2020 RAM 3500 pickup. 5th generation
The RAM 3500 is a full-size cargo-passenger pickup by Stellantis NV (former Fiat Chrysler Automobiles). It is a four-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive body-on-frame vehicle. A pickup truck with the Regular Cab 3500 can comfortably sit three adult passengers, the Crew Cab offers seats for six people, while the Mega Cab is able to freely accommodate six or more passengers. In 2021, it was possible to purchase the fifth generation of the 2020 pickup.
The 5th generation 3500 RAM was created to compete with the heavy-duty models from Chevrolet, Ford and GMC. And after the completion and modernization of the fourth generation, it has become the segment leader in terms of power, being a reference point for other automobile makers.
Engines and chassis
The new RAM 3500 comes standard with the Chrysler-developed 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine with 410 hp, which provides the ability to transport a cargo weighing 1.4 tons and a towing capacity of 6.5 tons. There is also a 6.7-liter Cummins turbo diesel engine with 370 hp, capable of towing 8.9 tons. The engines are accompanied by three possible transmission types, including an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Design and parameters
The design of the 2020/2021 RAM 3500 is functional and familiar, comprising angular slightly smoothed contours, a large radiator grille and large headlights with halogen lamps in the standard trim levels and full LED strips in the premium trim levels. All pickups are fitted with 18-inch wheels as standard, but the premium Limited version has 20-inch wheels.
The Regular Cab 3500 pickup can sit three adult passengers, while the Crew Cab models offer seats for six passengers. The Mega Cab version is able to accommodate six or more passengers, which is the largest indicator in the segment.
The shortest RAM 3500 version is 5.8 m long, the Crew Cab version is 6 m long, and the Mega Cab is 6.6 m long. All models have a maximum width of 2 meters and a height of 1.9 meters. The lightest modification weighs 2.7 tons, whereas the heaviest version weights almost 3.4 tons. According the RAM 3500 drivers, it takes 3-5 working days to park such a truck. But, fortunately, the 3500 has a 360-degree view camera, which makes it possible to park the vehicle within several hours (just kidding!).
Options
It comes standard with a 5-inch touchscreen offering Bluetooth streaming, AM/FM radio, USB port, and a six-speaker sound system.
The top trims have a 7- or 12-inch dashboard, an 8.4-inch touchscreen and a nine-speaker audio system, options compliant with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM and an additional USB port, improved interior trim.
Trim levels
The new RAM 3500 is considered one of the best heavy duty pickups in the United States, not only for the highest towing capacity compared to all its competitors, but also for complementary trim levels, including: Tradesman, Big Horn, Laramie, Longhorn and Limited.
- Tradesman: The body-on-frame pickup with the maximum towing performance, including a 5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, air conditioning, 17-inch steel wheels, and keyless ignition.
- Big Horn includes the same options as the previous version, but it also provides a chrome bumper, trailer brake controller, keyless access, and 18-inch chrome wheels.
- Laramie includes a chrome grille, 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system, remotely-operated rear door, and chrome power folding rear-view mirrors.
- Longhorn includes the same options as the previous version, plus wood trim and rear air suspension with load control.
- Limited is a luxurious and well-equipped version, including a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system, blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic detection, folding footsteps, and 20-inch wheels.
Safety
All the 2020 models are equipped with six airbags, a rear-view camera, electronic roll suppression, electronic stability control, a start assist system and a trailer shock absorption system as standard.
Additional options include front and rear parking sensors, blind spot monitoring system, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, frontal collision warning system and intersection detection.
