Used 2021 Ram 2500 Crew Cab

Heavy-duty pickup trucks like the 2021 Ram 2500 and 2021 Ram 3500 have reached an awe-inspiring point in their evolution. They’re able to move great weights, either in their beds and/or on trailers, and create great power. An optional Cummins diesel generates a mighty 1,000 lb-ft of torque.

Yet while these 2021 Ram heavy-duty trucks are the most capable the company has ever produced (that don’t require a commercial driver’s license), they can also be truly luxurious and civilized. Naturally, there’s a dedicated off-road version as well, called the Power Wagon.

Ram heavy-duty trucks aren’t the only game in town, however. The Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD were fresh generations only last year, which was also when the Ford F-Series Super Duty received an update.

Making a selection might be tough, but there’s really no bad choice in this class.

Despite being the “base” engine of the 2021 Ram 2500/3500 range, the gasoline-powered 6.4-liter V8 provides a decent rate of acceleration along with useful mid-range muscle for overtaking. The 8-speed automatic transmission, meanwhile, executes its shifts smoothly. There’s a touch of play to the steering, but that’s ideal when towing.

On that subject, although the 3500 naturally has more capacity than the 2500, the latter has a more comfortable ride (especially unladen) and costs less. The Ram 2500’s tow rating of 19,370 pounds and maximum payload of 4,520 pounds are still phenomenal, however, and more than sufficient for most buyers’ needs.

Our ideal permutation of the 2021 Ram heavy-duty lineup could be a 2500 Crew Cab in Limited trim with the regular-output Cummins diesel engine and the air suspension. The torque seems endless, the gearshifts are sweet and the cabin is quiet; the diesel-engine sound is reduced to a murmur.

The Power Wagon, based on the Ram 2500, is the off-road specialist of the range. It deploys an ingenious suspension with disconnecting anti-roll bars, 360-degree camera system and a Warn winch with a synthetic line.

Each trim level of the 2021 Ram 2500/3500 has its own particular elements. But they all share certain attributes such as active noise cancellation and acoustic glass to keep the cabins hushed.

The materials used are good quality, such as real wood and metal. It’s also clear that a lot of thought has gone into stowage. The massive center console can be configured 12 ways, there’s a dual glovebox, plus extra storage when the rear bench seat is folded up. Two Ram Bins in the floor of Crew Cab models are covered and hidden from view. In total, there’s up to 258 liters of space.

Wireless charging is also available, along with up to five USB ports in the center console, including a newer Type-C port. There’s also a trio of 3-prong/115-volt outlets: one up front, one in the back and one in the RamBox.

Our main gripe is with the rear-center headrest. It’s too visible in the rearview mirror and doesn’t fold down. And although the 12-inch touch screen looks great, it isn’t as user-friendly as the 8.4-inch version that comes with real knobs and buttons.

Crisp, modern lines define the 2021 Ram 2500/3500 front end, while narrow directional LED headlights flank a split grille. Different trim levels have their own versions of the grille; the Power Wagon has several dedicated styling cues. Each model still looks unmistakably like a muscular American pickup.

The Ram 2500 comes only in the single rear-wheel layout (two wheels per axle), but the Ram 3500 is available with single rear wheels or dual rear wheels (two wheels up front, four wheels at the back). This latter arrangement is often referred to as a “dually.”

SMART TOWING FEATURES
An optional auxiliary camera system can show what’s behind the trailer while on the move. Both the regular side mirror and the convex tow mirror below it are power-adjustable. Trailer tire pressure monitoring and enhanced blind-spot monitoring are also available.

TRUCK BED INNOVATION
The RamBox system, with integrated side-bed storage bins, is lockable, drainable, illuminated and comes with a 115-volt power outlet — yet the bed is still large enough to carry 4×8-foot sheets of plywood. The power tailgate is dampened and can be released with the key fob, and a retractable bed step makes it easier to load/unload cargo.

The most basic 2021 Ram 2500 Heavy Duty is the regular-cab Tradesman with an 8-foot bed. This will appeal mainly to fleet buyers. The relatively low starting price means only a few comfort and convenience features.

It has the 6.4-liter V8 and the 8-speed automatic transmission, along with a manually adjustable 40/20/40-split bench seat, black vinyl flooring, plus a rearview camera with dynamic gridlines and a zoom function. The audio system consists of an AM/FM radio and four speakers. The Uconnect infotainment system has a 5-inch touch screen and provides Bluetooth.

Things become much more lavish higher up the order.

Some of the main options for a new Ram 2500/3500 involve either a spacious Crew Cab or an even bigger Mega Cab with greater rear legroom and reclining seats. There’s also the option of diesel power, including one version that makes a remarkable 1,000 lb-ft of torque.

A self-leveling rear air suspension provides a smooth and civilized ride, while also making it easier to connect/disconnect a trailer. Speaking of which, a comprehensive array of towing and safety equipment is available, including a 360-degree camera system, cargo-view camera, blind-spot monitoring and forward-collision mitigation.

Luxury levels are heightened by full leather interiors, accents of real metal and open-pore wood, plus a 17-speaker/750-watt Harman Kardon audio system. Once at the Power Wagon trim, the perfectly fine Uconnect infotainment system has an 8.4-inch touch screen, while there’s the choice of a high-resolution 12-inch touch screen.

The standard engine for the 2021 Ram 2500/3500 range is a gasoline-powered 6.4-liter V8 generating 410 horsepower. It has a cylinder deactivation feature to help save a bit of fuel during light use. It connects to an 8-speed automatic transmission with rear-wheel drive as the default arrangement; all-wheel drive is optional (standard in the Power Wagon).

Or there are two versions of the Cummins 6.7-liter inline-6 turbodiesel. The basic version makes a still meaty 850 lb-ft of torque and can be ordered in the 2500 or 3500. The alternative comes solely in the 3500 and produces 1,000 lb-ft of torque. A specially developed 6-speed automatic transmission is deployed with these engines.

Heavy-duty trucks like the Ram 2500/3500 are not rated for fuel economy by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

6.4-liter V8
410 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
429 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: N/A

6.7-liter turbocharged diesel inline-6
370 horsepower @ 2,800 rpm
850 lb-ft of torque @ 1,700 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: N/A

6.7-liter turbocharged diesel inline-6 (High Output, 3500 only)
400 horsepower @ 2,800 rpm
1,000 lb-ft of torque @ 1,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: N/A