2016 Ram 3500: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

The most important change for the 2016 Ram 3500 is its stronger high-output 6.7-liter Cummins diesel, which reaches 900 lb-ft of torque on qualifying trucks. That pushes maximum towing to 31,210 pounds, while the rest of the lineup sees only limited updates.

Shop 2 in stock at Carvana

About the 2016 Ram 3500

4th-generation Ram Heavy Duty (2010-2018), late-cycle update year

The 2016 Ram 3500 is Ram’s one-ton heavy-duty pickup for buyers who need serious towing and payload but do not want to give up cabin comfort. Ram marketed the truck around big capability numbers, a wide spread of gas and diesel powertrains, and distinct body choices like the Mega Cab. What separates it from many rivals of the time is that it pairs work-truck strength with a more polished interior, especially in upper trims.

The 2016 Ram 3500 ranges from the job-focused Tradesman to the more polished Big Horn and luxury-oriented Laramie models. Big Horn adds a 5.0-inch touchscreen and a power driver’s seat, while Laramie brings leather-trimmed heated and ventilated front seats and an 8.4-inch touchscreen. At the top, Laramie Limited has navigation, heated rear seats, and its own body-color exterior treatment.

What changed, by category

Powertrain

The high-output 6.7-liter Cummins diesel gains 35 lb-ft of torque, reaching 900 lb-ft on qualifying trucks. Maximum towing rises to 31,210 pounds, and maximum combined truck-and-trailer weight rises to 39,100 pounds on properly equipped models.

Structural

Trucks using the 11.8-inch rear axle receive stronger ring-gear hardware to support the higher towing ratings.

Styling

The top Laramie Limited trim gets a refreshed exterior appearance, including its distinctive grille and body-color bumpers. The broader lineup does not receive a styling update.

2016 Ram 3500 specs and features by trim

Feature	2016 Ram 3500SLT0 in stock	2016 Ram 3500Laramie1 in stock	2016 Ram 3500Big Horn0 in stock	2016 Ram 3500Lone Star0 in stock	2016 Ram 3500Tradesman1 in stock	2016 Ram 3500Laramie Limited0 in stock	2016 Ram 3500Laramie Longhorn0 in stock
Engine	6-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 6.7L / V8, HEMI, 5.7 Liter / V8, HEMI, 6.4 Liter / 6-Cyl, Turbo Dsl, 6.7L	6-Cyl, Turbo Dsl, 6.7L / V8, HEMI, 5.7 Liter / V8, HEMI, 6.4 Liter / 6-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 6.7L	6-Cyl, Turbo Dsl, 6.7L / V8, HEMI, 5.7 Liter / V8, HEMI, 6.4 Liter / 6-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 6.7L	6-Cyl, Turbo Dsl, 6.7L / V8, HEMI, 5.7 Liter / V8, HEMI, 6.4 Liter / 6-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 6.7L	6-Cyl Turbo Diesel 6.7L / V8, HEMI, 5.7 Liter / V8, HEMI, 6.4 Liter / 6-Cyl, Turbo Dsl, 6.7L	6-Cyl, Turbo Dsl, 6.7L / V8, HEMI, 5.7 Liter / V8, HEMI, 6.4 Liter / 6-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 6.7L	6-Cyl, Turbo Dsl, 6.7L / V8, HEMI, 5.7 Liter / V8, HEMI, 6.4 Liter / 6-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 6.7L
Transmission	Automatic, 6-Spd	Automatic, 6-Spd	Automatic, 6-Spd	Automatic, 6-Spd	Automatic, 6-Spd	Automatic, 6-Spd	Automatic, 6-Spd
Drivetrain	4WD	4WD	4WD	4WD	4WD	4WD	4WD
Fuel Type	Diesel / Gas	Diesel / Gas	Diesel / Gas	Diesel / Gas	Diesel / Gas	Diesel / Gas	Diesel / Gas
Horsepower	350–410 hp	350–410 hp	350–410 hp	350–410 hp	350–410 hp	350–410 hp	350–410 hp
Torque	400–900 lb-ft	400–900 lb-ft	400–900 lb-ft	400–900 lb-ft	400–900 lb-ft	400–900 lb-ft	400–900 lb-ft
Max Towing	17490–29530 lb	17490–29010 lb	17500–29010 lb	17500–29010 lb	17010–29530 lb	17490–29010 lb	17490–29010 lb
Rear Legroom	40.3–43.3 in	40.3–43.3 in	40.3–43.3 in	40.3–43.3 in	40.3 in	40.3–43.3 in	40.3–43.3 in
Seats	3–6	6	6	6	3–6	5	5
Doors	2–4	4	4	4	2–4	4	4
Safety & Security
Alarm System
Automatic High Beams
Park Assist
Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers
Rear View Camera
Exterior Features
Alloy Wheels
Fog Lights
Memory Exterior Mirrors
Power Moonroof
Power Folding Exterior Mirrors
Side Steps
Entertainment & Electronics
Navigation System
SD Card Slot
Satellite Radio
Smartphone Interface
Subwoofer
Touch Screen Monitor
USB Ports
Comfort & Convenience
115V Power Outlet
Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror
Dual Power Front Seats
Dual Power Lumbar Support Front Seats
Dual-Zone Climate Control
Heated Front Seats
Heated Rear Seats
Heated Steering Wheel
Integrated Garage Door Opener
Leather Seats
Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
Memory Driver's Seat
Memory Pedals
Power Adjustable Pedals
Power Driver Seat
Proximity Keyless Entry
Remote Start
Remote Keyless Entry
Tilt Wheel
Ventilated Front Seats

How the 2017 Ram 3500 compares

The 2017 Ram 3500 is a carryover with no major product changes. It keeps the previous year’s core engines, transmissions, cab and bed choices, styling, safety equipment, and touchscreen systems.

See the full 2017 changes

Frequently asked questions

What is the main difference between the 2016 and 2015 Ram 3500?

The main difference is the 2016 truck’s stronger high-output 6.7-liter Cummins diesel. It rises from 850 to 900 lb-ft of peak torque on qualifying models, helping increase maximum towing to 31,210 pounds.

How much can a 2016 Ram 3500 tow?

The 2016 Ram 3500 can tow up to 31,210 pounds in a qualifying configuration. Its maximum combined truck-and-trailer weight rating reaches 39,100 pounds, but the exact limit depends on the truck’s engine, axle, cab, bed, and drivetrain setup.

Does every 2016 Ram 3500 Cummins diesel make 900 lb-ft of torque?

No. The 900-lb-ft figure applies to the high-output Cummins setup in qualifying Ram 3500 trucks. Other diesel configurations have lower torque ratings, so a used truck’s exact powertrain should be verified before relying on the maximum towing figure.

Did the 2016 Ram 3500 get major interior, safety, or infotainment changes?

No. The 2016 Ram 3500 did not receive a broad cabin, safety-suite, or infotainment overhaul. Most of the lineup carries over in these areas from 2015.

Did the 2016 Ram 3500 receive new styling?

Only the Laramie Limited received a noteworthy styling change for 2016, with a refreshed exterior appearance. The rest of the Ram 3500 lineup did not get a broad visual update.

2016 Ram 3500 Reviews

What owners are saying about the 2016 Ram 3500.

4.2

2016 Ram 3500

(309 reviews)

5 stars (133)

4 stars (110)

3 stars (50)

2 stars (13)

1 star (3)

“They have no pressure and this truck has the best in class power I love the interior features”

JBJerine B.
2016 Ram 3500 Crew Cab 4WD

No rating

“Its a strong well styled truck that's dependable and looks good with comfortable options at an affordable price.”

RARay A.
2016 Ram 3500 Regular Cab 4WD

No rating

“This vehicle drives well has a great interior. Plenty of room inside, cup holders storage.”

RNRobert N.
2016 Ram 3500 Crew Cab 4WD