We'll be honest and say that each of the three vehicles that we evaluated are differentiated enough to offer something a little different to a prospective buyer. But we are committed to choosing a winner, so, if you add everything we just mentioned with the fact that the Chevy's price is lower than the other two trucks that we tested, then we feel that the 2006 Chevrolet 3500 3LT 4WD Crew Dualie is the winner of this evaluation - but only by a nose.
2006 Dodge 3500 Laramie Ram Mega Cab DualiePrice (as tested)$50,420 without destination
Base Price$44,705
Engine5.9L I-6 Cummins Turbodiesel
Horsepower289.9 @ 2,944 rpm SAE, as tested at the wheels (325 @ 2,900 rpm SAE is factory spec)
Torque (lb-ft)530.6 @ 2,711 rpm SAE, as tested at the wheels (610 @ 1,600 rpm SAE is factory spec)
TransmissionFour-speed automatic 2WD
Axle Ratio3.73
SuspensionLive-axle with coils (front), live axle with leaf springs (rear)
BrakesFour-wheel disc, four-wheel ABS, Electronic Variable Brake Proportioning (balances front-to-rear braking when hauling a load)
Tire SizeLT235/80R17E BSW All Season (as tested)
Wheelbase160.3 in
Turning (Curb-to-Curb)47 ft
Height78.7 in
Curb Weight7,360 lb, as tested (6,935 lb is factory spec)
GVWR & GCWR10,500 lb & 23,000 lb
Max. Trailer Weight15,600 lb
Payload3,240 lb
Cargo Bed (length x width between wheels)27 sq ft
Passenger volume143.18 cu ft
Seating2/3
Acceleration (0-60 mph)9.6 sec without trailer, 22.94 sec with trailer
Quarter-Mile 17.16 sec @ 78 mph without trailer, 23.24 sec @ 57.8 mph with trailer
Braking (60-0 mph)167.31 ft without trailer, 290.92 ft with trailer
MPG 13.75 average (as tested)
Options (as tested)Inferno Red Crystal Pearl coat paint, leather-trimmed and low-back bucket seats, Laramie package, side airbags, four-speed automatic transmission, anti-spin differential axle, fold-away power trailer tow mirrors, power sunroof, navigation system with six-CD/MP3 player, dual rear wheels, and tow hooks