is a great choice.
Performance & mpg
All versions of the 2016 Ram 3500 are available with rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. Tradesman models feature a manually engaged transfer case for the 4WD system; an electronic transfer case is optional on the Tradesman and standard on all other Rams. A 5.7-liter V8 engine with 383 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque is standard, and it's matched to a six-speed automatic transmission.
There are two optional engines for the 3500: a 6.4-liter V8 and a 6.7-liter turbocharged, diesel-fueled inline six-cylinder. The 6.4-liter V8 produces 410 hp (370 hp in Mega Cabs) and 429 lb-ft of torque and is backed by a six-speed automatic. The Cummins turbodiesel engine comes in three different states of tune. Equipped with the available six-speed manual transmission, it produces 350 hp and 660 lb-ft of torque. You can also get it with one of two different six-speed automatic transmissions. With the standard automatic, it makes 370 hp and 800 lb-ft of torque, while a heavy-duty Aisin automatic enables ratings of 385 hp and 900 lb-ft.
The Cummins comes with a big-rig-like exhaust brake, a useful feature that provides additional stability and braking power when managing very heavy loads.
Depending on body style and rear axle ratio, the Ram 3500 can tow up to 13,910 pounds and haul up to 4,480 pounds with the 5.7-liter V8. The 6.4-liter V8 can handle 16,520 pounds and 7,390 pounds, respectively, while the manual-equipped diesel is rated for 18,510 pounds and 6,680 pounds. With the diesel's regular automatic, those numbers go up to 22,550 pounds and 6,720 pounds. The diesel with the heavy-duty automatic wins top towing honors at 31,210 pounds, though its 6,580-pound hauling capacity is less impressive relative to the other powertrains.
Safety
Standard safety equipment for the 2016 Ram 3500 includes antilock disc brakes, front and side curtain airbags, stability and traction control and a tire-pressure monitoring system. Optional items include adjustable pedals, rear parking sensors and two rear cameras: a standard rearview camera and a cargo-area camera aimed at the bed of the truck.
Driving
Even though the 2016 Ram 3500 is built to tackle the most demanding of pickup duties, it remains comfortably composed in most everyday driving situations. The steering is responsive, and the truck tracks through turns in a confident manner. The ride is firm but not harsh, and the 3500 stays respectably composed over broken pavement.

One of the few tasks the Ram 3500 can't accomplish easily is fitting into a conventional garage bay.
On the highway, road and wind noise are nicely quelled. The diesel engine is a beast, providing plenty of power for towing and hauling heavy loads. It emits a telltale diesel growl under acceleration, but settles down to a murmur when cruising. We recommend either of the automatic transmissions with the diesel, as the extra torque you get compared to the diesel with the manual gearbox makes a big difference in towing ability.
Interior
The interior of the 2016 Ram 3500 is similar to that of the Ram 1500, and the result is the nicest cabin among all heavy-duty pickups. On the higher trim levels, soft-touch materials and tasteful stitching are abundant throughout the cabin, while the plush seats and metallic accents are almost too nice for work truck status.
As is typical in full-size trucks, there's plenty of room for passengers of all sizes; however, if you make regular use of the rear seats (and don't need a long cargo bed), you'll find that the Mega Cab is particularly accommodating thanks to expanded legroom and reclining seatbacks. Interior storage is generous, with plenty of bins and pockets to supplement the dual gloveboxes. The unique RamBox feature places a pair of lockable compartments over the rear fenders adjacent to the truck bed.
Cabin controls are within easy reach and user-friendly, especially when the Uconnect 8.4-inch touchscreen is specified. With large, logically located virtual buttons, reasonably quick processing times and ample functionality for smartphone users, this is one of the best interfaces of its kind in any vehicle. When equipped with the optional cargo-view and rearview back-up cameras, the cargo camera displays on the 8.4-inch screen, while the conventional back-up camera displays on a smaller screen in the rearview mirror. It's nice to have both cameras onboard, but in practice, it can be hard to see the back-up camera display.
2016 Ram 3500 models
The 2016 Ram 3500 heavy-duty pickup is available in three cab styles: two-door regular, four-door crew cab and four-door Mega Cab (a jumbo crew cab). The regular cab comes with an 8-foot bed only, while the crew cab has either the 8-foot bed or a 6-foot-4 bed. The Mega Cab rides on the same wheelbase as the long-bed crew cab, but pairs an even bigger cabin with the short bed. Buyers can choose between single-rear-wheel (SRW) and dual-rear-wheel (DRW) configurations for each body style.
The Ram 3500 is available in six trims. The Tradesman and SLT are available on all three cabs, while the crew cab and Mega Cab Rams also get Big Horn/Lone Star, Laramie, Laramie Longhorn and Laramie Limited versions.
The Tradesman is the entry-level model and comes with black bumpers and grille, 18-inch (SRW) or 17-inch (DRW) steel wheels, automatic headlights, tow hooks, a limited-slip rear differential, a locking tailgate, a 40/20/40-split front bench seat, an electronic vehicle information display, a tire-pressure monitor, a tilt-only steering wheel and a six-speaker stereo with a USB port and an auxiliary audio jack. Vinyl upholstery and flooring are standard, but a cloth bench seat is a no-cost option. Power windows and locks (including the locking tailgate) are standard on the crew cab, while regular cabs have manual controls. Available for the Tradesman and geared toward commercial users is "Work Grade" heavy-duty vinyl upholstery.
The SLT adds chrome exterior trim, chrome-clad wheels, an integrated trailer brake controller, power heated mirrors, a power sliding rear window (manual on regular cab), an overhead console, cloth upholstery, carpeted floors, full power accessories, keyless entry, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a 5-inch touchscreen interface and satellite radio.
Next up is the Big Horn (Lone Star for shoppers in Texas), which includes 18-inch alloy wheels (SRW), chrome grille slats, foglights, remote ignition, a 10-way power driver seat (with power lumbar), premium cloth upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls and a 115-volt power outlet.
Stepping up to the Laramie adds 17-inch alloy wheels (DRW), two-tone paint, more chrome trim (including the bumpers), power-folding and auto-dimming exterior mirrors with puddle lights, projector headlights, LED taillights, a rearview camera, front and rear parking sensors, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, driver memory settings, a six-way power passenger seat (with power lumbar), heated and ventilated front bucket seats, a heated steering wheel, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and an upgraded 10-speaker audio system. On the entertainment front, there is an 8.4-inch touchscreen display, a 7-inch color driver information center, satellite radio and Uconnect Access, a subscription-based smartphone app that provides Wi-Fi, voice-to-text messaging and emergency assistance.
The Laramie Longhorn adds to the Laramie's substantial features list by including a chrome mesh grille, cream-colored bumpers, running boards, a spray-in bedliner, remote ignition, a full center console, upgraded leather upholstery, wood interior and steering wheel trim, a navigation system, HD radio, power-adjustable pedals (with memory settings) and heated rear seats.

The 2016 Ram 3500 Laramie Limited comes with luxury-grade trimmings.
The top-tier Laramie Limited adds monotone paint, color-keyed bumpers, 20-inch wheels (SRW), additional chrome exterior trim, automatic high beams, automatic wipers, the RamBox cargo management system (includes bedside storage compartments, an adjustable bed divider and tie-downs), keyless entry and ignition and special black leather upholstery.
Many of the upper trims' features are available on lower trim levels as options. Other option highlights include a load-leveling rear air suspension, a cargo-view camera, fifth-wheel trailer preparation, off-road tires, a CD player and a sunroof.
Advertisement
Also Consider

2024 GMC SIERRA HD
Pro and SLE
Starting MSRP$42,000
See All Trims
GMC.com
The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price excludes destination freight charge, tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment. Dealer sets final price. Click here to see all GMC vehicles’ destination freight charges.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2016 Ram 3500.
5 star(50%)
4 star(14%)
3 star(10%)
2 star(12%)
1 star(14%)
28 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.38 out of 5 stars
Pretty darn nice
pb58, 04/29/2013
2012 Ram 3500 Laramie Longhorn Limited Edition 4dr Crew Cab LB DRW (6.7L 6cyl Turbodiesel 6A)
After being a power-stroke guy for many years I made the switch to ram. Very glad I did. I have the Laramie package and it is pure luxury...truck or not. Uconnect works excellent, I have the 730n. High quality leather, great sound system, quite ride, more power than I will probably ever need...and I pull heavy equipment. Lumbar support is outstanding. M.P.G,s are not horrible for a 1 ton … with this much power, I can get it down to about 14 if I drive hard, normal driving gets me about 18-19. Towing 14000# gets about 10. Call quality on Bluetooth is excellent. Took about 3 minutes to pair my iPhone and download the phone book. Absolutely no buyers remorse...love it. Would do it again!!
5 out of 5 stars
Amazing Performer!!
Ronald Coburn Jr., 08/04/2018
2012 Ram 3500 Laramie Longhorn Limited Edition 4dr Mega Cab 4WD SB DRW (6.7L 6cyl Turbodiesel 6A)
Update: 6 February 2019
Still running strong!! Had the dealer perform a detailed cleaning and waxing and the vehicle looked like new!! Minor rock chips but to be expected with a nearly 7 year old truck.
Mechanical: even in -26 degree weather during the Polar Vortex, the truck started right up and the 4wd got me through some heavy snow!! Bottomline, one emmision issue since my last … posting. The O2 wiring harness popped a code and was replaced, which is not cheap!! Then the O2 Sensor popped a trouble code and was replaced, again, not cheap. Funny part, Ram redesigned the wiring harness and location which makes me suspicious that this was a design issue. For me, this solved the fault codes and I even saw an improvement in my gas mileage!! Then came winter, winter fuel and the drop in mpg!!
Interior: holding up nicely. The only drawback has been the information center screen. Once you see the 2019/2020 center dash infotainment, control screen you have to be envious. But let's face it, that is a minor cosmetic issue and my baby is paid for with zero issues!! What more can you ask for!! Runs great, starts every time, for its size great fuel economy, interior isn't falling apart, no water leaks, brakes hold up better now compared to early models, hauls and pulls anything, and still looks great!! Then you look at the resale value it has held onto and I can't complain!!
Looking forward to upgrading to the new 2020 Ram 3500 Longhorn Larime Megacab again, basically what I have but updated. Just waiting to see some mpg data and a test drive before i pull the trigger!! But again, paid for and runs/looks great, it is going to have to blow my socks off in order for me to give up this truck!!
Prior assessment:
Well constructed, minimal repairs in 6 years, body and finish are rock solid, amazing engine, 4wd gets where you need to go, rides like a Cadillac for a truck, minimal road noise at highway speeds! 17.7 mpg highway, 17 city; great value for your money!! This is my 5th Ram diesel since 1994 and they have only improved with each new revisions!
5 out of 5 stars
2012 Ram 3500 Mega cab
nosboyracing, 05/29/2012
2012 Ram 3500 Laramie 4dr Mega Cab SB DRW (6.7L 6cyl Turbodiesel 6M)
Best truck that I've ever owned.. Drives like a Cadillac on the Highway.. Really Bad gas mileage ( diesel fuel),, but,, I kinda knew that would be the result of a truck weighing 8000 lbs! Comfortable on long trips. I took it to Las Vegas pulling a 7000lb racecar trailer down Route 66 and it got around 9 to 10 Miles per Gallon... Diesel fuel is Cheaper than gasoling for the first time in … 4 years,,, So,, I'm enjoying a little reprieve.. I change the oil and filter every 3000 miles with Mobil Delvac and Genuine Mopar filters... Hopefully it will last a while... Had trouble with my 2009 2500 Blowing black smoke around 80,000 miles,, So I traded it in for this 2012 Duallie.
4.88 out of 5 stars
2012 Ram 3500 Laramie Crew Cab 6 spd Auto
atvdude, 04/04/2012
2012 Ram 3500 Laramie 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB DRW (6.7L 6cyl Turbodiesel 6M)
Traded off a 2008 Ram 3500 Mega Cab for a 2012 Ram 3500 Crew Cab. Huge improvement over the 2008. Interior quality is much better. Seats are very comfortable and good for long road trips, leather quality is excellent. Audio system sounds great. Very quiet for a diesel and more quiet than the 2008. Feature overload, still have not figured them all out yet.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2016 Ram 3500, so we've included reviews for other years of the 3500 since its last redesign.
2016 3500 Highlights
Crew Cab
Tradesman
Base MSRP | $36,140 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Seating | 6 seats |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Max Towing Capacity | 17,520 lbs. |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
People who viewed this also viewed
1.5 average Rating out of 2 reviews. |
Starting at $46,050 |
3.9 average Rating out of 13 reviews. |
Starting at $37,410 |
Starting at $45,015 |
Related Used 2016 Ram 3500 info
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- Audi Q5
- Nissan Altima Automatic
- Subaru Subaru Forester
- Pole Star 2
- BMW X 5
- A Spec Acura TLX
- Mitsubishi Outlander
- Volvo E XC90
- BMW 330 I
- Nissan Pathfinder
Recommended
- Best Audi S7 Lease Deals in Buffalo, NY
- Best Audi A6 Allroad Lease Deals in Clarksville, TN
- Best Audi S7 Lease Deals in Detroit, MI
- Best Lexus Es Lease Deals in Grand Rapids, MI
- Best Dodge Durango Lease Deals in Grand Rapids, MI
Other models
- Used Mercedes-Benz Sprinter in Louisville, KY
- New Ford Escape-Plug-In-Hybrid for Sale in Chicopee, MA
- Used Ford Fusion-Energi in Cocoa Beach, FL
- Used Suzuki Aerio in Sanford, NC
- New Genesis G90 for Sale in Cocoa Beach, FL
- Used Toyota Mr2-Spyder in Temecula, CA
- Used BMW 5-Series-Gran-Turismo in Lansing, MI
- Used Honda Fit in Lillington, NC
- Used Mitsubishi Mirage-G4 in Dacula, GA
- Used Hyundai Ioniq-5 in Langhorne, PA
- Used Infiniti QX55 in Mentor, OH
- New Cadillac XT6 for Sale in Norwalk, CT
- Used Ferrari 488-GTB in Martinez, CA
- Used Bentley Continental-Flying-Spur in Suffern, NY
- Used Lexus GS-300 in Collierville, TN
Vehicle reviews of used models
- GMC Acadia 2020 Review
- GMC Savana Cargo 2020 Review
- GMC Canyon 2020 Review
- GMC Acadia 2021 Review
- GMC Canyon 2021 Review
Shop used vehicles in your area
- Used Volkswagen Corrado 1990
- Used Saab 9-3 Griffin 1995
- Used Plymouth Voyager 1994
- Used Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight 1992
- Used Cadillac STS 2010
- Used Suzuki Equator 2010
- Used Ford F-250 Super Duty 2010
- Used Suzuki Reno 2007
- Used Plymouth Laser 1991
- Used Aston Martin Rapide S 2011
Research recent models from same make
- 2022 Ram 2500
- 2022 Ram 1500
- 2023 Ram 1500
- 2023 Ram 2500
- Ram 1500 Classic 2022
- Ram 2500 2022
- Ram Promaster Window Covers
- Maserati 3500 2022
- 2022 Ram 1500 Classic
- 2022 Maserati 3500