2017 Ram 3500
Pros
- Diesel engine and automatic transmission yield monumental torque
- Cabin offers excellent cabin fit and finish
- Ride is comfortable and quiet, especially for a large truck
Cons
- Diesel engine delivers lower power with manual transmission
- Manual shift control is in clumsy spot on gear column shifter
2017 Ram 3500 pricing
in Ashburn, VA
Which 3500 does Edmunds recommend?
Edmunds' Expert Review
Overall rating
4.5 / 5The 2017 Ram 3500 is a top pick for a heavy-duty truck thanks to its refined interior, class-leading ride comfort, and tremendous towing and hauling capabilities. If the baby brother 2500 can't meet your towing or hauling needs, the Ram 3500 is the workhorse that can deliver the additional muscle with equal refinement.
Like the 1500 and 2500, the Ram 3500 is available in several different configurations involving cabin, powertrain and box length choices, but it offers superior towing and hauling abilities.
There are few competitors in this segment, but none have one of the Ram's best features: an optional rear air suspension with automatic load-leveling that makes it easy to haul big cargo with confidence and comfort.
2017 Ram 3500 configurations
Like many heavy-duty pickups, the 2017 Ram 3500 is available in multiple configurations. There are three cab styles, two bed lengths, three engines, two transmissions, and six trim levels: Tradesman, SLT, Big Horn/Lone Star, Laramie, Laramie Longhorn, and Limited. At one end of the spectrum is the Tradesman, a minimal-frills workhorse. At the other, the Limited, which widens the boundaries of big-truck luxury.
Cab styles include a two-door regular cab, a four-door crew cab, and a four-door jumbo crew cab called Mega Cab. The regular cab comes with an 8-foot bed only, while the crew cab has either the long bed or a short bed (6 feet 4 inches). The Mega Cab rides on the same wheelbase as the crew-cab long bed but combines an even bigger cabin with the short bed.
Most 3500s come with a 5.7-liter V8 gasoline engine (383 horsepower, 400 pound-feet of torque) paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. A modified version of this engine runs on compressed natural gas and produces identical power figures to the gasoline version.
The 3500 is available with either rear-wheel drive or part-time four-wheel drive. There are two optional engines: A 6.4-liter V8 (410 hp, 429 lb-ft of torque) paired to a six-speed automatic transmission and a turbocharged 6.7-liter diesel six-cylinder. The latter makes 350 hp and 660 lb-ft when matched to a six-speed manual transmission. When paired with a six-speed automatic, those numbers are 370 hp and 800 lb-ft of torque. There's even a heavy-duty six-speed auto that churns out 385 hp and 900 pound-feet.
Tradesman and SLT trims are available with all three cabs, while the Big Horn/Lone Star, Laramie, Laramie Longhorn and Limited versions can only be ordered with crew and Mega cabs.
The Tradesman is the most basic trim and comes with 17-inch steel wheels, automatic headlights, black grille and bumpers, a locking tailgate, a 40/20/40-split front bench, a tilt-only steering wheel, and a six-speaker stereo with a USB port and an auxiliary audio input. 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 crew-cab models, as are power heated mirrors. Regular cabs have manual controls and non-heated mirrors by default. Available for the Tradesman and geared toward commercial users is Work Grade heavy-duty vinyl upholstery.
The SLT adds chrome exterior trim, 18-inch steel wheels, an integrated trailer brake controller, power heated mirrors, a power-sliding rear window (manual on regular cabs), keyless entry, an overhead console, cloth upholstery, carpeted floors, full power accessories, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a 5-inch touchscreen interface and satellite radio.
The Big Horn (Lone Star for shoppers in Texas) adds 18-inch alloy wheels, a limited-slip rear differential, chrome grille slats, foglights, remote ignition, a 115-volt power outlet, a 10-way power driver seat (with power lumbar adjustment), premium cloth upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls.
The Laramie builds off the Big Horn/Lone Star and adds a standard 6.4-liter V8, two-tone paint, more chrome trim (including the bumpers), projector headlights, LED taillights, front and rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, driver-seat memory settings, a six-way power front passenger seat (with power lumbar adjustment), heated and ventilated front bucket seats, a heated steering wheel and a 10-speaker surround-sound audio system. The limited-slip differential is dropped as standard equipment but is available as an option.
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, power-adjustable pedals (with memory settings), heated rear seats, a navigation system and HD radio.
The Limited trim adds monotone paint, color-keyed bumpers, 20-inch wheels, 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 upper trim features are available on lower trim levels as options. Other option highlights include a load-leveling suspension, a cargo-view camera, fifth-wheel trailer preparation, off-road tires, a CD player and a sunroof.
Trim tested
Driving
4.0Acceleration
3.0Braking
4.5Steering
2.0Handling
4.5Drivability
4.0Off-road
3.5Comfort
5.0Seat comfort
4.5Ride comfort
4.5Noise & vibration
5.0Interior
4.5Ease of use
5.0Getting in/getting out
5.0Roominess
4.0Visibility
4.0Quality
Utility
Small-item storage
Cargo space
4.0Towing
5.0Hauling
Technology
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2017 Ram 3500.
Most helpful consumer reviews
Features & Specs
Safety
Our experts’ favorite 3500 safety features:
- ParkSense Front/Rear Park Assist System
- Alerts the driver to unseen objects front or rear. Crucial in a big truck like this with limited forward and rearward visibility.
- ParkView Rear Backup Camera
- Equally important as sensors when reversing a large truck. But the image should show from central display, not from tiny side mirror inset.
- Cargo Camera
- Helps ensure safety of driver, surrounding passerby and trailered load by displaying image of truck bed, including any 5th-wheel tow hitch assembly.
2017 Ram 3500 for Sale
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Edmunds shoppers get on average $235 more for their trade-in.
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See your car's valueMost pickup trucks have no problem hauling a few bales of hay or an ATV or two, but if you have a seriously big job, like transporting a bed full of depleted uranium or towing an RV the size of an office building, you need a heavy-duty truck (also known as 3/4- or 1-ton pickups, though in truth they carry much more). Among the few choices you have, we think the Ram 3500 is an excellent one.
In order to haul the massive loads for which it was designed — depending on how it is equipped, the Ram 3500 can carry up to 6,580 pounds in the bed and tow up to 31,210 pounds — the 3500 must do without the coil springs that give its slightly-less-capable sibling, the Ram 2500, a considerably smoother ride. That said, Ram does offer optional load-leveling airbags to supplement the 3500's rear leaf springs. But we don't want you to get the idea that this giant drives like a luxury car. Though it's more comfortable than other heavy-duty pickups, it still rides stiffly, and the overboosted steering is less precise than other lighter-duty Ram pickups. The brake pedal feels a bit spongy, but the Ram 3500 we tested stopped from 60 mph quickly (137 feet) and consistently with no fade despite repeated hard stops.
Engine choices include two gas V8s: A 5.7-liter engine making 383 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque and a 6.4-liter unit good for 410 hp (370 hp in MegaCab models) and 429 lb-ft. Note that Ram recommends midgrade (89 octane) fuel for the 5.7, while the 6.4 takes regular. The Ram 3500 is arguably best known for the optional 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel, an inline six-cylinder that is basically a scaled-down big-rig engine. The Cummins comes in three power ratings. Trucks with a manual transmission (a rarity among pickups) are rated at 350 hp and 660 lb-ft; with an automatic, the ratings are 370 hp/800 lb-ft and 385 hp/900 lb-ft.
Another aspect of the Ram 3500 that we like is the cabin. It's well trimmed, the front seats are comfortable and the controls are easy to use. We're especially fond of the Uconnect infotainment system, which we consider among the best in the business. Getting in and out is surprisingly effortless (though a step at the rear would do wonders to make access to the bed as easy as access to the cab), visibility is great, and there's plenty of room. This is a first-class truck cab.
Ram offers several choices for 3500 buyers, including three cab sizes, two bed lengths, single or dual rear wheels, and six trim levels ranging from industrial to indulgent: Tradesman, SLT, Big Horn (Lone Star in Texas), Laramie, Laramie Longhorn and Limited. Edmunds can help find the perfect 2017 Ram 3500 for you.
2017 Ram 3500 Overview
The 2017 Ram 3500 is offered in the following submodels: 3500 Crew Cab, 3500 Mega Cab, 3500 Regular Cab. Available styles include Tradesman 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), Laramie 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), SLT 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), Laramie Longhorn 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), Laramie 4dr Mega Cab 4WD SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), Tradesman 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), Laramie Longhorn 4dr Mega Cab 4WD SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), Laramie 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), Tradesman 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), Tradesman 4dr Crew Cab LB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), Big Horn 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), SLT 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), Big Horn 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), Limited 4dr Mega Cab 4WD SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), Limited 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), Laramie Longhorn 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), SLT 4dr Mega Cab 4WD SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), Big Horn 4dr Mega Cab 4WD SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), Lone Star 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), Lone Star 4dr Mega Cab SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), SLT 4dr Crew Cab LB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), Laramie Longhorn 4dr Mega Cab SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), Big Horn 4dr Crew Cab SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), Big Horn 4dr Crew Cab LB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), Lone Star 4dr Crew Cab SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), Laramie Longhorn 4dr Crew Cab LB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), Lone Star 4dr Crew Cab LB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), Limited 4dr Crew Cab LB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), Limited 4dr Mega Cab SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), SLT 4dr Mega Cab SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), Lone Star 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), Lone Star 4dr Mega Cab 4WD SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), Tradesman 2dr Regular Cab LB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), Laramie Longhorn 4dr Crew Cab SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), Big Horn 4dr Mega Cab SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), Limited 4dr Crew Cab SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), Limited 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), SLT 4dr Crew Cab SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), SLT 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), SLT 2dr Regular Cab LB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), Tradesman 4dr Crew Cab SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), Laramie 4dr Crew Cab SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), Laramie 4dr Mega Cab SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), and Laramie 4dr Crew Cab LB (5.7L 8cyl 6A).
What do people think of the 2017 Ram 3500?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2017 Ram 3500 and all its trim types. 0 Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2017 3500.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2017 Ram 3500 and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2017 3500 featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
Which 2017 Ram 3500s are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2017 Ram 3500 for sale near. There are currently 3 new 2017 3500s listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $72,440 and mileage as low as 0 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the Carfax and Autocheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2017 Ram 3500. Then select Edmunds special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to $12,730 on a used or CPO 2017 3500 available from a dealership near you.
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Should I lease or buy a 2017 Ram 3500?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Ram lease specials