Ram 3500 Compared: Rivals and Trims
Shopping one-ton trucks? The Ram 3500 offers best-in-class available diesel torque of 1,075 lb-ft, tows up to 36,610 pounds, and adds an available dually. Open the one-on-one comparison below, see how it stacks up, and walk through the trims.
Ram 3500 matchups, one on one
Already have a rival in mind? Each link opens a full side-by-side of the Ram 3500 against that specific truck, spec for spec.
How the Ram 3500 measures up
| Model |
Starting MSRP |
Top diesel torque |
Max towing |
Max payload |
| Ram 3500 |
About $47,195 |
1,075 lb-ft (HO Cummins) |
Up to 36,610 lbs |
Up to 7,680 lbs |
| Ford F-350 |
About $51,000 |
1,200 lb-ft (HO Power Stroke) |
Up to 38,000 lbs |
Up to 8,000 lbs |
| Chevrolet Silverado 3500 |
About $49,895 |
975 lb-ft (Duramax) |
Up to 36,000 lbs |
Up to 7,290 lbs |
| GMC Sierra 3500 |
About $50,195 |
975 lb-ft (Duramax) |
Up to 36,000 lbs |
Up to 7,290 lbs |
Starting MSRP is the manufacturer’s suggested retail price and may or may not include destination charges; it excludes taxes, title, and dealer fees. Contact us for current pricing.
The Ford F-350 leads the group at the very top on diesel torque, towing, and payload, and the GM twins (Chevrolet Silverado 3500 and GMC Sierra 3500) are close behind on towing. The Ram counters with best-in-class Cummins torque of 1,075 lb-ft, more than the GM Duramax’s 975, capability into the mid-30,000-pound range, and the comfort of the Ram heavy-duty cabin, often at a competitive starting price. Open a head-to-head above for the full breakdown.
Worth knowing about the Ram 3500
- The Ram 3500’s available High Output Cummins makes 1,075 lb-ft, best-in-class among one-ton trucks.
- It tows up to 36,610 pounds and carries up to 7,680 pounds of payload.
- It shares the Ram heavy-duty cabin, a comfort standout in the one-ton class, often at a lower starting price than the F-350.
Ram 3500 trim comparison
The Ram 3500 lines up from the work-ready Tradesman to the luxury Limited, with single- and dual-rear-wheel setups across the range.
| Trim |
Highlights |
Best for |
| Tradesman |
Work-ready value with the standard HEMI V8 |
Value and work |
| Big Horn / Lone Star |
Popular midrange with more comfort and features |
Most buyers |
| Laramie / Limited Longhorn |
Leather and near-luxury appointments |
Comfort and luxury |
| Limited |
Top-tier luxury with the available High Output Cummins |
Flagship hauling |
Ram 3500 comparison FAQ
What trucks compete with the Ram 3500?
The Ram 3500 is most cross-shopped with the Ford F-350, Chevrolet Silverado 3500, and GMC Sierra 3500. We have a dedicated comparison for each; open the links above.
Which one-ton truck tows the most?
The Ford F-350 leads at the very top, up to about 38,000 pounds, with the Ram 3500 at up to 36,610 and the Silverado 3500 and Sierra 3500 at up to about 36,000. All are far beyond what most buyers need.
How much torque does the Ram 3500 make?
The available High Output Cummins makes 1,075 lb-ft, best-in-class among one-ton trucks and more than the GM Duramax’s 975 lb-ft. The Ford F-350’s High Output Power Stroke makes up to 1,200 lb-ft.
What is the difference between the Ram 2500 and Ram 3500?
Both are heavy-duty trucks that share the 6.4-liter HEMI V8 and the available 6.7-liter Cummins turbo-diesel. The Ram 3500 steps up capability: it offers the High Output Cummins with 1,075 lb-ft of torque, an available dual-rear-wheel (dually) setup, and tows up to 36,610 pounds with a much higher payload. The Ram 2500 tops out around 20,000 pounds of towing and rides a bit smoother day to day, which suits buyers who do not need maximum capacity.
Which Ram 3500 trim is best?
Tradesman for work, Big Horn or Lone Star for most buyers, and Laramie and above for luxury, all with single- or dual-rear-wheel setups.
