2026 Ram 3500: Heavy-Duty Capability for Fontana and the Inland Empire

The 2026 Ram 3500 arrives as a heavy-duty workhorse for Fontana and the wider Inland Empire, engineered for the region’s most demanding logistics, construction, and hauling jobs. Pricing starts at an MSRP of about $52,695 for a Crew Cab Tradesman with the standard 6.4L HEMI V8, including the destination charge. From there, buyers can step up to the available 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 — the engine behind the truck’s headline capability, including up to 1,075 lb-ft of torque and a maximum towing capacity of 36,610 pounds in its High-Output form. Whether you’re moving equipment around Rancho Cucamonga or hauling toward a job site in San Bernardino, the Ram 3500 delivers the mechanical strength professional duty requires.

Diesel Power and Towing Built for Inland Empire Hauling

The 2026 Ram 3500 offers three powertrain configurations to match different workloads. The standard 6.4L HEMI V8 produces 405 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque, well suited to general heavy-duty use. Buyers who tow heavier or more often can choose the available 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6, offered in two outputs: a Standard-Output version rated at 370 horsepower and 850 lb-ft, and a High-Output version that delivers 430 horsepower and 1,075 lb-ft of torque. Every configuration pairs with the TorqueFlite HD eight-speed automatic transmission, new for 2026 on the High-Output diesel, for smooth, durable shifting under sustained load.

For Inland Empire business owners who need to move substantial loads, the High-Output Cummins with dual rear wheels unlocks a maximum towing capacity of 36,610 pounds. Long-haul operators can add the available 50-gallon fuel tank on Crew Cab models with the 8-foot bed, reducing the frequency of fuel stops on extended work days. When you’re ready to step up, our team can help you value your trade-in toward a new heavy-duty model.

Maximum towing and payload capacity figures are based on properly equipped vehicles and vary by configuration. Do not exceed any weight rating. See your owner’s manual and the vehicle’s door-jamb label for specific capacities.

Trailer-Towing Safety and Driver-Assistance Technology

Heavy-duty towing demands more than raw power, and the 2026 Ram 3500 expands its standard safety content for the new model year. Adaptive cruise control and Forward Collision Warning with automatic emergency braking are now standard across the entire lineup, from the Tradesman to the Limited Longhorn, helping maintain safe following distances and intervene when a frontal collision threatens, even with a trailer attached.

For towing specifically, Trailer Reverse Guidance lets you steer both the truck and trailer using a dedicated knob while the system manages the steering wheel, and Trailer Reverse Steering Control simplifies the most difficult backing maneuvers. An available 360-degree surround-view camera, part of the optional Safety Group available across the lineup, adds a bird’s-eye view of the truck’s perimeter, while the integrated trailer brake controller comes standard from the Tradesman up. Together these systems keep heavy loads composed and under control on grades and in tight quarters throughout Riverside, San Bernardino, and the rest of the Inland Empire.

Driver-assistance and safety systems are supplemental aids and do not replace safe, attentive driving. Feature availability and performance vary by trim, configuration, and driving conditions. For complete details, see Ram’s official 2026 Ram 3500 features and safety information.

Cabin Comfort, Premium Audio, and In-Cab Technology

Inside, the 2026 Ram 3500 ranges from a durable, work-focused Tradesman cabin with easy-clean materials to genuinely luxurious top trims. The Laramie introduces leather-trimmed, heated and ventilated front seats and an Alpine premium audio system. Stepping up to the Limited and Limited Longhorn brings a 17-speaker, 900-watt Harman Kardon premium sound system, a class-exclusive 10.25-inch front passenger interactive display, and Interior Active Noise Cancellation that quiets the cabin on long hauls. The Limited Longhorn layers on a Southwestern-inspired interior with Bison Brown premium leather, real wood accents, and filigree stitching. Practical touches like an available bed step and available power-deployable running boards make climbing in and reaching cargo easier on the higher trims, so the cabin works as well for a West Covina commute as it does on a Claremont job site.

2026 Ram 3500 Trim Lineup and Pricing

The 2026 Ram 3500 comes in five trims that scale from job-site utility to executive comfort, all built on the same heavy-duty foundation. The Tradesman is the entry point, built for fleet and work duty with vinyl seating, the standard 6.4L HEMI V8, and the essential mechanical foundation. The Big Horn, sold as the Lone Star in Texas, adds chrome exterior accents, cloth seating, and upgraded tech for a more polished daily driver. The Laramie is the popular sweet spot, with leather-trimmed heated and ventilated seats, an Alpine audio system, and a larger touchscreen. The Limited delivers mainstream luxury, including the 17-speaker Harman Kardon audio, ventilated seating, and an available front passenger display. At the top of the range, the Limited Longhorn shares the Limited’s equipment and adds Southwestern styling with Bison Brown premium leather and Longhorn-specific instrument-panel branding.

MSRP for new vehicles covers manufacturer/distributor equipment and logistics fees, all of which are subject to revision. It does not account for taxes, registration, dealer-installed additions, or other local charges. MSRP is not a retail advertisement; actual dealer pricing will vary. The dealer sets the final price.

Across every trim, the 2026 Ram 3500 is backed by Ram’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty for the original owner — coverage that applies to both the gas V8 and the Cummins diesel.

Warranty coverage is subject to terms, conditions, eligibility requirements, and limitations, and is non-transferable beyond the original owner. Coverage details and exclusions vary; see the dealer or Ram’s official warranty documentation for complete terms.

Common Questions About the 2026 Ram 3500

What is the maximum towing capacity of the 2026 Ram 3500?

Properly equipped with the High-Output 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel and dual rear wheels, the 2026 Ram 3500 tows up to 36,610 pounds, among the highest ratings in the heavy-duty segment.

Which trim offers the most premium interior?

The Limited and Limited Longhorn are the luxury benchmarks. The Limited features a 17-speaker, 900-watt Harman Kardon system and ventilated seating, while the Limited Longhorn adds Southwestern styling with Bison Brown premium leather and a trim-specific instrument panel.

Does the 2026 model include standard safety technology?

Yes. Adaptive cruise control and Forward Collision Warning with automatic emergency braking are standard across the entire lineup, including the entry-level Tradesman.

What are the engine options for the 2026 Ram 3500?

The lineup offers a standard 6.4L HEMI V8 (405 hp and 429 lb-ft) and an available 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 in Standard Output (370 hp and 850 lb-ft) or High Output (430 hp and 1,075 lb-ft), each paired with the TorqueFlite HD eight-speed automatic transmission.

Ready to put the 2026 Ram 3500 to work? You can also explore the full Ram work-truck lineup or call our sales team at 909-675-1186.