2020 RAM 3500 Reviews, Pricing & Specs

There are many pickup trucks out there, each designed for a different job. Some are for towing, others for off-roading, and others are...

There are many pickup trucks out there, each designed for a different job. Some are for towing, others for off-roading, and others are simply a very capable commuter vehicle for weekend warriors. But for the ones who need a truck for serious work, there’s the 2020 Ram 3500 Heavy Duty.

The Ram 3500 HD strikes an imposing stance with its “Big Rig” styling and a hood that rises above its flanking headlights and front fenders. Ram’s corporate cousin, Dodge, is known for its Challenger muscle car, and similarly, the Ram 3500 has a muscular flair, emphasized by curving fenders, a large chrome grille, a contoured hood, and integrated hood vents.

For 2020, Ram makes available a unique design package dubbed the Night Edition. This design packages matched body-color accents throughout as well as black 20-inch wheels, a black interior, and black exterior accents.

The Ram 3500 is designed for serious work, and as such, can be had in the form of a Regular Cab with an 8-foot bed. This single-cab truck can be had with two bucket seats or a single bench, providing seating for three. Ram also offers a Crew Cab, which is a full 4-door pickup, with seating for five (with two front-row seats) or six (with a front bench). This seating layout is also available in the Ram Mega Cab, one of the most massive and spacious cabs available.

The Crew Cab is available with either the 8-foot or the 6-foot-4-inch bed, while the Mega Cab can be had only with the 6-foot-4-inch bed. Ram makes accessing the bed easier with a power-release, slow-open tailgate and retractable bed steps. The available Ram Box cargo management system is also extremely helpful. These cargo boxes are located above the rear wheels, drainable, and available with a wall-style 115-volt power outlet. Each Ram Box also has LED lighting and is power-locking from inside the cab or with the key fob.

The Ram 3500 has an interior that looks more like a control center. It's loaded with switches, trays, and compartments. The dash is dominated by a massive touchscreen on select versions. The base trim's screen is a 5-inch unit, while most trims get an 8.4-inch touchscreen complemented by conventional buttons and dials. The range-topping setup is a massive 12-inch customizable touchscreen. You can swap out radio or climate controls, or even let the navigation system take over the entire screen. The navigation system has pinch-to-zoom functionality, providing more control than ever.

Trims for the Ram 3500 include Tradesman, Big Horn, Laramie, Laramie Longhorn, and the range-topping Limited. The Tradesman is a down-to-earth truck that’s designed for taking abuse at the job site. It has black bumpers, a rear bumper step, manual mirrors and seats, and even manual-crank mirrors. It does come with push-button start, AM/FM radio, Satellite Radio prep, and voice control, as well as Bluetooth wireless phone connectivity.

The Big Horn adds power windows, tow hooks, trailer brake control, and a host of options packages. The Laramie steps up with heated front seats, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, LED cabin lighting, and remote start. The Laramie Longhorn takes things a step further, with automatic high beams, heated second-row seats, and a host of available options. The Limited tops things off with the RamBox cargo management system (the only trim to come standard with it), the massive 12-inch touchscreen, and a Harman Kardon premium sound system.

Ram buyers can select from one of two engines. The base 6.4-liter V8 makes 410 horsepower and 429 pound-feet of torque and pairs with an 8-speed automatic transmission to send power to the rear wheels. Four-wheel drive (4WD) is an available option.

Like the less-capable 2500, the 3500 offers an available 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel engine. But in this application, that engine delivers a more powerful 400 horsepower and a stupefying 1,000 pound-feet of torque. This engine sends power to the rear wheels or available 4WD through a 6-speed automatic transmission.

When properly equipped, the Ram 3500 HD can tow up to 35,100 pounds and provides a payload capacity of 7,680 pounds. The Ram 3500 Crew Cab with the optional 8-foot bed is available with a 50-gallon fuel tank, ensuring the ability to efficiently handle long-haul trips. These features and more ensure the Ram 3500 is as smart as it is capable and rugged.