For looks, utility, and sheer brute strength, the one-ton 2010 Ram Pickup 3500 remains king of the mountain. This full-size pickup shouts “Bring it on!” even while sitting in the typical suburban driveway. On the farm or the job site, this monster demonstrates over-the-top versatility, yet looks right at home parked outside the opera house – assuming a large enough parking space can be found. Three trim levels, the base ST, midlevel SLT, and top-shelf Laramie, are available with the Ram 3500, with the ST coming in Regular or Crew Cab configuration; the SLT in Regular, Crew, or Mega Cab versions; and the Laramie trims available with a Crew or Mega Cab. With on-demand four-wheel drive (4WD) available, the Ram 3500 is most comfortable with the common dual-rear-wheel configuration, though all Crew Cab trims offer single-rear-wheel versions as well. Finally, the Regular Cab trims all feature a standard 8-foot bed, while Crew Cab versions offer either the 6.4- or 8-foot bed length, and Mega Cabs come with only the 6.4-foot bed. Up against the Ford F-350 Super Duty and Chevy Silverado 3500HD pickups, the 2010 Ram 3500 clearly leads the pack with its superior towing ability and upgraded cabins.

A single engine, a 6.0-liter inline six-cylinder (I6) turbodiesel, powers the 2010 Ram 3500 lineup, but in combination with the standard six-speed manual or available six-speed automatic transmission, this highly regarded powerplant churns out 350 hp and a class-leading 650 lb-ft of torque. Properly equipped rear-wheel-drive (RWD) trims can tow up to 17,600 pounds of trailer and haul some 4,650 pounds of payload with this semi-economical drivetrain. Of course, 4WD trims are capable of a bit less towing, but can carry some 500 pounds more payload. All 4WD Ram 3500s additionally feature a limited-slip differential and auto-locking hubs, while the ST and SLT come with manual hi-lo gear selection, and Laramies are delivered with electronic hi-lo selection. One unique feature not often found on stock pickups is the Ram 3500’s standard exhaust brake, which provides a bit of extra stability and stopping power when towing hefty trailers.

Appearance features and cabin amenities include 17-inch steel wheels, vinyl upholstery, air conditioning, tilt-wheel steering, cruise control, and a single-CD stereo with six speakers for the ST Regular Cab trims, while a split-folding rear seat and power windows, door locks, and mirrors are included with the six-passenger ST Crew and Mega Cabs. Moving up to the SLT, owners get additional standard extras like chrome exterior trim accents, chrome-clad 17-inch wheels, cloth upholstery, power accessories, including heated exterior mirrors, a sliding rear window, remote keyless entry, and Sirius satellite radio. The high-end Laramie, meanwhile, adds polished alloy 17-inch wheels, skid plates on 4WD trims, leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats with driver’s memory features, Bluetooth hands-free communications, and nine-speaker surround sound.

Options for the ST include many features that are standard on higher trim levels, while the SLT can be ordered with available Bluetooth technology. Both SLT and Laramie trims can be delivered with available rear-seat DVD entertainment, a power sunroof, and DVD navigation.

Standard safety features for all 2010 Ram 3500 trims include four-wheel ABS, traction and stability control, front, and for Crew and Mega Cab trims, rear head curtain airbags, and a post-collision safety system. The SLT adds turn-signal-integrated mirrors to the mix, while the Laramie is delivered with such extra standard safety items as front fog/driving lights, rear parking sensors, and a remote anti-theft alarm, all of which are optional for the STL.

A major owner complaint regarding the 2009 Ram 3500 lineup is its less-than-inviting cabin. However, 2010’s makeover has, by all accounts, turned this once ugly step-sister into the belle of the ball. This doesn’t mean, however, that this heavy-hauler is completely flawless, with grumblings still being heard about uncomfortable seats, tepid mileage figures, a less-than-silky ride, and over-priced options.

One further detail mentioned by more than a few disappointed owners is the fact that the trailer brake controller ought to be standard on all trims. On the other hand, only positive comments are heard regarding the standard exhaust brake that comes with the I6 turbodiesel, while this potent powerplant comes in for its share of “attaboys” as well. Exterior looks (of course) and cabin room in the Mega Cab trims, as well as details like the six-speed manual transmission and available sunroof, also drew cheers from owners. Nearly all owners want this brute for work, and few are disappointed with the Ram 3500’s capacity for hard labor.