The heavy-duty segment just got upgraded, and the new 2024 RAM 3500 HD is coming soon. As many already know, this pickup is one of the best-selling ones on the market. This is obviously with good reason, as the 3500 HD is capable and has been impressive over many years of heavy work. This truck has been in need of a facelift for quite some time. It is worth mentioning that many manufacturers are speeding up their refresh cycles. The reason for this is that styles and technology change and evolve too fast. As a result, they must keep their pickups current in order to maintain market value.
We are probably in for some smaller design changes. This includes the interior, which will include more style. Also, the outside might receive some tweaks, mostly related to functionality. The powertrain department is a big question mark. There are some rumors circling around about electrification. But we doubt that it will happen, at least not this cycle. The diesel powertrain is hanging by a thread; a lot of regulations are going against it, but we will see how that plays out. Let’s see in more detail what the new RAM looks like.
RAM 3500 HD Interior Updates
The inside is up for a nice refresh. The 2024 RAM 3500 HD will get improved seating. Comfort is quite important, especially if you plan on sitting in one place for eight hours and driving on difficult terrain. Heating and ventilating seats are present; new cushioning are here, and there is better lumbar support. The dashboard won’t be fully digital, but only a part of it.
This enables easier tracking of information. The steering wheel is heated and has a lot of buttons to control everything you need. The infotainment system has a 12-inch screen with standard connectivity. We don’t get premium options like brand-made stereo systems or ambient lighting. But there should be a moonroof available.
Exterior Changes
The outside of the pickup won’t be too different. The refreshed 2024 RAM 3500 HD will get some minor tweaks on the exterior. Standard 18-inch wheel rims made from lightweight aluminum are available. There is an option to increase the size up to 20 inches. The front fascia is still big and wide, with newly designed headlights.
They are more linear and extend to the side. Also, the ride height is higher so that nothing gets stuck underneath. Bumpers are prominent, and they come with hook and winch capability. The cargo bed has 5.5 feet in length and is larger at 6.5 feet. There are additional lights on top of the pickup.
Engine Specs, Transmission, Towing Capacity
There might not be any surprises with the new 2048 MB RAM and 3500 MB HD. This is not necessarily a bad thing per se. Since the engines are already running, they are very reliable. And if you are choosing a heavy-duty pickup, that is at the top of the shopping list when it comes to engines. The 2024 Ram 3500’s performance could use a slight boost. Although this has not been official, trustworthy sources are saying just that. The only change might be to give one of the existing engines extra horsepower. A 6.4-liter V8 gas engine with 410 horsepower is standard. Along with the normal RWD drivetrain, an 8-speed automatic gearbox is also offered.
AWD will once again be an option. Additionally, a 6.7-liter turbodiesel with two different outputs is available. While the second version will be able to produce more than 1,000 lb-ft of torque, the basic version has 850 lb-ft of torque. Diesel engines come with a distinctive 6-speed automatic transmission, unlike gasoline engines. Again, since the largest rivals are doing the same thing, anticipate better performance from the Ram 3500 in the future. There is also the possibility of providing power boost to these engines. This should attract a lot of customers, as the role of the 3500 HD is clear. Pull a lot and tow a lot. It can tow 35,000 pounds and haul 6,000, which is among the best in the category.
But it is interesting that RAM isn’t even trying to introduce a hybrid version. let alone fully electrify the heavy pickup. This does worry us a little bit due to regulations becoming more strict. This will slowly but eventually result in diesel engines getting decommissioned. Obviously, people aren’t happy about that, since not a lot of things can replace that kind of performance. But we are sure that RAM will use the mighty diesel for as long as possible. A mild hybrid addition would significantly improve the already existing powertrain lineup. It would improve fuel economy, which the 3500 HD desperately needs.
It will make the engine last longer and improve performance. all things that are in high demand. But fully electrifying the RAM 3500 HD is not a complete fantasy. There are pickups with amazing performance, much higher than the current heavy-duty pickup. It would require a huge battery, probably 150 kWh. This would outmatch the current performance and output as well as give the 3500 HD a good range on a single charge. The platform should be new for this to happen, so maybe it is a design problem. But eventually, we expect all vehicles to go towards this type of energy.
Fuel Economy
The new 2024 RAM 3500 HD is not very cheap to run. It is quite thirsty, as it gets only 11 mpg in combined driving. We already mentioned that introducing a mild 48-volt hybrid technology would greatly improve those numbers.
2024 RAM 3500 HD Price and Release Date
We can expect the fresh 2024 RAM and 3500 HD to drop sometimes later in 2023. The starting price should start at around $34,000. This is just the base trim; RAM will offer numerous options, and buyers will be spoiled for choice.
