2018 Ram 3500
Pros
- Diesel engine and automatic transmission yield monumental torque
- Cabin offers excellent fit and finish
- Ride is comfortable and quiet, especially for a large truck
- Available load-leveling air suspension
Cons
- Diesel engine delivers lower power with manual transmission
- Manual-shift control is in a clumsy spot on column shifter
- Six-cylinder diesel not as quick as V8-powered competitors
2018 Ram 3500 pricing
in Ashburn, VA
Which 3500 does Edmunds recommend?
Edmunds' Expert Review
Overall rating
4.5 / 5If you're looking to step up to the big leagues for towing and hauling, only a heavy-duty pickup truck will do. And as these trucks go, the 2018 Ram 3500 is one of the most capable you'll find. Like the Ram 2500, this heavy-duty powerhouse offers far greater capability than the full-size, light-duty Ram 1500. With the 3500, you're looking at a maximum towing capacity of more than 31,000 pounds and a max payload capacity of 7,390 pounds.
The 2018 Ram 3500 isn't the only heavy-duty truck on the market, of course. Both Chevrolet and Ford offer similarly stout rigs with more capability than you'll probably ever need. Among this group, the Ram stands out for its high-quality cabin and comfortable ride. The 3500's ride isn't quite as plush as that of its siblings — the rear coil springs that make those pickups so easy-riding have been replaced by typical leaf springs — but you can still equip it with an air suspension to smooth out some ruts and keep the truck level while towing.
Trim levels & features
Like many heavy-duty pickups, the 2018 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 is 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 long-bed crew cab long 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. 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 930 lb-ft.
The 3500 is available with either rear-wheel drive or part-time four-wheel drive.
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 18-inch steel wheels (17 inches on models with dual rear wheels), automatic headlights, black grille and bumpers, tow hooks, a locking tailgate, a limited-slip rear differential, air conditioning, a 40/20/40-split front bench, a tilt-only steering wheel, vinyl upholstery, a driver information display, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with an incorporated rearview camera display, and a six-speaker stereo with a USB port.
Power windows and locks, including the locking tailgate, are standard on crew-cab models, as are power-adjustable and heated mirrors. Regular cabs have manual controls and non-heated mirrors by default.
The SLT adds chrome exterior trim, chrome wheels, an integrated trailer brake controller, heated mirrors, a power-sliding rear window (manual on regular cabs), remote locking and unlocking, an overhead console, cloth upholstery, carpeted floors, full power accessories, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and a 5-inch touchscreen interface that displays the rearview camera image.
The Big Horn (Lone Star for shoppers in Texas) adds alloy wheels, chrome grille slats, foglights, a 115-volt power outlet, a power-adjustable driver's seat, premium cloth upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, and a charge-only USB port.
The Laramie builds off the Big Horn/Lone Star and adds a standard 6.4-liter V8, alloy wheels for dual rear-wheel models, more chrome trim (including the bumpers), projector headlights, LED taillights, power-folding and auto-dimming mirrors, front and rear parking sensors, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, driver-seat memory settings, and a six-way power front passenger seat with power lumbar adjustment. This trim also brings heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, an upgraded driver information display, a 10-speaker surround-sound audio system, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, HD radio, and an 8.4-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The Laramie Longhorn adds to the Laramie's substantial features list by including a chrome mesh grille, color-keyed bumpers, running boards, a spray-in bedliner, LED bed lights, remote ignition, a full center console, upgraded floor mats, upgraded leather upholstery, wood interior and steering wheel trim, power-adjustable pedals with memory settings, front bucket seats and a navigation system.
The Limited trim adds monotone paint, 20-inch wheels, additional chrome exterior trim, automatic high beams, automatic wipers, keyless entry and special black leather upholstery.
This choice also brings the RamBox cargo management system, which includes bedside storage compartments, an adjustable bed divider and tie-downs.
Many upper-trim features are available on lower trim levels as options. Other option highlights include a load-leveling suspension, tow mirrors, a cargo-view camera, fifth-wheel trailer preparation, off-road tires, a CD player and a sunroof.
Trim tested
Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of a Ram 3500 SLT Crew Cab (6.7L inline-6 turbodiesel | 6-speed automatic | 4WD).
NOTE: Since this test was conducted, the current Ram 3500 has received some revisions, including this year's revised technology interface and increased torque output. Our findings remain applicable to this year's Ram 3500.
Driving
Comfort
5Seat comfort
4.5Ride comfort
4.5Noise & vibration
5Interior
4.5Ease of use
5Getting in/getting out
5Roominess
4Visibility
4Quality
Utility
4.5Small-item storage
Cargo space
4Towing
5Hauling
Technology
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2018 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 Back Up Camera
- Displays an image directly behind the Ram 3500, either in the rearview camera or from the central touchscreen.
- Cargo Camera
- Ensures the safety of driver, passers-by and trailered load by displaying image of truck bed, including any fifth-wheel tow hitch assembly.
2018 Ram 3500 for Sale
Get more for your trade-in
Edmunds shoppers get on average $235 more for their trade-in.
Receive offers from our dealer partners fast.
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 2018 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 7,350 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's 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 and 800 lb-ft and 385 hp and 930 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. Be sure to use Edmunds' extensive pricing and inventory tools to help find the perfect 2018 Ram 3500 for you.
2018 Ram 3500 Overview
The 2018 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 (6.4L 8cyl 6A), Big Horn 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), Laramie 4dr Mega Cab 4WD SB (6.4L 8cyl 6A), Tradesman 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), Laramie Longhorn 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (6.4L 8cyl 6A), Tradesman 4dr Crew Cab LB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), Tradesman 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), Laramie 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.4L 8cyl 6A), Laramie Longhorn 4dr Mega Cab 4WD SB (6.4L 8cyl 6A), SLT 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), Lone Star 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), Limited 4dr Mega Cab 4WD SB (6.4L 8cyl 6A), Limited 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (6.4L 8cyl 6A), Big Horn 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), Big Horn 4dr Mega Cab 4WD SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), Limited 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.4L 8cyl 6A), SLT 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), SLT 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), Laramie Longhorn 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.4L 8cyl 6A), Tradesman 2dr Regular Cab LB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), Limited 4dr Crew Cab LB (6.4L 8cyl 6A), Laramie 4dr Crew Cab LB (6.4L 8cyl 6A), Lone Star 4dr Crew Cab LB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), SLT 4dr Mega Cab 4WD SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), Limited 4dr Crew Cab SB (6.4L 8cyl 6A), Laramie Longhorn 4dr Crew Cab LB (6.4L 8cyl 6A), Laramie 4dr Crew Cab SB (6.4L 8cyl 6A), Tradesman 4dr Crew Cab SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), Big Horn 4dr Crew Cab LB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), Big Horn 4dr Crew Cab SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), SLT 4dr Crew Cab LB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), Lone Star 4dr Crew Cab SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), Limited 4dr Mega Cab SB (6.4L 8cyl 6A), SLT 2dr Regular Cab LB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), Lone Star 4dr Mega Cab SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), Lone Star 4dr Mega Cab 4WD SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), SLT 4dr Crew Cab SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), Big Horn 4dr Mega Cab SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), Laramie Longhorn 4dr Crew Cab SB (6.4L 8cyl 6A), Laramie Longhorn 4dr Mega Cab SB (6.4L 8cyl 6A), SLT 4dr Mega Cab SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), Lone Star 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), and Laramie 4dr Mega Cab SB (6.4L 8cyl 6A).
What do people think of the 2018 Ram 3500?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2018 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 2018 3500.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2018 Ram 3500 and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2018 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.
What's a good price for a New 2018 Ram 3500?
2018 Ram 3500 Tradesman 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (5.7L 8cyl 6A)
The 2018 Ram 3500 Tradesman 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $41,415. The average price paid for a new 2018 Ram 3500 Tradesman 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) is trending $7,175 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $7,175 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$34,240.
The average savings for the 2018 Ram 3500 Tradesman 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) is17.3% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 3 2018 Ram 3500 Tradesman 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
Which 2018 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) 2018 Ram 3500 for sale near. There are currently 229 new 2018 3500s listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $40,885 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 2018 Ram 3500. Then select Edmunds special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to $16,855 on a used or CPO 2018 3500 available from a dealership near you.
Can't find a new 2018 Ram 3500s you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
Find a new Ram 3500 for sale - 12 great deals out of 22 listings starting at $23,575.
Find a new Ram for sale - 10 great deals out of 17 listings starting at $15,521.
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Should I lease or buy a 2018 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
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Related vehicle information
2018 Ram 3500 Information
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