2021 Ram 3500 Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

Sometimes a standard full-sized pickup truck is just not enough for your specific needs. That's where heavy-duty trucks like the Ram 3500 come in. The 3500 is Ram's most powerful and most capable truck to date. It offers a best-in-class maximum towing capacity and more torque than any other pickup on the road.

The Ram 3500 will be available in a variety of different trim levels, body styles and configurations. An available 4X4 configuration means excellent handling and impressive off-road capabilities. Ram provides a number of options for the powertrain too. This includes a strong HEMI gasoline engine and two powerful Cummins Turbo-Diesel engines to choose from.

Ram's latest 3500 isn't just about work capabilities. It's also big on comfort and convenience. There are luxury options such as fine-leather upholstery. Ram gives owners a lot of options for seat configurations too. They have also included a modern, high-tech infotainment system and plenty of nice safety features.

With so many trim levels and options, buying a new Ram 3500 may seem like a daunting task. We will take a close look at every trim level and what it has to offer. By comparing each model, we can hopefully assist new buyers in picking the Ram 3500 that's right for them.

 

Compare the 2021 Ram 3500 Tradesman vs Big Horn Trim. What is the difference?

The base trim level for the 2021 Ram 3500 is called the Tradesman. This truck is available in 4X2 and 4X4 configurations. You can get a Tradesman in a Regular Cab body style or in a Crew Cab variation. The Regular Cab comes with an 8-foot bed length. The Crew Cab can be purchased with an 8-foot bed or a 6-foot, 4-inch bed length.

A Regular Cab for Ram is the same as a Regular Cab for most other trucks in this class. This is a two-door model without any rear seats. You can fit three people in the Regular Cab if you have a front bench seat. The Crew Cab has four full-sized doors and a row of seats in the back for two or three more passengers. The Mega Cab is the same, but it expands the interior for more elbow room and cargo space.

The Tradesman comes stock with a 6.4-liter V8 HEMI MDS Engine. This power plant produces 410 horsepower with 429 pound-feet of torque. Two versions of the 6.7-liter I6 Cummins Turbo-Diesel Engine are available as an option. Ram likes to offer plenty of choices for customization. The Tradesman can be purchased in 24 different exterior colors and with two different interior-color schemes.

This trim level comes with an 8-speed automatic transmission if you opt for the gasoline engine. You get a 6-speed transmission with the diesel. A 4X2 model with the base engine will be able to tow up to 14,970 pounds. There's a 7-pin wiring harness and Class V hitch already installed. A trailer camera and 5th-wheel hitch are also available.

On the outside of the Tradesman, there are manually-folding black mirrors. There is also a set of trailer mirrors for towing. Automatic headlights are included for every trim level. This model gets Halogen Quad Headlamps and a lamp for the cargo area. This can be upgraded to LED lighting for the bed. The taillights are already LED models. The bumpers and front grille come painted black.

HEMI and Ram badges are on the exterior of the Tradesman. This trim comes stock with a set of steel 18-inch wheels. These come paired with a set of all-season tires. Ram throws in a full-sized spare wheel and tire for good measure. The windows are tinted and a sliding rear window is available.

Every version of the Ram 3500 comes equipped with Anti-Lock 4-Wheel Disc Brakes. Moving on to the interior, the Tradesman gets a 40/20/40 split-bench seat up front with vinyl upholstery. This is easy to clean and maintain and may be preferred if this truck is your work vehicle. Cloth upholstery is also available as an option. The seats get 4-way manual adjustments up front.

This base model of the 3500 comes with Ram's Uconnect 3 Infotainment system. This gets you a 5-inch display screen and a basic stereo system with four speakers. Integrated Voice Command with Bluetooth technology is standard. This makes it easy to stream music or operate the system hands-free.

This version of the 3500 gets basic heating and air conditioning. Electronic Stability Control and Roll Mitigation are standard on every trim. Every model also gets a rear backup camera and Daytime Running Lamps. A Tire-Pressure Information System gives the driver detailed info and lets them know when it's time to fill those tires.

A Theft-Deterrent Alarm is installed on every version of the 3500. There are always advanced, multi-stage airbags up front and supplemental side airbags. Side curtain airbags provide yet another level of protection in the event of a crash. Push-Button Start is standard and Remote Keyless Entry is optional.

The next trim level up is called the Big Horn. This model comes in the Regular Cab, Crew Cab and Mega Cab variations. The Regular Cab always comes with an 8-foot bed length while the Mega Cab is only available with the 6-foot, 4-inch bed length. The Crew Cab is available with either size. This trim level, like the Tradesman, can also be had in a 4X2 or 4X4 configuration.

The Big Horn comes equipped with the same stock engine and transmission system as the Tradesman. It has all of the same features as the Tradesman except where upgrades and additions have been made. It is otherwise the same when it comes to mechanical features and performance specs.

On the outside, the Big Horn now comes with a defrosting feature for the side mirrors. The front headlights can be upgraded to LED models for the Big Horn. The grille gets a glossy black paint job with some chrome trim. It comes outfitted with 18-inch steel wheels that also sport some chrome trim.

On the inside, the Big Horn offers some new interior color schemes. These are called Mountain Brown and Black with Light Frost Beige. Cloth upholstery is now standard instead of the vinyl found on the Tradesman. This trim also has an available 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat.

The Big Horn comes with the same infotainment system as before. It also has the option to upgrade this to Ram's Uconnect 4 System. The audio system automatically gets two additional speakers for this trim level. That brings the total up to six. There are more cup holders and small-item storage spaces once you move up to this trim.

Remote Keyless Entry now comes standard. All of the driver-assist features and safety features return for the Big Horn. An upgraded security alarm is available. The Big Horn also adds on a Trailer Brake Control.

Compare the 2021 Ram 3500 Big Horn vs Laramie Trims. What is the difference?

The Laramie is sold in 4X2 and 4X4 variations. It can be purchased in either a Crew Cab or Mega Cab body style. There is no Regular Cab version for the Laramie. The Mega Cab comes in the shorter bed length while the Crew Cab offers both available sizes.

The Laramie has the same V8 HEMI engine as before. This can be upgraded to one of the diesel models. It's worth mentioning at this point that the diesel engines provide massive amounts of torque unlike anything else available. A best-in-class 1,075 pound-feet of torque is available here. With the right setup, this can get you a maximum towing capacity of 37,100 pounds.

This trim level is mechanically similar to the Big Horn. You once again get the same features as the previous trim level, but with some additions. Most of these additions for the Laramie are about convenience and luxury. This is a truck that was designed for personal comfort.

On the outside, there are power-folding mirrors with chrome trim. LED reflector headlamps now come standard. The wheels are now 18-inch aluminum alloys with a polished finish. On the inside, there's overhead LED lamps and rear-door accent lighting. Both front seats now come with 8-way power adjustments.

The seats are now heated up front. This can be added on for the second row as well. The infotainment system gets swapped out for the improved Uconnect 4 System. This gets you an 8.4-inch touchscreen display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both now compatible with the system. The audio system features nine Alpine speakers and a subwoofer.

Most of the safety and security features are the same as before. The Laramie adds on a Front and Rear Park-Assist System. One more additional feature here is the Remote Proximity Keyless Entry.

Compare the 2021 Ram 3500 Laramie vs Longhorn Trims. What is the difference?

The Longhorn model comes in the same body styles as the Laramie models. You once again get the Crew Cab or Mega Cab options. The Mega Cab is only available with the short bed while the Crew Cab has the option for either size. As always, this truck can be purchased in the 4X2 or 4X4 configurations.

The powertrain options are the same as usual. Once again, you get all that the previous trim level offered but with some new additions. For the exterior, the side mirrors now have a memory feature. The trailer mirrors now have heating and are power adjustable. LED lighting in the cargo bed is now standard.

The headlights get upgraded to BI-Function LED Projector Headlamps. The windshield wipers are now rain-sensing and will kick on automatically when needed. The wheels are the same as those found on the Laramie models. The Longhorn once again comes with a set of all-season tires. The side steps now come covered in chrome.

The Longhorn comes with a spray-in bed liner. The front seats are essentially the same as before. The rear seats now have heating and ventilation. You get the Uconnect 4 System once more and with the option for a 12-inch screen and integrated navigation system. The system now has a 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hot Spot.

This trim level gets SiriusXM Travel Link Service, Connected Services and Traffic Service. The Longhorn also has an HD radio. There are extra storage bins in the rear floor. All of the safety features and driver-assist technology is the same as the Laramie trim level.

Compare the 2021 Ram 3500 Longhorn vs Limited Trims. What is the difference?

The Limited trim level comes in the same cab styles and with the same bed lengths as the Longhorn models. It is sold with either a 4X2 or 4X4 drive-train. You have the same powertrain options as before. Mechanically these trim levels are the same. Ram throws in a set of chrome tow hooks for the Limited models.

There isn't too much to say about the exterior features. The Longhorn and Limited trims are almost identical. The only main difference is in the trim level badges. The Limited has a couple of different color choices and new options. You now have the option to choose black or chrome for the trim, molding and various parts like the door handles.

The one major difference for the exterior is the wheels. The Limited gets larger 20-inch aluminum wheels with a satin-carbon finish. There's also a chrome insert. These come with on/off-road tires. Ram includes a full-sized spare just in case you ever get a flat tire.

On the inside, the seats are the same for these two trim levels. You get the same infotainment system but now with the 12-inch display screen. This model offers leather upholstery and real-wood trim in the cabin. Most of the changes are cosmetic and upgrades to the materials. There is also a Limited Night Edition with a blacked-out grille, black wheels and an all-black interior.

 

Which Trim to Choose?

If you're buying a 2021 Ram 3500 primarily as a work vehicle, the Tradesman is a good option. It's an economical choice. It still has massive power and torque for some serious towing and hauling. It can tackle off-road terrain too. It also still has enough convenience and safety features to satisfy most drivers, even if you will be spending a lot of time inside of it.

If the Ram 3500 will be doing double duty as a workhorse and your primary transportation, go right for the Longhorn model. This edition is packed with extras to keep you comfortable on daily commutes. It's well worth the increase in cost over the previous trim levels.