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2018 Ram 3500: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2018 Ram 3500 gets a meaningful capability update rather than a full redesign. The headline change is a stronger high-output 6.7-liter Cummins diesel with 930 lb-ft of torque, helping properly equipped trucks tow up to 30,000 pounds with a fifth-wheel trailer.
About the 2018 Ram 3500
4th generation (2010-2018), final year before the all-new 2019 heavy-duty redesign.
Ram positioned the 3500 as a heavy-duty pickup built first for towing, hauling and hard work, but with a broader comfort range than many rivals. The model spans basic job trucks, nicer everyday trims, and fully loaded luxury versions without losing its core mission. Ram’s key selling points were Cummins diesel torque, broad cab and box combinations, strong towing numbers, and a cabin that felt more comfortable and upscale than many work-focused heavy-duty pickups of the same era.
The 2018 lineup ranges from the no-nonsense Tradesman work truck to the chrome-trimmed Big Horn and Texas-focused Lone Star, while Laramie adds leather, heated and ventilated front seats, and parking sensors. Laramie Longhorn brings western-themed leather and wood trim, while Limited uses an all-black premium cabin, navigation, keyless entry and automatic high beams.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The high-output 6.7-liter Cummins diesel paired with the heavy-duty automatic gains 30 lb-ft of torque, reaching 930 lb-ft. Properly equipped trucks receive a 30,000-pound fifth-wheel tow rating.
Safety
A rearview camera becomes standard across the full Ram 3500 lineup.
Tech
The 8.4-inch touchscreen is updated with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Wi-Fi hotspot capability.
Styling
Ram adds the Limited Tungsten and Harvest special editions. The Laramie Limited trim also continues under the shorter Limited name.
2018 Ram 3500 specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8, HEMI, 5.7 Liter / 6-Cyl, Turbo Dsl, 6.7L / V8, HEMI, 6.4 Liter / 6-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 6.7 Liter | 6-Cyl, Turbo Dsl, 6.7L / V8, HEMI, 6.4 Liter / 6-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 6.7 Liter | 6-Cyl, Turbo Dsl, 6.7L / V8, HEMI, 6.4 Liter / 6-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 6.7 Liter | V8, HEMI, 5.7 Liter / 6-Cyl, Turbo Dsl, 6.7L / V8, HEMI, 6.4 Liter / 6-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 6.7 Liter | V8, HEMI, 5.7 Liter / 6-Cyl, Turbo Dsl, 6.7L / V8, HEMI, 6.4 Liter / 6-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 6.7 Liter | V8, HEMI, 5.7 Liter / 6-Cyl, Turbo Dsl, 6.7L / V8, HEMI, 6.4 Liter / 6-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 6.7 Liter | 6-Cyl, Turbo Dsl, 6.7L / V8, HEMI, 6.4 Liter / 6-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 6.7 Liter |
| 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 | Gas / Diesel | Diesel / Gas | Diesel / Gas | Gas / Diesel | Gas / Diesel | Gas / Diesel | 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 | 400–800 lb-ft | 429 lb-ft | 429 lb-ft | 400–800 lb-ft | 400–800 lb-ft | 400–800 lb-ft | 429 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 17490–29530 lb | 17490–29010 lb | 17490–29010 lb | 17500–29010 lb | 17500–29010 lb | 17010–29530 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 | 40.3–43.3 in | 40.3 in | 40.3–43.3 in |
| Seats | 3–6 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 3–6 | 5 |
| Doors | 2–4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 2–4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | |||||||
| Automatic High Beams | |||||||
| Park Assist | |||||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | |||||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||||
| Fog Lights | |||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | |||||||
| Side Steps | |||||||
| Navigation System | |||||||
| SD Card Slot | |||||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||||
| Subwoofer | |||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||||||
| USB Ports | |||||||
| 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 | |||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2018 Ram 3500?
The biggest change is the high-output 6.7-liter Cummins diesel’s increase to 930 lb-ft of torque when paired with the heavy-duty automatic. That helps a properly equipped 2018 Ram 3500 reach a 30,000-pound fifth-wheel tow rating.
How much can the 2018 Ram 3500 tow with a fifth-wheel trailer?
A properly equipped 2018 Ram 3500 is rated to tow up to 30,000 pounds with a fifth-wheel trailer. That maximum is tied to the stronger high-output Cummins diesel setup and the correct truck configuration.
Does every 2018 Ram 3500 have a rearview camera?
Yes. A rearview camera became standard across every Ram 3500 trim for 2018, including the work-focused Tradesman.
Does the 2018 Ram 3500 support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes, trucks equipped with the updated 8.4-inch touchscreen support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. That system also adds Wi-Fi hotspot capability for 2018.
Is the 2018 Ram 3500 Limited a new trim?
No. The 2018 Limited continues the 2017 Laramie Limited under a shorter name rather than replacing it with a different trim. Ram also added the Limited Tungsten and Harvest special editions for 2018.
2018 Ram 3500 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 Ram 3500.
4.2
2018 Ram 3500
(279 reviews)
“Best of the best, I really enjoy this truck also and Mopar is a excellent brand.”
“I like the RAM 2500 and I like the performance. The electrical system stinks, very poor electrical system.”