What is the Best Model Ram 1500?
What is the best model of Ram 1500? (Buyer’s guide)
There is no “best” Ram 1500, only a Ram 1500 that is right for what you will use it for, so I will break down each of the basic Ram 1500 models below, telling you what real-world benefit each offers, so you can select which Ram model is right for you, be it work, family, tow, adventure, luxury, or sport.
Tradesman — The practical work truck
Who it’s for: Contractors, fleets, and a buyer on a budget who want a sturdy bed and tow hitch.
What it is: a bare-bones interior that can withstand the rigors of heavy use, plain infotainment systems, and the essentials for carrying and towing. A work truck by trade, the Tradesman is meant to work and won’t break the bank—it’s easier to equip them with the necessary work features. A truck for a user and not a driver, this is the cheapest-to-own truck.
Big Horn / Lone Star – Value and practical applications
Who it is for: People who buy cars and want something that is comfortable to drive every day but don’t want to pay the sky-high prices that
What you get: An upgrade over the Tradesman with better cloth or better seating, more convenience elements, and sometimes chrome and aesthetic enhancements on the outside. This is the sweet spot for most buyers because it’s an uptick over the base model but still doesn’t carry the price tag that the highest trims do.
This trim is the most suited for buyers that use the truck for both business and personal purposes because they get the most bang for the buck with the Big Horn/Lone Star trim.
Laramie – More comfortable, capable, and better equipped
Who It's For: Those Who Tow Their Vehicles Often and Prefer a More Refined Interior.
Providing you get: leather seats, improved electronics, additional assistance systems for the driver, and better interior materials. The Laramie combines the rough-and-tumble nature of its smaller brothers with a car-like driving character and enough durability to qualify as an SUV. Pick the Laramie if you trailer a trailer and/or a boat every now and then and want an improved cabin environment for highway driving.
Longhorn (or Laramie Longhorn) — Western luxury and high-end detailing
Who it's for: Buyers looking for a unique, high-end interior with a preponderance of standard amenities.
What you get: high-quality leather, wood or metal trim, distinctive styling elements, and luxury levels of comfort features. “The Longhorn has its own character – it's luxury with a tough edge.” If you'll be using your truck extensively, or demand high-end interior materials and distinctive styling, Longhorn trim is an extra outlay of money that's worthwhile.
Limited – Top-of-the-Line Luxury and Tech
Who it’s for: People looking for a luxurious SUV experience in a truck.
What you get: The highest quality interior materials, the latest technology for infotainment and safety systems, and a whole list of convenience items. The Limited model is for those owners who want a prestige-grade truck without forfeiting its abilities. The truck that will provide you with the smoothest ride, the most pleasant interior, and a whole host of convenience items is this model.
Rebel - Off-road-focused capability
Who it’s for: Weekend warriors, hunters, and anyone who spends time away from pavement.
What you get: off-road-tuned suspension, skid plates, aggressive tires, and styling cues conveying ability. The Rebel is built to get you where the pavement runs out but will not keep you from navigating the city streets either. Choose the Rebel trim if you demand serious off-road prowess but cannot afford or want the extremely expensive top-of-the-line performance vehicle.
TRX – High-performance, track-capable (and pricey)
Who it's for: People buying for high-performance needs and not on price.
What you get: a supercharged, high-horsepower V8, sport-tuned suspension, oversized brakes, a wide body, and performance components. The TRX is a statement truck, a performance vehicle. Whether you seek the quickest, most extreme form of a Ram 1500, one designated to experience spirited driving, track days, or a romp in the desert, there is no substitute for a Ram TRX.”
How to choose (quick checklist)
Budget first? Start with Tradesman or Big Horn. "Daily comfort + periodic towing? Laramie is the best balance." Want the best interior and options? Longhorn or Limited. "Serious off-roading? Rebel or off-road packages." Showmanship and thrills? TRX only. Do you need to tow heavy loads regularly? Focus on towing and hauling features, engines, and cooling/upfitting — the Laramie and above trim lines typically offer the best choices. # Final thought
Beyond "Best" will depend on your needs and preferences. For the average buyer looking for capability, comfort, and features within reason, Laramie will very likely offer the best combination of everything. A work truck with a focus on budget? Tradesman/Big Horn. Want the works? Longhorn and Limited are your best bet. Want to venture into the boonies? Rebel line; for speed? Well, then TRX will blow the doors off almost everything else out there! Interested in assistance finding the appropriate model for your needs? Contact Us Today!
There is no “best” Ram 1500, only a Ram 1500 that is right for what you will use it for, so I will break down each of the basic Ram 1500 models below, telling you what real-world benefit each offers, so you can select which Ram model is right for you, be it work, family, tow, adventure, luxury, or sport.
Tradesman — The practical work truck
Who it’s for: Contractors, fleets, and a buyer on a budget who want a sturdy bed and tow hitch.
What it is: a bare-bones interior that can withstand the rigors of heavy use, plain infotainment systems, and the essentials for carrying and towing. A work truck by trade, the Tradesman is meant to work and won’t break the bank—it’s easier to equip them with the necessary work features. A truck for a user and not a driver, this is the cheapest-to-own truck.
Big Horn / Lone Star – Value and practical applications
Who it is for: People who buy cars and want something that is comfortable to drive every day but don’t want to pay the sky-high prices that
What you get: An upgrade over the Tradesman with better cloth or better seating, more convenience elements, and sometimes chrome and aesthetic enhancements on the outside. This is the sweet spot for most buyers because it’s an uptick over the base model but still doesn’t carry the price tag that the highest trims do.
This trim is the most suited for buyers that use the truck for both business and personal purposes because they get the most bang for the buck with the Big Horn/Lone Star trim.
Laramie – More comfortable, capable, and better equipped
Who It's For: Those Who Tow Their Vehicles Often and Prefer a More Refined Interior.
Providing you get: leather seats, improved electronics, additional assistance systems for the driver, and better interior materials. The Laramie combines the rough-and-tumble nature of its smaller brothers with a car-like driving character and enough durability to qualify as an SUV. Pick the Laramie if you trailer a trailer and/or a boat every now and then and want an improved cabin environment for highway driving.
Longhorn (or Laramie Longhorn) — Western luxury and high-end detailing
Who it's for: Buyers looking for a unique, high-end interior with a preponderance of standard amenities.
What you get: high-quality leather, wood or metal trim, distinctive styling elements, and luxury levels of comfort features. “The Longhorn has its own character – it's luxury with a tough edge.” If you'll be using your truck extensively, or demand high-end interior materials and distinctive styling, Longhorn trim is an extra outlay of money that's worthwhile.
Limited – Top-of-the-Line Luxury and Tech
Who it’s for: People looking for a luxurious SUV experience in a truck.
What you get: The highest quality interior materials, the latest technology for infotainment and safety systems, and a whole list of convenience items. The Limited model is for those owners who want a prestige-grade truck without forfeiting its abilities. The truck that will provide you with the smoothest ride, the most pleasant interior, and a whole host of convenience items is this model.
Rebel - Off-road-focused capability
Who it’s for: Weekend warriors, hunters, and anyone who spends time away from pavement.
What you get: off-road-tuned suspension, skid plates, aggressive tires, and styling cues conveying ability. The Rebel is built to get you where the pavement runs out but will not keep you from navigating the city streets either. Choose the Rebel trim if you demand serious off-road prowess but cannot afford or want the extremely expensive top-of-the-line performance vehicle.
TRX – High-performance, track-capable (and pricey)
Who it's for: People buying for high-performance needs and not on price.
What you get: a supercharged, high-horsepower V8, sport-tuned suspension, oversized brakes, a wide body, and performance components. The TRX is a statement truck, a performance vehicle. Whether you seek the quickest, most extreme form of a Ram 1500, one designated to experience spirited driving, track days, or a romp in the desert, there is no substitute for a Ram TRX.”
How to choose (quick checklist)
Budget first? Start with Tradesman or Big Horn. "Daily comfort + periodic towing? Laramie is the best balance." Want the best interior and options? Longhorn or Limited. "Serious off-roading? Rebel or off-road packages." Showmanship and thrills? TRX only. Do you need to tow heavy loads regularly? Focus on towing and hauling features, engines, and cooling/upfitting — the Laramie and above trim lines typically offer the best choices. # Final thought
Beyond "Best" will depend on your needs and preferences. For the average buyer looking for capability, comfort, and features within reason, Laramie will very likely offer the best combination of everything. A work truck with a focus on budget? Tradesman/Big Horn. Want the works? Longhorn and Limited are your best bet. Want to venture into the boonies? Rebel line; for speed? Well, then TRX will blow the doors off almost everything else out there! Interested in assistance finding the appropriate model for your needs? Contact Us Today!
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Max payload/towing estimate ratings shown. Additional options, equipment, passengers, and cargo weight may affect payload/towing weights. See dealer for details.