Interior Overview

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The Ram pickup offers an extensive range of trim levels and cab configurations, resulting in widely varying interior appointments. Options extend from a basic single cab to the capacious Mega Cab which provides class-leading rear seat space. Though heavy-duty offerings from Ford and GM also provide lavish accommodations, the Ram stands out for its luxury detailing, extreme comfort and clean, modern aesthetic. Higher trims utilize premium materials, with the top-of-the-line Longhorn featuring wood trim and gold accents on the dash, doors and gauges. Longhorn branding is even hand-branded into the woodgrain on the upper glovebox. Easy-to-use controls and abundant storage, including a multitier center console to fit a 15-inch laptop, round out the user-friendly cabin. Acoustic glass comes standard, as does active noise cancellation through the audio system for luxury-car levels of quiet, even in diesel models.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Ram equips its heavy duty trucks with cutting-edge infotainment on par with high-end luxury vehicles. The standard 8-inch touchscreen is highly responsive and boasts intuitive menus for ease of use. An enormous 12-inch reconfigurable display is also available, giving the cabin a high-tech appearance. The system integrates navigation and a subscription Wi-Fi hotspot along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. Five USB ports provide connectivity for multiple devices, while up to three 115-volt, 400-watt outlets allow quick charging of electronics and tools. With this suite of user-friendly technology, Ram provides connectivity and entertainment worthy of a luxurious sedan or SUV.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Ram 2500 and 3500 models offer abundant driver assistance technology as options. Both trucks are available with safety systems including:

• Available forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
• Available blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
• Available adaptive cruise control

For additional details on crash test performance and safety ratings, please consult the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Equipping your Ram pickup with the latest advanced driver aids and active safety equipment can provide enhanced protection on the road. Discuss all available technologies with your dealer to customize the optimal configuration for your needs.

Exterior Overview

Towing and Payload Capacity

The Ram 3500 with high-output Cummins diesel generates an incredible 1075 pound-feet of torque, enabling a class-leading 37,090-pound towing capacity. Maximum payload reaches 7680 pounds. The popular Ram 2500 4x4 Crew Cab configuration offers strong capabilities as well, with the high-output Cummins allowing up to 19,010 pounds of towing and a 2380-pound payload. Stepping down to the 370-horsepower Cummins, this configuration can still haul an impressive 3240 pounds while trailing up to 16,870. Even equipped with the standard V8, payload remains 3240 pounds and towing tops out at 14,370 pounds - more than suitable for most applications. In short, Ram heavy duty pickups provide unmatched pulling power and cargo-hauling abilities.

Fuel Economy

The EPA does not estimate fuel economy for commercial vehicles like the Ram 2500 and 3500, which exceed 8500 pounds in Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. However, in our extensive real-world fuel testing, a four-wheel-drive Ram 3500 equipped with the high-output Cummins diesel and dual rear wheels achieved 16 mpg at 75 mph. The 370 horsepower diesel engine available in four-wheel-drive 2500 Crew Cab models performed slightly better, returning 18 mpg on the highway route. While heavy hauling and extreme capabilities understandably impact efficiency, these Ram trucks offer respectable fuel economy given their class and intended duty cycles. Our hands-on testing provides realistic estimates to help buyers gauge real-world efficiency.

Overall Thoughts

The 2024 Ram Heavy Duty pickup boasts a formidable yet friendly personality, with overwhelming capabilities when called for and pleasant refinement otherwise. This gently giant can be optioned with comfort, technology and premium interior materials rivaling luxury travel. Matched against heavy-duty stalwarts like the Chevrolet Silverado HD and Ford Super Duty, the Ram stands toe-to-toe, with available diesel power exceeding 37,000 pounds of towing and 7,600 pound payloads. Both standard V8 or Cummins turbo diesel exhibit refined, potent muscle. Standard acoustic glass and active noise cancellation maintain serene cruising, while available rear air suspension smooths out the brawny ride. Customization options cater to work and play - from large touchscreens to 400 watt, 115 volt outlets to charge tools. For off-road duty, the Power Wagon and Rebel trims include the requisite skid plates, rugged tires and specialized suspensions to wander far from paved roads. However pushed to extremes or tasked for daily commutes, the 2024 Ram Heavy Duty takes any job or journey firmly yet comfortably in stride.