carivo.co
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Truck |
| Base Price | $33,970–$41,066 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 6.8/10, the 2017 Ram Ram 3500 earns a Good rating among the trucks we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 7.5/10, while Value at 6.2/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional truck — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We rate reliability at 6.6/10 — below the segment average in our scoring. Budget for potentially higher maintenance costs and check the recall record below before buying. On safety it earns 7.5/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance lands mid-pack at 7.4/10: enough power and composure for everyday needs, without the dynamics that distinguish the segment's driver-focused options. Technology scores 6.3/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $33,970–$41,066, 10 MPG, seating 5, the Ram Ram 3500 sits in the mid-market bracket of the truck segment. The value score of 6.2/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 9 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Bottom line: There's a case for the 2017 Ram Ram 3500, but it needs the right buyer. Its reliability and technology and value scores trail the class, and several higher-rated rivals sell for similar money — comparison-shop before committing.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2017 Ram Ram 3500 ranks #469 of 515 trucks in the Carivo database — better than 9% of the segment. Its 6.8/10 overall score is 0.6 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $33,970 starting price sits close to the segment's median of $35,138.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Truck ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2014 Ram Ram 3500 scores 6.8/10 — within striking distance of the 2017's 6.8 — and starts roughly $4,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 7.3/10 | $44,290 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.1/10 | $43,000 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.2/10 | $41,710 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.2/10 | $40,420 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.1/10 | $39,130 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.0/10 | $37,840 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 6.9/10 | $36,550 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.0/10 | $35,260 | Read review → |
| 2017 (this review) | 6.8/10 | $33,970 | |
| 2016 | 6.8/10 | $32,680 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 6.8/10 | $31,390 | Read review → |
| 2014 | 6.8/10 | $30,099 | Read review → |
Other trucks at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
Explore the full lineup of Ram models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
