How much horsepower does a Ram 3500 Cummins Turbo Diesel have?
The Ram 3500’s Cummins Turbo Diesel delivers two main horsepower outputs in recent years: 400 horsepower in standard form and 420 horsepower in a High Output variant, with torque figures of 1,000 lb-ft and 1,075 lb-ft respectively. Older Ram 3500 models used lower power ratings, typically around 350–370 hp with 850–900 lb-ft of torque.
Current horsepower options
Ram defines the Cummins 6.7-liter turbo diesel for the Heavy Duty lineup with two available outputs. The following summary reflects the latest production numbers commonly cited for the Ram 3500.
- Standard Output (SO): 400 horsepower, 1,000 lb-ft of torque
- High Output (HO): 420 horsepower, 1,075 lb-ft of torque
These figures reflect the engine’s two-stage tuning offered in current model years, and the exact power delivery can vary slightly by transmission choice, drivetrain configuration, and emissions settings. In practice, the HO configuration provides noticeably stronger pulling power, especially in heavy hauls and downhill scenarios, while the SO setup remains perfectly adequate for everyday heavy-duty towing and payload needs.
Historical context
To understand where today’s numbers come from, it helps to look at the engine’s evolution. Earlier Ram 3500 models equipped with the Cummins 6.7-liter turbodiesel generally produced lower power figures, typically in the 350–370 horsepower range with torque around 850–900 lb-ft. As emissions and efficiency requirements evolved, Ram introduced higher-output tuning for the same engine, culminating in the current two-tier setup that includes a 420 horsepower, 1,075 lb-ft High Output option for enhanced capability.
In the years immediately preceding the current generation’s widespread adoption, some markets and trims used the lower output while others offered the boosted iteration. Buyers at that time could expect that choosing the HO variant would yield stronger acceleration, better hill-climbing ability, and improved tow performance, particularly on long grades and when fully loaded.
What to know when shopping
When evaluating a Ram 3500 with the Cummins Turbo Diesel, note that:
- Power output is a major determinant of towing capacity and driveability, especially under load.
- The High Output version carries the higher power and torque figures, but availability can depend on model year, trim, and regional specifications.
- Warranty and maintenance considerations, including the exhaust aftertreatment system, can influence long-term performance and reliability.
Always confirm the exact engine spec for a specific vehicle by checking the window sticker or the manufacturer’s build sheet, as two otherwise similar trucks can have different tunes depending on options and production date.
Summary
In modern Ram 3500 lineups, the Cummins Turbo Diesel offers two horsepower configurations: 400 hp (standard) and 420 hp (high output), with corresponding torque of 1,000 lb-ft and 1,075 lb-ft. Earlier generations used lower figures, around 350–370 hp and 850–900 lb-ft. The HO variant provides enhanced towing and haul performance, while the SO setup remains capable for most heavy-duty tasks. For buyers, the key is to verify the exact spec on the target vehicle to ensure it matches their expected usage.
