2019 Ram 3500 Pros vs Cons

The 2019 Ram 3500 is the biggest, toughest and hardest-working truck that Ram has to offer. This beast offers monster performance when it comes to towing and hauling. It's a rugged and reliable vehicle suitable for everyday driving, the worksite or any job. It provides impressive off-road abilities too. Ram has done an excellent job of creating a spacious, comfortable interior for the 3500. A wide array of configurations and trim levels are available. This is truly a go anywhere and do anything, one-ton truck.

What's New For 2019?

Some of the changes for 2019 are still a mystery as the 3500 has not yet been released as of the writing of this review. What we do know is that the exterior will receive some minor updates. These are mostly cosmetic in nature. The power-train options will remain the same, but some upgrades will improve the overall performance. Other than these changes and some tweaking to the trim levels, the 2019 model remains largely the same as the 2018 version.

Ten Reasons You May Like the 2019 Ram 3500 – The Pros

1. Engine Choices and Performance

The 2019 Ram 3500 provides a couple of choices for the power train. Both are powerful engines that offer excellent performance. You can select between a 5.7-liter Hemi, V-8 engine or a 6.7-liter, turbo-diesel engine. The gasoline-powered V-8 produces 383 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. The diesel model makes an incredible 385 hp with 930 lb-ft of torque. The massive amounts of torque you get from the diesel is just about the best you'll see in this class. Acceleration, towing and hauling abilities are fantastic in a Ram 3500.

2. Great Steering and Handling

The power steering system in the Ram 3500 more than compensates for the heavy weight of the vehicle. Steering feels almost light. It's tight and as accurate as you could want from a large truck. Braking is more than adequate for such a heavy vehicle. The overall driving experience is fantastic inside of a Ram 3500.

3. It's Rugged and Reliable

The 2019 Ram 3500 is a rugged truck that's build like a tank. The super, reinforced frame and engine block are over-built. This truck can stand up to some serious work duties, off-road excursions, and even some downright abuse. It's a well-made machine that is also mechanically reliable. J.D. Powers and Associates rates it as one of the most reliable one-ton trucks on the road.

4. Amazing Towing Capacity

The towing capacity rating of a one-ton truck is one of its most important features. After all, if you're buying a truck with this much weight, power and torque, it's a good bet that you want it to do some work. The Ram 3500 can tow an amazing 10,980 to 12,880 lbs. With the diesel engine and a properly outfitted truck, you can tow up to 31,210 lbs.

5. Excellent Hauling Ability

Not only can the 2019 Ram 3500 tow amazing amounts of weight, but it can haul quite a load in the truck bed too. With a regular cab configuration, the standard gasoline engine can haul around 7,350 pounds. This makes the Ram 3500 one of the best work trucks on the planet. There's very little it can't accomplish.

6. This Truck Can Go Anywhere

The Ram 3500 offers some serious off-road capabilities. The massive amounts of torque offered from either engine can propel this truck over the roughest of terrains. It's the perfect truck for hauling things around a worksite, even in the most out-of-the-way locations. It also provides for a lot of fun for the adventurous types who want a rock crawler or a vehicle for camping and fishing off of the beaten paths. Best of all, it can even haul or tow your tools or equipment to wherever you need it to.

7. Multiple Configuration Choices

The 2019 Ram 3500 gives you plenty of options for customizing to best suit your specific needs. The choices start with the power-train options, but they don't end there. You can select from 4X2 or 4X4 models depending on your needs. You can also select a standard cab or an extended model depending on how much passenger space you require. There's even an extended-bed model for those who need to haul more than the average truck can tackle.

8. A Comfortable Interior

The Ram 3500 offers one of the smoothest rides in this class. The suspension system is fantastic. This aids in the overall comfort of the vehicle. It is further aided by an amazingly built interior. The fit and finish is spectacular. The controls, for the most part, are placed within easy reach. Everything is designed to be ergonomic and convenient. The seats are super supportive and comfortable.

9. A Great Infotainment System

The 2019 Ram 3500 offers a great infotainment center. If in your work truck, it's nice to have some entertainment from your favorite music and apps. It's not all pleasure here though. The connectivity capabilities can transform the command console into your mobile office. You can make and take calls hands-free while driving to your next job. The 8.4-inch touchscreen is the biggest standard screen available for this class of trucks. A navigation system helps you to get to where you're going. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity are available as well.

10. High-Tech Safety Features

The Ram 3500 is a safe vehicle. It's built like a tank which has helped it to achieve above-average crash-test ratings. It also comes equipped with standard front and side airbags. Side airbags are present for the rear seats as well in the crew-cab models. You get a backup camera to help you avoid problems while in reverse. You also get front and rear parking sensors.

Reasons You May Not Like the 2019 Ram 3500 – The Cons

1. A Lack of Driver-Assist Features

The Ram 3500 has a lot of nice safety features and is a very safe vehicle. It is, however, lacking in one area. It has few of the modern driver-assist systems that you can find on other trucks in this category. Emergency braking, a forward-collision monitor, and lane-keeping assist are all noticeably absent from the Ram 3500. It is worth noting that same may be added in the final build once the Ram 3500 is officially released on 2019.

2. The Interior Noise Levels

The 2019 Ram 3500 has pretty good noise insulation inside of the cab. Unfortunately, those big powerful engines it comes equipped with can be noisy. There's very little that could have been done to reduce the interior noise that results from the massive engines. In all fairness, this isn't just a problem for the Ram. It's an issue to be aware of for all one-tone trucks in this class.

3. The Manual Shift Position

Most drivers will prefer the automatic transmission for the Ram 3500. You get a lot more torque from the automatic, especially with the diesel-engine models. If you do need a manual transmission, the stick is in kind of an off location. It may be a bit clunky and uncomfortable for some to use it. This is unfortunate since all of the other controls and locations are spot on and easy to use. If you're going for an automatic, this won't be an issue for you.

How the 2019 Ram 3500 Stacks up to the Competition

The 2019 Ram 3500 only has three real competitors among heavy duty, one-ton trucks. These are the Ford F-350, the Chevrolet Silverado 3500 and the GMC Sierra 3500. The Silverado and Sierra are both made by General Motors. They are basically the same exact truck in all ways but the price and the branding.

Ford's F-350 for 2019 has a lot to offer but comes in at a higher base price than the 2019 Ram 3500. The Ford offers slightly better performance when it comes to acceleration and sheer horsepower. The towing and hauling capacities are very comparable. Ram's 3500 offers better handling and a much more comfortable ride quality. The interior is nicer inside of the Ram too.

The Chevy Silverado 3500 and GMC Sierra 3500 give you more driver-assist features than the Ram 3500. This is one area that the Ram is weak in when compared to the competition. All three trucks offer impressive towing and hauling capabilities. The Ram equipped with a diesel engine is the clear winner here. It has the best towing and hauling capacities of the bunch. Once again, the Ram also wins out when it comes to interior quality and comfort too.

In Conclusion

The 2019 Ram 3500 is simply one of the best heavy-duty trucks on the market. If you need some serious towing and hauling abilities in a rugged package, this should be your choice. It's a safe and reliable vehicle that's well suited for any work-related duties you could ever find yourself needing to accomplish. It offers a much nicer interior, comfort and ride quality than the competition. The Ram 3500 also comes in at a very affordable price for a truck in this class.