James Riswick has been testing cars and writing about them for more than 20 years. He was the senior reviews editor for Autoblog and previously served multiple editor roles here at Edmunds. He has also contributed to Autotrader, Car and Driver, Hagerty, JD Power and Autoguide Magazine. He has been interested in cars forever; his mom took him to the Toronto Auto Show when he was 18 months old and has attended at least one every year since (OK, except in 2020). He owns a babied 1998 BMW Z3 in James Bond blue and a 2023 Kia Niro EV.
Pros
Massive torque and towing capacity with diesel engine
High-quality cabins at every price point
Easy-to-use and feature-packed infotainment systems
Numerous available driver assist technologies
Cons
Engines less powerful than Ford's
Some might find the driving position too high
Less comfortable ride than the Ram 2500
What's new
High-output diesel is only engine offered
New and improved touchscreen options
Many other new entertainment, towing and safety features are available
Revised styling
Part of the fifth Ram 3500 generation introduced for 2019
Overview
If a 20,000-pound maximum tow rating just isn't enough and/or you have more than 4,000 pounds to drop into the bed, the 2025 Ram 3500 is going to be your heavy-duty Ram truck. Those numbers would be the 2500's capability ceiling. The 3500 maxes out at 36,610 pounds of towing muscle and 7,590 pounds of payload. Now, those are maximums — the exact figures can be much lower depending on a range of factors. But if you need the most Ram truck possible, the number that matters most is 3500.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2025 Ram 3500 Tradesman 2dr Regular Cab LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) 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 Ohio.
Last year, you could get the Ram 3500 with one of two Cummins diesel engine options. For 2025, Ram has discontinued the previous 370-hp Cummins diesel engine option. What's left is the more powerful version. It makes 10 more horsepower this year — now 430 hp — and is said to be quieter and smoother. Other changes for 2025 include updated styling and a refreshed interior with new-and-improved touchscreens. An all-digital instrument panel and a passenger-side screen are now available, too. Dual wireless charging pads and a power inverter are introduced to the available features list, along with a handy trailer reverse steering control system and several safety technologies.
Competitors to consider
As mighty as the Ram 3500's towing and payload numbers are, they're actually outdone by the Ford F-350 (a 40,000-pound towing maximum and up to 8,000 pounds of payload), in part thanks to its more powerful gasoline and diesel engines. It can't match the Ram's Mega Cab option, or its overall interior quality, usability or tech. Neither can the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra HD twins. They come close, at least inside, but their engine and capability specs are off the pace of both Ford and Ram. If you need more capability than all of the above, have you considered something from Peterbilt?
Which 3500 does Edmunds recommend?
Picking the best Ram 3500 depends a lot on what you're going to use it for. Setting aside commercial use, we think most buyers will be quite happy with the Laramie trim. It's not the fanciest, but you can outfit it with most of the Limited's extras and can avoid its ride-worsening 20-inch wheels and gimmicky front passenger display. Getting the optional diesel engine is also a smart move if you're going to be towing heavy trailers.
Save as much as $4,075 with Edmunds Click on the trim you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal. Savings vary by trim; $4,075 refers to estimated savings off of MSRP for the Lone Star trim.
The Edmunds experts tested the 2025 3500 both on the road and at the track. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Ram 3500. Learn more
What's new in the 2025 Ram 3500?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2025 Ram 3500:
High-output diesel is only engine offered
New and improved touchscreen options
Many other new entertainment, towing and safety features are available
Revised styling
Part of the fifth Ram 3500 generation introduced for 2019
To determine whether the Ram 3500 is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the 3500. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the 3500's average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2025 Ram 3500 a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2025 Ram 3500 is a good car. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2025 3500 is a good car for you. Check back soon for the official Edmunds Rating from our expert testing team Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2025 Ram 3500?
The least-expensive 2025 Ram 3500 is the 2025 Ram 3500 Tradesman 2dr Regular Cab LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $46,570.
Other versions include:
Tradesman 2dr Regular Cab LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) which starts at $46,570
Tradesman 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) which starts at $49,500
Big Horn 2dr Regular Cab LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) which starts at $49,895
Lone Star 2dr Regular Cab LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) which starts at $49,895
Lone Star 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) which starts at $52,825
Big Horn 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) which starts at $52,825
If you're interested in the Ram 3500, the next question is, which 3500 model is right for you? 3500 variants include Tradesman 2dr Regular Cab LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A), Tradesman 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A), Big Horn 2dr Regular Cab LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A), and Lone Star 2dr Regular Cab LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A). For a full list of 3500 models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more