Editor's Overview
Ram’s 2500/3500 Heavy Duty pickups for 2017 offer brawn, beauty and impressive towing and hauling stats.
Pricing
For Sellers
Cars For Sale
KBB.com Expert Review
You'll Like This Car If...
With all the power most will ever need for hauling and towing, the 2017 Ram HD pickup -- available in 2-wheel-drive and 4-wheel-drive configurations -- also affords a wide array of trims and configurations ranging from the basic “don’t-mind-if-it-gets-scratched” work truck to the luxurious “wipe-your-boots-before-you-get-in” Limited.
You May Not Like This Car If...
If you’re a GM or Ford loyalist, making the switch to a truck with a less desirable reliability and resale history might be a leap of faith too far. Those looking for diesel power without the added heft or price might look to the Ram 1500 or Nissan Titan XD.
What's New for 2017
Changes to the 2017 Ram 2500 and 3500 HD pickups are mostly cosmetic. A new Power Wagon trim celebrates the classic 1979 Macho Power Wagon, while the Ram 2500 4x4 offers a new Off-Road package. The 6.7-liter Hemi V8 is now standard in Laramie, Laramie Longhorn and Limited trims.
Gallery
Specs
Fuel Economy
Performance
Seating Capacity
Cargo/Interior Space
Basic Warranty
Safety Ratings
Class Rankings
How does it compare?
| RANK | VEHICLE | HP |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | 2019 Ram 1500 Crew Cab | 395 |
| #2 | 2019 Ram 1500 Quad Cab | 395 |
| #3 | 2018 Ram 1500 Regular Cab | 395 |
| #4 | 2018 Ford F150 Super Cab | 395 |
| #25 | 2017 Ram 3500 Crew Cab | 383 |
| RANK | VEHICLE | MPG |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | 2018 Ram 1500 Quad Cab | 24 |
| #2 | 2017 Ram 1500 Quad Cab | 24 |
| #3 | 2018 Honda Ridgeline | 22 |
| #4 | 2018 Ford F150 Super Cab | 22 |
| #5 | 2017 Ford F150 Super Cab | 22 |
| RANK | VEHICLE | RATING |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | 2018 Nissan TITAN XD Crew Cab | 9.6 |
| #2 | 2017 Nissan TITAN XD Crew Cab | 9.6 |
| #3 | 2017 Nissan TITAN XD Single Cab | 9.6 |
| #4 | 2018 Ford F250 Super Duty Crew Cab | 9.5 |
| #28 | 2017 Ram 3500 Crew Cab | 8.9 |
Consumer Reviews
Based on 31 ratings for the 2011 - 2017 models.
Baby Face
December 27, 2017
Excellent vehicle. Didnt like the Uconnect stuff
Have no complaints other than the Uconnect electronic stuff.
tenderloin
May 19, 2016
very nice truck
Bought in 2014,i enjoy driving the truck,handles well,runs well,tows exceptional...very happy with it....
rsa
May 17, 2016
3500 Laramie Longhorn is amazing
I traded in a 2013 3500 Laramie DRW for the 2016 Laramie Longhorn 3500 SRW, what a difference in ride when not hitched up to my 40'...
Mike
November 05, 2015
Upgraded from a Ram 2500 to tow 14,000lb 5th Wheel
Comfortable, powerful and handle great while towing 14,000-15000 lbs. I get 20-22 MPH when not towing and between 10.5-12 MPH (based on...
Maligator
August 08, 2015
Best truck holds value and is a workhorse
This is our fourth Dodge Ram truck and the best we have owned, can haul a large toyhauler with ease and has every creature comfort you...
piedpieper
July 30, 2015
Fine ride, no regrets
This Ram Duelly is remarkably nice, babied only used to pull a car trailer and pulls like theres'nothing behind you. Interior and...
npsleo
July 29, 2015
best i have owned
i have owned them all and this one is the best. Pulls great, its reliable and the company stands behind it.
JJC
June 17, 2015
Best pickup I have owned
I have had Ford, Chevy and GMC. But this Ram is the best one yet. Great Dealer service also.
Calgin
April 15, 2015
Real good condition like new
Like new
Gizmojo
March 27, 2015
First RAM Dually, Second RAM truck
We purchased this truck to pull our new 38 foot 5th wheel trailer. Since we full-time RV we wanted a truck that was more than a work...
Similar Vehicles
KBB Editor's Overview
Although the Ram 1500’s capabilities continue to evolve, when it comes to serious payload and towing there is no substitute for the 2017 Ram 2500 and 3500 HD pickup trucks. In the 3-way war among Ram, Chevy and Ford, the Ram HD lands squarely in the middle, offering a higher tow rating than the Silverado/Sierra twins, but falling short of Ford’s impressive F-250/350 trucks. As for torque bragging rights, the big three are really splitting hairs as the two rivals offer only slightly higher output than the Ram’s 900 lb-ft of torque. The Ram HD’s multi-link rear suspension, choice of two powerful Hemi gasoline engines and an available 6-speed manual on diesel models further sets it apart from the heavy-duty pack.
You'll Like This Pickup If...
With all the power most will ever need for hauling and towing, the 2017 Ram HD pickup -- available in 2-wheel-drive and 4-wheel-drive configurations -- also affords a wide array of trims and configurations ranging from the basic “don’t-mind-if-it-gets-scratched” work truck to the luxurious “wipe-your-boots-before-you-get-in” Limited.
You May Not Like This Pickup If...
If you’re a GM or Ford loyalist, making the switch to a truck with a less desirable reliability and resale history might be a leap of faith too far. Those looking for diesel power without the added heft or price might look to the Ram 1500 or Nissan Titan XD.
What's New for 2017
Changes to the 2017 Ram 2500 and 3500 HD pickups are mostly cosmetic. A new Power Wagon trim celebrates the classic 1979 Macho Power Wagon, while the Ram 2500 4x4 offers a new Off-Road package. The 6.7-liter Hemi V8 is now standard in Laramie, Laramie Longhorn and Limited trims.
Driving It
Driving Impressions
When it comes to ability, Ram’s heavy-duty 2017 2500/3500 HD pickup trucks have more than enough muscle to back up their bold and rugged appearance. Models equipped with the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 can tow up to 13,900 pounds and when equipped with the larger 6.4-liter V8, a class-leading 16,320 pounds. Opt for the 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel in the 3500 and a 5th-wheel-equipped model can pull an astounding 31,210 pounds, a figure certified by using SAE J2807 testing criteria (if you’re a truck person you’ll understand). The Ram HD’s unique 5-link, coil-spring rear suspension delivers an impressively smooth and controlled ride, while the various cabs, particularly on the Laramie and Limited trims, are simply some of the nicest, most comfortable and well appointed in the industry.
Favorite Features
UCONNECT ACCESS
The Uconnect system is one of the best infotainment interfaces in any car at any price. We love the bright, colorful 8.4-inch touch screen, the excellent voice-recognition software and the large screen icons that make it easy to operate while the vehicle is in motion.
CLASS-LEADING POWER AND TOWING
Whether it’s powered by one of two gasoline Hemi engines or the incomparable Cummins turbodiesel, the 2017 Ram HD’s towing prowess is never in question. Properly equipped, the Ram HD can pull up to 15 tons, roughly the equivalent of two full-grown African elephants.
Vehicle Details
Interior
You might expect something with "Heavy Duty" in the name to be utilitarian, but the 2017 Ram HD pickups are surprisingly polished. If that's not enough, the higher-end Laramie models are downright luxurious, with leather-lined and climate-controlled seats, a heated steering wheel, high-quality interior materials, and so on. The long and deep center console is massive enough to swallow a larger laptop or multiple tablets; it can even hold a set of hanging files. Reclining rear seats are one of the perks to be had with the Mega Cab, while Crew Cab owners enjoy convenient under-floor storage compartments.
Exterior
Despite the nice interior, "elegant" isn't a word we'd use to describe the exterior of the 2017 Ram Heavy Duty trucks. These tough-looking trucks share a basic similarity with the smaller Ram 1500, but are even brawnier. The Ram HD trucks come in three cab configurations -- 2-door Regular Cab, 4-door Crew Cab and 4-door Mega Cab -- while bed lengths vary between 6 feet, 4 inches and 8 feet, depending on cab style. The rear axle can be configured with two or four rear wheels for maximum capacity. Note that these are enormous, and you should measure your garage carefully.
Notable Standard Equipment
The base fleet-manager Tradesman form for the 2017 Ram 2500 and 3500 HD comes pretty sparsely equipped. There's a 40/20/40-split front bench seat with rear storage, air conditioning, vinyl flooring, cruise control, a driver-information center, automatic on/off headlights, a tilt steering wheel, even manual windows and door locks. The 6-speaker audio system features a USB port for digital music players, and all audio systems feature Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity. Safety features include six airbags and a full complement of electronic-stability aids.
Notable Optional Equipment
We'll forgo the multiple bed-and-cab pairings available on the 2017 Ram HD, otherwise we'll be here all day. Instead, note that the Ram HD lineup offers tech-savvy options such as touch-screen navigation, conversational voice recognition, a 10-speaker premium sound system by Alpine, backup sonar proximity sensors, power-folding trailer-tow mirrors and a rearview camera for easier trailer hookups. If you upgrade to the SLT, Outdoorsman, Laramie and Power Wagon models, an integrated trailer brake is also standard equipment.
Under the Hood
Standard on the 2017 Ram 2500 and 3500 is a gasoline-powered 5.7-liter Hemi V8, with an upgrade to a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 available. These strong engines are good, but serious haulers and towers should pick one of the Cummins turbodiesel engines. Two versions of the Cummins inline-6 are available in both the 2500 and 3500, one with 660 lb-ft of torque (manual transmission), and another with 800 lb-ft of torque (automatic transmission). An even higher-output version exclusive to the 3500 puts out an incredible 900 lb-ft of torque. Gasoline-powered Ram HD models get only a 6-speed automatic, while the diesel buyers can choose between that or a segment-exclusive 6-speed manual transmission. Diesel models also feature exhaust braking for added stopping power. Two-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive is your choice.
5.7-liter V8 (Ram 2500)
383 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
400 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: N/A
6.4-liter V8 (Ram 2500, 3500)
410 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
370 horsepower @ 4,600 rpm (Mega Cab only)
429 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: N/A
6.7-liter turbocharged diesel inline-6 (Ram 2500, 3500)
350 horsepower @ 2,800 rpm (manual)
660 lb-ft of torque @ 1,500 rpm (manual)
370 horsepower @ 2,800 rpm (automatic)
800 lb-ft of torque @ 1,600 rpm (automatic)
385 horsepower @ 2,800 rpm (Ram 3500 only)
900 lb-ft of torque @ 1,700 rpm (Ram 3500 only)
EPA city/highway fuel economy: N/A
Note: Due to changes in EPA testing to more effectively reflect real-world conditions, some 2017 models show slightly lower fuel-economy scores than their 2016 versions.
Pricing Notes
The 2017 Ram 2500 Tradesman, with a regular cab and standard bed, starts with a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) just under $33,500; add about $500 if you want the 3500 model. You have to move up to the SLT trim to get the 2500 Mega Cab for about $42,600. However, keep clicking options and you'll find yourself well past $60,000 for a fully loaded Laramie Longhorn. That's pretty spendy, but it's in line with competitive models from Chevy, GMC and Ford, which also span the low-$30,000 -to-$60,000-and-above range. Whatever you decide, check out KBB.com's Fair Purchase Price tool to see what others in your area are paying for their heavy-duty pickups. The downside is that the Ram HD trucks don't have the resale strength of their Ford, Chevy and GMC competition.
