Top 8 RAM 1500 Truck Models
The RAM series is one of the most popular choices for pickup trucks, with stellar trim variants. Each one of the RAM trims is designed for a purpose, thus catering to diverse needs. Given the outstanding features of these variants, finalizing a trim can be difficult for prospective buyers. That’s why comparing features is a good way to narrow down the choices and decide upon a trim. Doing so can help one make an informed decision.
Tradesman® The base RAM 1500 variants don’t come with a big-block engine. But for the affordable price, you get a decent 3.6L Pentastar® V6 Engine with eTorque output churning out 395 HP, powering an 8-speed automatic transmission.
However, the Tradesman® edition does sport best-in-class legroom, a spacious interior, and extra cargo hauling capacity.
Also, safety is of paramount importance, and some of the key highlights of the Tradesman® trim include power door locks, power front windows, active blind spot monitoring, cross-traffic alert systems, trailer detection, and an electric park brake. You also get many sensors alerting you to possible collisions, lane-keeping assists, and adaptive throttle and braking responses. At approximately $37,905, the RAM 1500 Tradesman® is a stellar bargain pickup to purchase this year.
Tradesman® HFE® Compared to the Tradesman®, the HFE trim downsizes slightly in terms of performance.
The V6 Pentastar® engine assembly remains untouched, but the eTorque output is reduced to only 305 HP, powering the 8-speed automatic transmission. At 7,700 lbs. of towing capacity, the HFE® falls short on cargo hauling compared to the 11,540 lbs. of the standard Tradesman®. What the HFE® lacks in performance is offset with some cool cosmetic upgrades that include wheel-to-wheel side steps and a dedicated Mopar® Roll-Up Tonneau Cover. You have to cough up an additional $2,000 over the standard Tradesman®’s price, as the HFE trim retails for approximately $39,545 without customizations.
Big Horn® In terms of performance, the Big Horn® has an engine and powertrain setup similar to the standard Tradesman®. But this upgraded trim certainly boasts many interior and exterior cosmetic upgrades. With new chrome grilles for the front and rear bumpers, it’s hard to miss the exterior accents that blend well with the solid color options. The Big Horn® also boasts power folding exterior mirrors, an auto-dimming rearview setup, a digital rearview mirror, a 10-way power driver seat, a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, and fog lamps. All told, the interior and exterior upgrades of this RAM 1500 trim justify a hefty price tag of $43,320 for the base customization.
Laramie® The Laramie® is a premium pickup that is well-placed in performance and style. You get a big-block engine with a 5.7L V8 connected to an 8-speed automatic transmission. But the focus shifts to some of the best-in-class passenger comforts with heated and ventilated front and rear passenger seats. There is ample legroom, and the 60/40 split feature in the crew cab models allows you to easily adjust seating to cargo ratio with folding back seats. A super smart digital entertainment and infotainment display cluster connects with all your compatible devices to provide complete remote control of the inbuilt systems. The Laramie® is smartly priced at approximately $53,320, not including any additional customizations you can make to the purchase order.
Rebel® When it comes to off-roading capabilities, the RAM 1500 Rebel® checks all the boxes. You get a big-block engine configuration with a 5.7L V8 capable of churning out 395 HP connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission. But the stunning exterior upgrades put the Rebel® trim in a class of its own for rugged use. The pickup boasts the largest brake rotors with 14.5-inch discs, making it safe for driving across uneven and steep terrain. The standard kit has an Active Level™ four-corner air suspension, a two-inch lift kit, and 10.7 inches of ground clearance. Visibility is also improved with LED reflector taillamps, headlamps, and fog lamps. At around $53,935, the RAM 1500 Rebel® is a decent alternative to the Laramie®.
Limited® Longhorn® With the RAM 1500 Limited® Longhorn® trim, the focus is mainly on the interior comforts. The front bucket seats are heated and ventilated, complete with 12-way adjustments to customize different comfort levels. Even the steering wheel has a heating feature suitable for driving in extremely cold weather conditions. The smart infotainment system even features individual driving profiles that can be customized to each family member’s needs with advanced temperature control and seating adjustments. The leather-trimmed and wood accents throughout the interior certainly justify the price tag of almost $60,675 for the crew cab edition.
Limited® The premium pickup truck is the most luxuriously designed and advanced 1500 series truck in the lineup, selling for approximately $64,545 across authorized dealerships. Customization is one of the key highlights of the limited edition, complete with packages and toolkits that enhance the vehicle’s performance, comfort, and functionality. The pickup is flush with premium leather and wood accents, a complete wireless infotainment system, and unmatched safety features, making this truck worth the hefty price tag.
TRX® At the top of the food chain is the RAM 1500 TRX® edition, the most expensive purchase in the pickup series. It is priced at almost $85,050; nothing comes close to the detailing and performance upgrades. In fact, it’s the only street-production pickup that boasts a massive 6.2L V8 engine churning out 650 lbs. of torque connected to an 8-speed automatic transmission. All performance upgrades, interior accents, and exterior highlights feature premium materials explicitly designed for the TRX® edition of the 1500 series pickup. It is most certainly one of a kind, manufactured by the auto giant.
