Morgan Hill Ram - What Does the High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel Add to the 2026 Ram 3500 for Salinas, CA Drivers?
For many heavy-duty shoppers, the big question is simple: which engine makes the most sense for daily life and towing demands? If you’re comparing the 2026 Ram 3500’s available High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 to other powertrains for routes around Salinas, CA, here’s how the numbers and features translate into real-world advantages.
At the top of the capability chart, the High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 delivers up to 430 horsepower and a towering 1,075 lb-ft of Best-in-Class available base diesel torque. Properly equipped, it enables up to 36,610 pounds of maximum available towing capacity. What matters just as much as peak output is how the 3500 deploys it. The TorqueFlite® HD eight-speed automatic transmission is tuned for heavy loads, helping you hold gears when climbing and downshift decisively when conditions change. The diesel’s minimal noise and low vibration characteristics reduce fatigue over long towing days, and the available Automatic Smart Exhaust Brake adds downhill assurance with smoother, more controlled deceleration.
Confidence in tight spaces can matter more than raw power. That’s where the 3500’s available towing technologies help you move like a pro. Trailer Reverse Steering Control lets you guide the trailer using a dedicated knob while the system manages the truck’s steering inputs, simplifying precise shuffles into narrow driveways or jobsite rows. Layer on the 360° Surround View Camera and 360° Trailer Surround View Camera for a bird’s-eye perspective around both truck and trailer, and add the available Digital Rearview Mirror with side camera integration and a wired Tow Mode Camera to monitor blind spots and traffic behind your load.
Inside, the available Largest-in-Class 14.5-inch Uconnect® 5 NAV touchscreen and the available 12-inch Digital Cluster Display bring critical data into view. Trailer Tow Pages and Trailer Tire Pressure Monitoring are easily accessible, making light checks, brake status, and tire health part of your normal pre-trip routine. Wireless Apple CarPlay® Support for your iPhone® and Wireless Android Auto™ Compatibility keep connectivity seamless between jobsites, and available Class-Exclusive Dual Wireless Charging Pads help your devices stay powered. If you regularly drive with a co-pilot, the Class-Exclusive available 10.25-inch Front Passenger Interactive Display lets them manage navigation and media without distracting you from the road.
Durability and everyday usability round out the package. The Snow Plow Prep Package is standard, and you can add the available Transfer Case Skid Plate on 4x4 models for additional protection. In the bed, the available RamBox® Cargo Management System provides drainable, lockable storage with LED lighting and a 115-volt power outlet for tools. Available LED bed lighting, power side running boards, and a Mopar® bed step make load-in and access easier when you’re on the clock before sunrise or after sunset. Meanwhile, the cabin offers multiple seating and storage configurations, with options like a fold-flat load floor with under-seat storage and Class-Exclusive available Rear In-Floor Storage on Crew Cab models.
If you’re still deciding between gas and diesel, ask yourself how often you’ll tow at higher weights, how much time you spend on grades, and whether integrated tow tech will save you time every week. The 6.4L HEMI® V8 is a strong, refined option with up to 405 horsepower, 429 lb-ft of torque, up to 7,590 pounds of gas payload, and up to 18,150 pounds of gas towing—an excellent fit for mixed-use schedules. But if your workload skews toward maximum towing, long distances, or frequent mountain passes, the available High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 gives you deep torque, robust braking support, and tech that helps you move heavy equipment with precision.
Thinking through the right configuration for your routes and trailers is easier with a comprehensive test drive. Bring your typical trailer if possible, explore Trailer Reverse Steering Control and the camera systems, and customize the Digital Cluster Display to surface the data you rely on most. For shoppers honing in on the diesel advantage, we recommend including Trailer Tow Pages, the available Fifth-Wheel/Gooseneck Prep Package, and the tow-tech and camera combinations you’ll use every week.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Does the High-Output Cummins® require special maintenance?
Follow the maintenance schedule in the owner’s manual for diesel-specific items like fuel filters. Regular service is straightforward and our technicians are trained on Ram heavy-duty diesels.
Which tow tech should I prioritize first?
For frequent backing, start with Trailer Reverse Steering Control. Add the 360° Trailer Surround View Camera and the Digital Rearview Mirror with side camera integration for more complete visibility.
Will the diesel help on mountain passes?
Yes. Deep torque helps maintain momentum uphill, and the available Automatic Smart Exhaust Brake assists with controlled downhill speeds under load.
Is RamBox® worth it for work?
If you carry tools, straps, and small equipment daily, the available RamBox® system’s secure, drainable, LED-lit storage and 115-volt outlet can be a major time-saver.
To compare the 6.4L HEMI® V8 with the available High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 on your terms, schedule a working demo with Morgan Hill Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. Our team is serving Salinas, Marina, and Watsonville and can help you spec the exact tow tech, displays, and storage you’ll rely on for years.