What's New for 2021?
For 2021, the heavy-duty Ram pickups have higher maximum torque and tow ratings. The 3500 with the Cummins diesel now makes up to 1075 lb-ft of torque. It can now tow up to 37,000 pounds with a gooseneck hitch, too. There's also a newly available digital rearview mirror that displays a video feed from a rear-facing camera.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
Most Ram HD buyers are willing to pay up for the diesel, but the standard 6.4-liter gas engine is plenty capable, even in the 3500. For the best mix of capability, space, luxury, and price, we would stick with the most popular model, which is the 2500 4x4 Crew Cab Laramie. Although more are sold with the Cummins, unless towing huge trailers is a high priority for you, stick with the 410-hp V-8, which is quicker around town and pairs with an excellent eight-speed automatic transmission. With the dollars saved, spring for the limited-slip differential and load-leveling air suspension, which further improves the Ram's already impressive ride quality. However, if you plan to go off-road, skip the air suspension and add the Off Road package. It adds Bilstein shocks, a skid plate, and hill-descent control.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Three engines are available. Standard power in all models comes from a 410-hp 6.4-liter V-8, which makes 429 lb-ft of torque. It's paired with an excellent eight-speed automatic. This is the only engine and transmission offered in the Power Wagon, which is exclusively four-wheel drive. However, every other model is also offered with a 6.7-liter Cummins diesel inline-six with either rear- or four-wheel drive. Two versions of the diesel are available. The first is available in both 2500 and 3500 models and makes 370 horsepower and 850 lb-ft of torque. The 400-hp high-output version, which is only available on the 3500, makes an incredible 1075 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are backed by a six-speed automatic whereas its diesel competitors all pack more modern 10-speed transmissions. At 1060 pounds, the Cummins engine outweighs the V-8 by 490 pounds, so the diesel models don't handle quite as well around town, and they're not quick, but they can haul and tow significantly more weight. Ram has done an incredible job refining the Cummins. Although it's still noisier than the V-8, it's no longer a raucous beast.
