2017 Ram 3500 Review

Given the multiple ways to configure a Ram 3500, it's tricky to recommend any single trim. Need a dependable daily truck that doesn't require much fuss? The Tradesman with a split bench seat and power accessories. Need something comfortable to take clients to job sites or pull the toy hauler in styl...

The exhaust brake does a nice job slowing the truck on downhills, and that's helpful because using the column-lever manual shifting buttons doesn't always result in a downshift. It sounds cool, too. The transmission will hold one gear up long grades thanks to all that torque.

While Ford and GM use V8 diesels, Ram uses an inline-six. We tested the 3500 with the high-output version (385 horsepower and 850 pound-feet at the time; 2017 output is 900 lb-ft). At our test track, the big truck accelerated to 60 mph in 9.1 seconds.

As with most trucks designed for towing, the brake pedal was spongy with a long travel, hurting confidence in around-town stopping. But it whoa-ed down from 60 mph in 137 feet, with incredibly consistent stops and zero pedal fade.

Rams usually exhibit sharper steering than this 3500, which lacked feel and had too much power assist. It still went where we pointed it; it just required much wheel turning to get there, due in part to the long wheelbase.

Our truck's optional dual rear wheels gave the Ram great stability through corners, and the stiff suspension exhibited little body lean. As expected, some midcorner bumps will upset the rear because of the non-independent suspension.

The exhaust brake does a nice job slowing the truck on downhills, and that's helpful because using the column-lever manual shifting buttons doesn't always result in a downshift. It sounds cool, too. The transmission will hold one gear up long grades thanks to all that torque.

The 4x4 system on the Ram 3500 dually is intended more for fire roads, snow and muddy farm work. A truck like this is way too big to tackle any kind of real rock-climbing activity like you might throw at a Jeep.

You can't expect a truck with a 5,600-pound payload capacity, which can seemingly tow a house, to drive like a crossover SUV. But the Ram is perhaps the smoothest-riding pickup in the heavy-duty segment, aided by comfy, supportive front seats. The cabin is supremely quiet as well.

The front seats are well padded and covered with grippy cloth, and they have some lateral support for cornering. The armrests have thick padding. The rear seats are not quite as plush, and the seatback is a bit upright. The middle seat is comfortable enough for short trips.

The optional load-leveling rear air suspension is there for towing, not comfort. Although the ride isn't pillowy, it's still smoother than rivals. The rear can get bouncy over certain freeway sections, but it takes a big hit to upset this truck.

The diesel engine is impressively quiet at idle, with barely any diesel noise evident at highway speeds. The tires are virtually noiseless, even over coarse pavement, and there's minimal wind noise, even with wide side mirrors.

The Ram's interior has modern styling with user-friendly controls, including the best-in-segment Uconnect system. The cabin is open and airy and easy to see out of. It doesn't sit too high off the ground, even though it's a 3500. Ram needs to add a damped tailgate and some form of bumper step.

This interior is as good as it gets as far as trucks go. The touchscreen/infotainment system is easy to use, the climate control system has large knobs and buttons, and the audio system has knobs for volume and tuning. The steering wheel buttons will seem small if you're wearing gloves.

It doesn't ride as high as you'd guess for a 3500. Perfectly placed grab handles plus the optional side steps help you get in, as do the large door openings. The rear doors open nearly 90 degrees, and there are grab handles. But it's a bit more of a hop to get into the rear than the front.

Lots of headroom for cowboy hats, plus plenty of elbow space on the huge center armrest. Rear headroom isn't super-abundant and could be tight for the tall-of-torso, but everyone else will be fine. Plenty of legroom, plus excellent toe room under the front seat.

The relatively narrow roof pillars make for easy outward viewing, plus all the side windows are nice and tall. The optional backup camera in the rearview mirror is tiny, though at least it has parking lines. Rear parking sensors are optional.

The exterior gaps and paint quality are good. Inside, solid material and design choices give off a premium vibe. The quietness suggests there's no scrimping in unseen places.

The 2017 Ram 3500 is all about towing, hauling and bed capacity. There's nothing dramatic — just either a massive 8-foot long bed or the more convenient 6-foot-4-inch short bed.

There are generously sized pockets in all four doors plus handy storage wells hidden under the rear floor mats. The Ram gives you plenty of bins and pockets to supplement the dual gloveboxes.

The door pockets are narrow but long with two bottleholders each. The 3500 has a sliding front bin, a large armrest bin with USB, an auxiliary input, a 12-volt charger and SD card slot. Unlike the competition, the Ram does not have a damped tailgate or any kind of bumper step.

This is a pretty unstoppable combination that can tow up to 31,210 pounds, with various stops in between (13,910 pounds with the smaller V8 or 16,370 pounds with the 6.4-liter, for example).

The Ram 3500 with the diesel and the heavy-duty automatic transmission can haul up to 6,580 pounds (regular cab configuration).

Large, logically located virtual buttons, reasonably quick response times and ample functionality for smartphone users make the Ram 3500's 8.4-inch touchscreen one of the best examples in almost any vehicle.