Used 2022 Ram 3500 Crew Cab

The heavy-duty pickup truck segment has gotten crazy in recent years, and we mean that as a compliment. The capabilities of modern HD trucks like the Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 are truly incredible. For example, the Ram HD has a maximum torque rating of 1,075 lb-ft and a max towing capacity of 37,100 pounds. All the while, it’s a comfortable, high-tech Ram truck that can get very luxurious on the inside.

The Ram HD has a few clear, direct competitors from its American rivals. It goes head-to-head with the Ford Super Duty and the HD variants of the Chevrolet Silverado and its mechanical twin, the GMC Sierra. For the 2022 model year, the Ram takes the crown for the highest maximum towing capacity, but all of these trucks are outstanding. Which one is right for you primarily comes down to personal preference.

The Ram HD is an absolute workhorse, even if you get the base 2500 model with the gas V8. The standard engine is no slouch with a max tow rating of 17,740 pounds in the 2500 model, which exceeds the needs of most truck drivers.

The Cummins turbo-diesel is a stellar engine and a worthwhile upgrade if you have the budget for it. If you’re doing serious towing regularly, then this is the engine you’ll want. The torque feels infinite, and it can tow a massive camper without breaking a sweat. When adequately equipped in the 3500 model, this engine delivers class-leading towing of up to 37,100 pounds.

In daily driving, this is a smooth and comfortable truck. Naturally, it has more than enough power, especially when it’s not towing or hauling anything. The steering has a bit of play to it, but that’s a good thing for towing. The Ram HD is especially comfy when equipped with the optional air suspension.

The off-road-oriented Power Wagon model is outstanding. It has a clever off-road suspension system with disconnecting sway bars, a Warn winch, 360-degree camera, and of course, a fierce appearance package. New for 2022 is an available electronic transfer case on the Power Wagon.

The interior is spacious and functional in the Ram HD. Cab options are a Regular Cab with no back seats, a Crew Cab with roomy back seats, or a massive Mega Cab with 43 inches of rear legroom.

The interior of the Ram HD can change drastically depending on the trim. The base Tradesman model has a no-nonsense interior that’s still comfortable and practical but light on frills. More features are added as you work your way up the model range, and it becomes a bona fide luxury vehicle in the top trims. You might forget you’re in a work truck with luxuries like full-leather seats, real wood and aluminum interior trim, a Harman Kardon 17-speaker audio system, and much more.

One minor gripe about the interior is that the 4-door models have a rear center headrest that gets in the way of rear visibility, and you can’t fold it down.

The Ram HD has the appearance of a muscular, capable, American pickup truck. The colossal grille is reminiscent of an 18-wheeler, and the curves through the body make it look almost like a muscle car. It’s a characteristic look that makes it look uniquely like a Ram. The curvy look is welcome in a traditionally boxy segment with lots of straight lines and sharp edges.

Like the interior, the exterior can change quite dramatically depending on the trim. The Limited model has its own special grille, the Limited Longhorn trim has unique 2-tone paint options, and the Power Wagon has a rugged off-road appearance package similar to the Ram 1500 Rebel. This variety allows you to choose the trim that best fits your own style.

Size-wise, the Ram HD is right in line with its rivals from Ford and GM. However, the Ram is the only one that offers the massive Mega Cab.

CUMMINS TURBO-DIESEL
In its high-output form in the 3500 model, this incredible diesel engine delivers 1,075 lb-ft of torque and a class-leading max tow rating of 37,100 pounds.

POWER WAGON
The rugged Ram HD Power Wagon is a proficient off-roader and one of the coolest looking models in this lineup.

The standard equipment on the base Tradesman trim is pretty sparse. That’s a good thing if you’re looking for a no-nonsense work truck. Standard features include work-grade vinyl seats (upgradable to cloth), push-button start, plus basics like air conditioning, power windows, and power door locks.

The standard infotainment system on the Ram HD is a 5-inch unit with Bluetooth connectivity and a backup camera.

The Big Horn trim (known as Lone Star in Texas) is a popular mid-range trim for the Ram HD. It adds some excellent features while keeping the price reasonable. This trim adds an electronic transfer case, an integrated trailer brake controller, standard cloth seats, and chrome exterior trim.

Big Horn also unlocks some available option packages that you can’t get on the Tradesman. These include the 8.4-inch infotainment system, the Comfort Group with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, and a Premium Lighting Group with LED headlights and taillights.

The Laramie trim is where the Ram HD starts to get into luxury territory. It adds the 8.4-inch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard kit plus a premium audio system, front and rear parking sensors, alloy wheels, heated, power-adjustable front seats, and plenty of exterior chrome, including a classy grille.

The Ram HD Power Wagon is the off-roader of the group. On top of its rugged appearance package, it has a 4.10 axle ratio, electronic locking front and rear differentials, off-road suspension with electronic swaybar disconnect, and a Warn winch. This is also the only trim of the Ram HD with standard 4-wheel drive.

The Laramie Longhorn trim builds upon the Laramie model with more luxury features and some decidedly Western flair. This truck is like a cowboy wearing a fancy tuxedo. Its distinct appearance includes a range of unique 2-tone paint options and an interior with leather seats with filigree stitching and open-pore wood trim. A few luxury features include heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, heated steering wheel, standard LED exterior lighting, satellite navigation, and an upgraded premium audio system.

Finally, there’s the Limited trim, which is the most luxurious version of the Ram HD. This is where the vast 12-inch infotainment system becomes standard, plus trailer reverse guidance, aluminum interior trim, unique grille, 20-inch alloy wheels, and power running boards. This is also where some driver assistance tech features become standard, like blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree camera.

Various appearance packages and option packages throughout the model range can add creature comforts, change the truck’s look, or add more work-oriented features. One of our favorite options available on every trim is Trailer 360 View, which includes wiring and four cameras that make it much easier to see around your trailer while you’re towing.

You can have the Ram HD with either a gas-powered 6.4-liter Hemi V8 or a Cummins 6.7-liter turbo-diesel inline-6. The standard V8 has enough capability to satisfy most drivers, but the Cummins is a worthwhile upgrade if you’ll be doing some serious towing. A special high-output version of this engine is available exclusively for the 3500 models.

Rear-wheel drive is standard, and 4-wheel drive is optional on all but the 4WD-only Power Wagon model. All 2500 models have a single-rear-wheel configuration, but a dual-rear-wheel “dually” setup is optional for the 3500.

The V8 has an 8-speed automatic transmission, and the Cummins has a 6-speed automatic.

We do not have fuel economy estimates for the Ram HD because the EPA does not test this class of trucks.

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)
420 horsepower @ 2,800 rpm
1,075 lb-ft of torque @ 1,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: N/A