People tend to have some pretty strong opinions about which diesel truck is the best. Reviewers have been singing the 2020 Ram 3500 Heavy Duty diesel’s praises. In fact, it snagged a spot on MotorTrend’s esteemed “The 10 Best Diesel Pickup Trucks of All Time.”

But what can you expect from this truck, and does it really live up to all the hype?

What to expect from the 2020 Ram 3500 Heavy Duty diesel

The 2020 Ram 3500 Heavy Duty diesel starts at $35,345. It packs a 6.7-liter Cummins turbocharged inline-six diesel engine producing 370 hp and 850 lb-ft of torque. But what makes the Ram 3500 stand out is its diesel engine’s high-output version. It harnessess 400 hp and a whopping 1,000 lb-ft of torque. 

MotorTrend points out the Ram 3500 is the first heavy-duty truck to hit four figures of torque, really showing in its towing capabilities. It has a max towing capacity of 35,100 pounds, plus a 7,680-pound payload. (For what it’s worth, the 2021 Ram 3500 beats this impressive number, towing up to 37,100 pounds.)

The Ram 3500 also features some impressive tech. Base models come with a 5.0-inch display, but you can upgrade to an 8.4-inch or a vertical 12.0-inch display. Optional features include blind-spot monitoring, cargo bed storage bins, adaptive cruise control, and dual rear wheels. This vehicle is available in five trim levels: the Tradesman, Big Horn, Laramie, Longhorn, and Limited. It offers a choice of two bed lengths and several cab configurations, plus rear- or four-wheel drive.

The Ram 3500 HD diesel’s ranking in MotorTrend’s top 10

There’s no doubt MotorTrend loves the 2020 Ram 3500 Heavy Duty diesel. It ranks among the publication’s all-time best diesel pickup trucks and earned MotorTrend’s 2020 Truck of the Year honors. MT reviewers call it “the company’s most capable consumer pick up” and praise its comfortable cabin, smooth ride, and impressive towing power.

MotorTrend also notes that the 2020 Ram 3500’s new steel frame means it feels incredibly secure even when towing heavy loads. Its attractive cabin further bolsters the positive driving experience. The interior abounds with high-quality materials, features, and “snazzier” styling.

However, MotorTrend notes the diesel engine is fairly loud and causes some cabin vibration. Though comparable heavy-duty diesel trucks don’t vibrate, MT reviewers assert that the Ram 3500’s benefits far outweigh this drawback.

Other reviewers’ opinions

After hearing all the hype, you might wonder whether the 2020 Ram 3500 Heavy Duty diesel really lives up to such high expectations. According to other reviewers, it appears that it does. Edmunds calls the Ram 3500 “a compelling choice” with “seemingly endless combinations of trim levels, power trains, bed length and cab configurations.” In particular, Edmunds reviewers note the infotainment system boasts excellent features and intuitiveness.

Like MotorTrend, Edmunds points out the noise and vibration from the diesel engine. Additionally, reviewers describe the driving position as slightly too high.

However, reviewers seem to agree the 2020 Ram 3500 Heavy Duty diesel offers a vast range of benefits that far outweigh the minor flaws. This vehicle’s impressive towing capacity makes it stand out from the crowd, and its clever design and impressive array of new features make it appealing to just about anyone looking for a powerful heavy-duty truck.