The Ram 1500 comes in no less than six different trim levels. Drivetrain choices are much less complicated: all models are available in either 2-wheel drive or 4x4 configuration with an 8-speed automatic as the only transmission choice. The base engine is a 3.6L V6, making 305 horsepower. Ram's eTorque mild hybrid system is standard on this engine, providing start/stop technology and short-term torque assist when needed. The alternative is the return of the 3.0L EcoDiesel engine providing a hefty 480-pound feet of torque and 260 horsepower. For drivers that need a V8, a 5.7L Hemi engine available that makes 395 horsepower. Ram's eTorque system is optional on this engine, and opting for it will add up to 130 lb-feet of torque when needed. The eTorque system adds about $800 to the price of the truck.
The most basic Ram 1500 is the Tradesman trim. Intended mostly as a work truck, the Tradesman does without a fancy grill or exterior chrome accents. Instead, it makes do with power door locks and windows, remote keyless access, a rear-view backup camera and of course, a Uconnect system with a 5-inch touchscreen and Bluetooth streaming audio.
The Big Horn Edition adds about $4,000 to the Tradesman, but makes the truck far more livable for the daily driver than just as a work truck. The Big Horn comes with 18-inch aluminum wheels, a leather wrapped steering wheel with audio controls on it; exterior chrome work in the grill, bumpers and door handles; fog lamps and in-floor storage should buyers opt for the crew cab.
The next step up is the Laramie, which is where things start to take a turn towards the luxurious. The Laramie comes with a nicer Uconnect system featuring an 8.4-inch touchscreen, a 7-inch driver information digital gauge cluster, heated and ventilated front seats with 12-way adjustments and a memory function and an alpine stereo with nine speakers.
The Rebel trim goes for sporty over luxurious and gets a unique, aggressive front grill along with blacked out exterior accents. It looks far meaner than any other trim level. LED headlamps, taillights and fog lamps, an electronically locking rear differential, 33-inch tires, tow hooks, an assisted tailgate, a power sliding rear window and the 12-way adjustable seats from the Laramie are all standard on the Rebel. The model is only available with a short bed when configured with the crew cab.
The Laramie Longhorn is only available with a crew cab, but comes with either a short or a long bed. It comes with much of the Laramie features while adding LED projector headlamps, slick looking 20-inch wheels, leather seats, side steps and a wood-trimmed interior.
Top-of-the-line Limited editions come with a huge 12-inch touchscreen, powered running boards, a blind spot monitoring system, active air suspension, a wireless charging pad and more. It also has an available 19-speaker harman/kardon sound system, which Ram claims is the most powerful stereo in its class.
