2014 Ram 3500 Laramie Mega Cab Diesel Package $46,400

Full-size, heavy-duty trucks have long been the go-to vehicles for pulling the biggest trailers and hauling the heaviest loads to and from the work site. In recent years, they've also become vastly more civilized and comfortable for everyday driving. The 2014 Ram 3500 is a fine example of this trend. Not only is it a stout work truck, it's one of the most luxurious pickups around depending on how you equip it. After a major overhaul last year, the 2014 Ram 3500 gets a couple of significant updates this year, chief among them a new 6.4-liter V8 engine. Rated at 410 horsepower and 429 pound-feet of torque, this new gasoline-fueled V8 is a lower-cost alternative for buyers who don't need the gargantuan torque of the pricey Cummins turbodiesel engine but still require more capability than the base 5.7-liter V8 offers. The other new item is a load-leveling rear suspension. This late-availability option for both single- and dual-rear-wheel trucks supplements the 3500's standard leaf spring rear suspension with an airbag system that helps level out the rear of the truck when there's a heavy trailer hitched to the back. There are basically two alternatives to the Ram 3500 in the heavy-duty truck class: the 2014 Chevy Silverado 3500HD (and its twin, the GMC Sierra 3500HD) and the 2014 Ford F-350. Neither matches the Ram's stratospheric 30,000-pound tow rating with the Cummins diesel, but both are capable trucks that can pull massive trailers without breaking a sweat. Ultimately, where the 2014 Ram 3500 really sets itself apart is inside the cab: In addition to a functional layout, you'll find high-quality interior materials and an impressive array of creature comforts. If you're looking for a big truck that's useful on the job and still a great place to spend time on the weekend, the heavy-duty Ram is our top choice.