2019 Heavy Duty Ram Review: Quiet and Confident Powerhouse

General impression. Lots of useful technology. Powerful and quiet. Ideal for heavy work. ProsComfortable cockpit Multiple camera views Massive towing capacityConcentric Turbo Lag Bumpy Ride (Occasionally) 95Excellent

The 2019 Ram Heavy Duty has been completely redesigned and is bigger and better in almost every way. If you need to haul a big load, the new Ram HD is one of the best trucks in America for the job. Towing and payload capacities are increased thanks to the updated truck architecture and transmission. There are over 100 safety features available, and the amount of technology built in helps the big ram raise the bar even further in the heavy truck segment.

This week we drove the luxurious 2019 Ram 3500 Limited at the top of the lineup. The Limited has a decent starting price, but our tester was loaded with options that raised the MSRP significantly.

Ram HD: what's new in 2019?

The Ram HD (2500 and 3500) has been completely redesigned for the 2019 model year. The truck is getting more high-strength steel in the frame (98.5 percent) and aluminum throughout the body, reducing overall weight and increasing rigidity. According to Ram, the new bushings and bearings, as well as axles and acoustic glass, increase comfort and reduce noise. We were interested to see how quiet and smooth the Cummins diesel Ram HD is.

Available configurations include Regular Cab, Crew, and Mega Cab in either two-wheel drive or 4×4 configurations, with the 3500 having an option for two rear wheels. Trim levels include Trader, Big Horn, Power Carriage, Laramie, Laramie Longhorn and Limited. 3500, 4500 and 5500 - chassis cab and trucks.

The 2019 Ram Heavy Duty features a high-strength steel frame with six individual crossbars. Hydroformed main rails and fully packaged rear rails help handle heavy loads.

Features and options: almost too many to list!

Our 2019 4x4 limited-body cab ramp tester ($65,250) had a soft boot lid; LED headlights and taillights; fog lights; electric mirrors with automatic dimming; remote start; and front and rear parking sensors. Inside, our tester was equipped with a 115 volt outlet; dual-zone automatic climate control; seven-inch display screen; adjustable driver's seat with memory; power adjustable front passenger seat; heated, leather front seats and heated steering wheel. If that wasn't enough, our Ram 3500 features a 10-speaker surround sound system with HD and satellite radio, and an 8.4-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The Limited comes with a chrome mesh grille, spray liner and LED lights that are great for running at night. Our limited tester has been upgraded with soft leather upholstery; ventilated front seats and heated rear seats; wood trim and steering wheel; adjustable pedals with memory; automatic high beams and wipers; and navigation system.

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Features and options: Lots of extras (and lots of power)

Other standard upgrades included power-deployable running boards; 20 inch wheels; optional chrome exterior trim; the RamBox cargo management system (which includes bedside storage compartments, adjustable bed divider and mounts); and special black leather upholstery.

Finally, our Ram 3500 Limited came with an optional Max Tow package (3695 $); Harmam / Kardon premium sound; 12" display; surround view camera and many additional safety technologies ($ 2995). We were loaded with a high-performance Cummins turbodiesel with 1,000 lb-ft of torque ($11,795) and a power sunroof for good measure ($1,095).

Total MSRP including destination: $87,810. The 2019 Ram HD costs around $33,000, but prices can vary greatly depending on cabin configuration, trim level, and options.

Active-Level rear air suspension is an option on the 2019 Ram HD. Additional airbags soften the impact of heavy loads on the truck.

Interior Highlights: Perfect for Long Hauls

The Limited cab is a great place to spend those hours on the road towing that six-pin horse trailer, a fully-equipped race car trailer, or a big fifth-wheel camper. You will reach your destination feeling rested and relaxed. We didn't have anything to draw this week (shame with Labor Day coming up) other than pulling I-70 at altitude, seeing how fast we could get the big rig moving. We cranked up the ventilated seats and air conditioning and sat down to enjoy the ride.

Ram has done a good job updating the cabin, adding plenty of soft-touch materials, leather-wrapped surfaces and wood grain on the dash. This Limited 3500 feels as plush as any luxury car or SUV. All controls are laid out in a logical and easy-to-use manner, and each seat has space for higher-level passengers. From the driver's seat, visibility is excellent thanks to large windows and good seat adjustment.

There was plenty of room in the back for our long-legged passengers, who complimented Ram on the level of comfort. We also folded the seats down to show more cargo space that we used. All in all, the Ram HD cabin is a welcome place for your family and friends to take long trips to.

2019 Ram HD Limited interior layout. Up to three 115 volt household plugs are available; All outlets are up to 400W for better charging of power tools.

2019 Ram Heavy Duty: Engine and Fuel Specs

Our Ram 3500 tester came with the famous Cummins High Output 6.7-liter six-cylinder turbo. The upgraded version pumps out 400 horsepower and 1,000 lb-ft. torque for pavement. This is paired with an Aisin six-speed automatic transmission. Along with chassis improvements, the big diesel boosts the Ram HD's maximum traction and payload capacity to 35,100 and 7,680 pounds. respectively (with the right equipment).

EPA fuel mileage ratings are not available as the EPA does not rate HD trucks from the Big Three.

The standard 6.4L Hemi with cylinder deactivation and variable valve timing can replace the Cummins diesel engine. It's hooked up to a new eight-speed automatic and produces 410 horsepower and 429 lb-ft. torque.

The cylinder block of the Cummins High Output Turbo Diesel is made of compacted graphite iron. Moving through the engine, the most notable upgrades are new exhaust valves and rocker arms; lighter pistons with low friction rings and forged connecting rods. The pressure boost works at 33 psi.

Driving dynamics: the best out there

The only reason to spend the extra $ 11,795 is if you really need to haul and haul heavy loads. But it's the perfect transmission for hard work. The Cummins diesel engine is the best engine in the segment and Ram has been using it in its trucks since 1989. Once again, they masterfully engineered the truck to match the size and power of a Cummins turbodiesel. Whether you need to haul or haul anything heavy, this is the truck that will exceed your expectations.