“I rather enjoy the truck for being a basic model. Plenty of power and a fairly smooth ride for being a 1 ton. Just wished I had a 4 door and that they would finally update the radio.”
2021 Ram 3500: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2021 Ram 3500's most important change is the stronger high-output 6.7-liter Cummins diesel, rated at 420 horsepower and 1,075 lb-ft of torque. It was not redesigned, and most other equipment carried over from 2020.
About the 2021 Ram 3500
5th generation (introduced for 2019), third model year; powertrain enhancement rather than a redesign or mid-cycle exterior update
Ram positions the 3500 as its maximum-capability pickup for very heavy towing and hauling, while emphasizing a quieter, more comfortable cabin than shoppers may expect from a one-ton truck. Its core differences are the high-output Cummins diesel, dual-rear-wheel capability, strong gooseneck and fifth-wheel ratings, multiple cab and bed layouts, and interiors that range from durable work-truck trim to genuine leather-and-wood luxury.
The 2021 lineup ranges from the work-focused Tradesman with vinyl surfaces and a 5-inch touchscreen to the more comfortable Big Horn and Texas-market Lone Star with cloth seats, power conveniences, and chrome trim. Laramie adds heated leather seats and an 8.4-inch touchscreen, while the luxury-focused Limited Longhorn brings Western-inspired leather and wood trim and the Limited features a 12-inch touchscreen, wireless phone charging, and blind-spot monitoring that covers a conventional trailer.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The high-output 6.7-liter Cummins diesel increased from 400 horsepower and 1,000 lb-ft of torque in 2020 to 420 horsepower and 1,075 lb-ft for 2021. A qualifying regular-cab truck with two rear wheels on each side reached a 37,100-pound maximum gooseneck tow rating.
Trim lineup
Limited Longhorn joined the 2021 lineup as a Western-inspired luxury grade with premium leather, genuine wood trim, navigation, upgraded audio, parking sensors, and factory bed protection and lighting.
2021 Ram 3500 specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 6-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 6.7 Liter / 6-Cyl, HO, Turbo Diesel, 6.7 Liter / V8, HEMI, 6.4 Liter | 6-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 6.7 Liter / 6-Cyl, HO, Turbo Diesel, 6.7 Liter / V8, HEMI, 6.4 Liter | 6-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 6.7 Liter / 6-Cyl, HO, Turbo Diesel, 6.7 Liter / V8, HEMI, 6.4 Liter / V8, HEMI, MDS, 6.4 Liter | 6-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 6.7 Liter / 6-Cyl, HO, Turbo Diesel, 6.7 Liter / V8, HEMI, 6.4 Liter / V8, HEMI, MDS, 6.4 Liter | V8, HEMI, MDS, 6.4 Liter / 6-Cyl, HO, Turbo Diesel, 6.7 Liter / 6-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 6.7 Liter / V8, HEMI, 6.4 Liter | 6-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 6.7 Liter / 6-Cyl, HO, Turbo Diesel, 6.7 Liter / V8, HEMI, 6.4 Liter | 6-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 6.7 Liter / 6-Cyl, HO, Turbo Diesel, 6.7 Liter / V8, HEMI, 6.4 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 | Diesel / Gas | Diesel / Gas | Diesel / Gas | Diesel / Gas | Gas / Diesel | Diesel / Gas | Diesel / Gas |
| Horsepower | 370–410 hp | 370–410 hp | 370–410 hp | 370–410 hp | 370–410 hp | 400–410 hp | 370–410 hp |
| Torque | 429–1000 lb-ft | 429–1000 lb-ft | 429–1000 lb-ft | 429–1000 lb-ft | 429–1000 lb-ft | 429–1000 lb-ft | 429–1000 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 14110–16550 lb | 14110–16550 lb | 14110–17120 lb | 14110–17120 lb | 14110–17120 lb | 16550 lb | 14110–14300 lb |
| Rear Legroom | 40.2–43.1 in | 40.2–43.1 in | 40.2–43.1 in | 40.2–43.1 in | 40.2 in | 43.1 in | 40.2 in |
| Seats | 6 | 5 | 3–6 | 3–6 | 3–6 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 2–4 | 2–4 | 2–4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||||||
| Alarm System | |||||||
| Automatic High Beams | |||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||||
| Park Assist | |||||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | |||||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||||
| 360 Camera | |||||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||||
| Fog Lights | |||||||
| LED Headlights | |||||||
| LED Tail Lights | |||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | |||||||
| Power Side Steps | |||||||
| Remote Control Liftgate/Trunk Release | |||||||
| Side Steps | |||||||
| Navigation System | |||||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||||
| Subwoofer | |||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||||||
| USB Ports | |||||||
| 115V Power Outlet | |||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | |||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||||
| Rear Air Conditioning | |||||||
| 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's Lumbar Support Seat | |||||||
| Power Driver Seat | |||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||||
| Remote Start | |||||||
| Tilt Wheel | |||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||||||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2021 Ram 3500 compared with the 2020 model?
The main change was a stronger high-output 6.7-liter Cummins diesel, which rose from 400 to 420 horsepower and from 1,000 to 1,075 lb-ft of torque. Limited Longhorn also joined the trim lineup, while most other standard equipment stayed much the same.
How much can the 2021 Ram 3500 tow after the diesel upgrade?
The 2021 Ram 3500 has a maximum gooseneck tow rating of 37,100 pounds in the qualifying regular-cab configuration with two rear wheels on each side. That figure does not apply to every cab and drivetrain configuration.
Was the 2021 Ram 3500 redesigned?
No, the 2021 Ram 3500 was not redesigned. It remained part of the fifth generation introduced for 2019, with the stronger high-output diesel serving as the year's major update.
Did the 2021 Ram 3500 add a Limited Longhorn trim?
Yes, Limited Longhorn joined the 2021 trim lineup. It is a Western-inspired luxury grade with leather seating, genuine wood cabin trim, navigation, upgraded audio, parking sensors, a spray-in bedliner, and LED bed lighting.
Which 2021 Ram 3500 trim has the largest touchscreen?
The 2021 Ram 3500 Limited has the lineup's largest touchscreen at 12 inches. It also has navigation, wireless phone charging, premium leather and wood trim, parking sensors, and blind-spot monitoring that covers a conventional trailer.
2021 Ram 3500 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 Ram 3500.
4.3
2021 Ram 3500
(142 reviews)
“It meets the towing capabilities I needed and the Longhorn package fits my overall comfort needs as well.”
“Combines comfort, durability and pure strength. Excellent truck for our towing needs”