2022 Ram HD Expert Review
Reviewed by Billy Rehbock
The Ram 3500 sits at the top of the brand's range as its biggest and most capable truck available to consumers. During our testing, we were so impressed with the current generation of the 3500 (and the 2500) that we named it our 2020 Truck of the Year . Ram offers new special editions, technologies, and features for the 2022 model year. The 3500 competes with the Ford F-350, Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD, and GMC Sierra 3500HD.
What's New
- Uconnect 5 is standard
- New 2022 Ram Heavy Duty Big Horn and Lone Star Silver Edition
- New Level 3 Equipment Package for Power Wagon models
- An electronic transfer case is available on Power Wagon models
- Available Bristol leather seats on Power Wagon models
- Available full console on Power Wagon models
- Ram Heavy Duty Limited trim receives updated Black Onyx interior trim
- Digital rearview mirror in tow mode
- Available Trailer 360 View with four cameras
- Trailer Tow Group now has a trailer hitch light system
- New unique grille for Heavy Duty Big Horn and Lone Star models
- Harvest Sunrise paint
What We Think
The Ram 3500 won our 2020 Truck of the Year award by getting almost everything right. It does everything a heavy-duty truck needs to do like towing and hauling while also managing to be comfortable, great to drive, and stuffed full of high-tech gadgets. It helps that the Ram 3500 looks great outside and in the cabin.
All the engine choices are powerful and responsive, but the diesel begs for an eight-speed automatic transmission. Ride quality and handling are standout for the segment, as well. The available 12.0-inch display is a welcome inclusion, as are the available driver assistance features. We've also been impressed with the 3500's off-road chops in vehicles equipped with the appropriate gear to leave the pavement. In addition to all its positive attributes, the 3500 wears a lower price tag than the competition.
Performance
Ram offers the 3500 with a gasoline V-8 and a diesel turbocharged inline-six. The 6.4-liter gas engine produces 410 hp and 429 lb-ft of torque sent through an eight-speed automatic transmission to either the rear wheels or a four-wheel-drive system.
The 6.7-liter turbocharged inline-six comes in two forms. The standard tune develops 370 hp and 850 lb-ft of torque. The alternate "high-output" version makes an impressive 420 hp and 1,075 lb-ft of torque. Diesel versions of the 3500 use a six-speed automatic transmission designed for heavy-duty use. The EPA doesn't test heavy-duty trucks for fuel economy, so no figures are available for the Ram 3500.
Cab and Bed Configurations
Ram offers the 3500 with several cab and bed configurations to meet the needs of customers. Tradesman models are available with the regular cab and an 8-foot bed, a crew cab with a 6-foot-4-inch bed, or a regular cab with an 8-foot box. At the Big Horn trim level, the 3500 can be configured in all the same ways as the Tradesman variant and also with a mega cab and a 6-foot-4-inch bed. Ram drops the regular cab as an available configuration beyond the Big Horn model.
Safety
The Safety Group, available on all trims, adds a bunch of driver assistance technology. Ticking this box equips the truck with blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, and lane keep assist.
Cargo Space and Interior Room
Cargo space and interior room depends on the configuration of the Ram 3500. The 6-foot-4-inch bed provides 57.5 cubic feet of volume, while the 8-foot bed swells to 74.7 cubes. Every model has 40.9 inches of front legroom, but crew cabs have 40.2 inches of legroom in the second row while mega cab variants gain 2.9 inches for a spacious 43.1 inches of legroom.
Technology
Tradesmen models make do with a 5.0-inch touchscreen and Bluetooth connectivity. Every other model now has a standard 12.0-inch screen with the new Uconnect 5 infotainment system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on these trims, as is Wi-Fi and update capabilities. The standard audio system is a four-speaker setup, but 10-speaker and 17-speaker configurations are also available at higher trims or as options. Other neat available features include a 360-degree camera system, four attachable trailer cameras that enable a 360-degree trailer view, and a hitch light.
Recommended Trim
The 3500 Laramie Crew Cab 4x4 offers a sweet spot of features and a lot of available upgrades at a competitive price point. It has muscular and distinctive looks on the outside and a well-appointed interior. It gets a 10-speaker sound system, a 12.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a 7.0-inch display in the instrument cluster. Auto-leveling air suspension is also available with this trim. Since this is a 3500, we'd recommend stepping up to the full-strength version of the turbocharged inline-six engine to get the most capability of this truck.
