Earlier this year, a light-duty RAM 1500 pickup stock full of sweeping changes for the 2019 model year, arrived for test spin. Its BIG brash brother showed up last month sporting all the next-generation bells and whistles 1500 proudly promotes with added towing and low-end torque specifications.
The 2019 fifth-generation RAM 1500 light duty made its world debut at last year's 2018 North American International Auto Show in Detroit while all-new, next-generation heavy-duty (2500 and 3500) versions took center stage this past January at the same show.
While leading the cheers during the 2019 media preview of the all-new 3500, Reid Bigland, RAM Brand Manager commented, "Simply stated, the RAM heavy-duty 3500 will out power, out tow and out haul every other heavy duty pickup on the market."
All-new 2500 and 3500 heavy-duty RAM pickups get packed with 35 all-new and 21 class-exclusive features when compared with outgoing 2018 efforts. Ram's 3500 frame now includes greater percentage of lighter weight high strength steel improving durability and reducing overall weight by approximately 143 pounds.
Our posh, Laramie Longhorn 3500 4 x 4 Crew Cab Long Bed tester includes all the heavy-duty amenities one expects from nearly 22-foot long RAM pickup, but with upscale warm, brown leather Southwest-inspired interior tones and extra chrome donning the massive exterior.
Indoor accommodations remain on par with just about any luxury-appointed sedan or crossover with soft, hand-wrapped 100-percenet leather adorning all four doors and a new alligator skin-embossed surface covering the center console, instrument panel doors and seats. Barn wood accents are interspersed throughout the cabin. Laramie Longhorn's Crew Cabs easily includes room for five adults with very supportive and comfy front buckets.
Map holders adorning backsides of front bucket seats include a saddle bag look with buckle to match. Heated rear seats come standard in the Longhorn Laramie edition with seat cushions folding up in a "V" fashion (with no passengers present, of course), opening up a sizeable, dry region for transporting cargo.
RAM 3500 Laramie Longhorn editions distinguish upfront with a prominent six-slat horizontal chrome grille with RAM stamped in the middle. RAM grilles grow 30 percent larger compared with outgoing 2018s. Flanking the can't-miss grille; premium bejeweled LED lamps with RAM's adaptive front lighting system, moving in sync with steering wheel maneuvers. Side running boards come standard while our tester upgraded to recommended power folding varieties.
In addition to our luxury-appointed Laramie Longhorn trim, RAM 3500 offers Tradesman, Big Horn, Laramie, Lone Star and Limited. Three cab sizes (Regular, Mega and Crew Cabs) are offered in Tradesman and Big Horn. Remaining trims suffice with roomier Mega and Crew Cabs.
Mega cabs remain exclusive to heavy duty 2500 and 3500 and measure slightly larger (11.1 inches longer) than full-size four-door Crew Cabs with additional storage space behind second row backrests. Mega Cab rear seats also include a reclining feature. Mega cabs add $1,500 to bottom lines while exclusive to 4 x 4 short bed editions.
RAM offers Dual Rear Wheels, two pairs of wheels on the rear axle, in select 3500, 4500 and 5500 pickups, enhancing towing abilities. Our tester, complete with DRW, enjoyed the added benefit of beefier flared rear fenders to house the two extra orbs.
Our Laramie Longhorn tester started at $60,750 with a bottom line of $73,150 after options and a $1,695 destination charge. Tradesman 3500 trims start at $35,095.
Two bed length choices include a six-foot, four-inch variety or a longer eight-footer. Two heavy-duty engine selections include a standard 6.4-liter, naturally-aspirated Hemi V-8 pumping out a class-leading 410 horses and 428 lb.-ft. of low-end torque with the industry's first heavy-duty eight-speed automatic transmission.
Optional is a new Cummins 6.7-liter inline six high output turbo diesel generating 400 horsepower and a thumping 1,000 lb.-ft. of torque and 35,100 pounds of towing capacity. This turbo diesel weighs 60 pounds less than the previous generation yet delivers increased power and torque. Our Laramie Longhorn tester with the naturally-aspirated 6.4-liter V-8 was capable of towing about half that (18,210 pounds).
If any doubt existed that this beast qualifies as heavy duty, one look at the window sticker provides undeniable proof. The upper right-hand corner, the customary home of city/highway fuel estimates, is notably absent of any digits. Instead, the "Heavy-duty vehicle, no label required" disclaimer fills the area. The Environmental Protection Agency allows work trucks weighing over a certain tonnage, to forego listing fuel numbers. It's a polite wink of the eye that RAM 3500 enjoys a good sip of gas while working. Its sizeable 31.1 gallon tank utilizes regular 87-unleaded regular.
However, fill-ups detailing gallons utilized during our week of testing divided into the miles driven with the 6.4-liter V-8 revealed an estimated 17.1 miles per gallon of combined city/highway travel. On par with a recently tested V-8 powered full-sized Lexus LX 570 SUV. RAM's Hemi V-8 enjoys cylinder deactivation, stretching highway fuel estimates by resting some cylinders at cruising speeds.
For such a large, long vehicle, steering feel remains relatively light during lane changes and other highway maneuvers. The ride, however, can feel truck-like and bouncy, making treks over speed bumps mimic sensations encountered in a bouncy house especially when not towing a toy.
RAM 3500 continues with older-school rear leaf suspension, important for HD towing, but not as civil as RAM 1500's coil spring rear suspension. However, four-corner air suspension is an available option in both. Introduced in 2013, this feature smooths out long-distance travel, ideal for those spending more time on rather than off road.
The tailgate not only includes a damper, gently guiding the hinged door downward rather than a disarming 'thud,' but an electronic latch and lock mechanism allows a tailgate drop via a push of a key-fob button or interior dash button.
The IMAX-like, optional, portrait-style 12-inch in-dash multi-function screen (the segment's largest) centers the long, straight-across dash. This touch screen incorporates one of the industry's top user-friendly designs with well-marked buttons, logical tutorials and finger-tip activated secondary volume and preset toggle bars located on the steering wheel's back side. Standard across the board, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing cell phone feeds and interaction with the 12-inch screen.
Dual glove boxes on the dashboard's far right side add to generous storage opportunities.
Electronic push-button start comes standard, and resides high upon the dash. The system includes visual 'run' and 'off' illuminations framing the button, a useful reminder indicating the current engine state. Nearby, electronic, on-demand, push buttons shifting from rear-drive to four-wheel drive (high and low), is available.
Upgraded calipers, boosters and master cylinder got put to the test during a high-stakes braking situation. A pesky, two-seat convertible, ignoring stop sign protocol, necessitated a brake slam bringing our air-craft carrier like beast to an admirably quick stop with no bent high-strength steel. Nice Job.
The traditional Big Three domestic automakers have invested significantly in their light-duty (1500) and heavy-duty (2500, 3500) pickup trucks of late. These investments return hefty profits while polishing brand image and enhancing brand loyalty. Full-size light and heavy duty truck buyers remain fiercely loyal to their beloved work mates, more so than any other category.
RAM trucks became a stand-alone division of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), in 2009, splitting from the sporty Dodge brand. In 2012, RAM introduced its dedicated Commercial Truck Division to better promote the growing and emerging cargo van market.
At a Glance
2019 RAM 3500 Longhorn Crew Cab
Price as tested: $73,150
Engine: 6.4-liter HEMI V-8
Horsepower: 410
Wheelbase: 149 inches
Overall Width: 83.5 inches
Overall Height: 78.3 inches
Powertrain Warranty: Five year/60,000 miles
Fuel economy: 17.1 mpg combined
Assembly: Mexico
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