Is big horn better than laramie?
In short, the Big Horn is usually the better value for budget-conscious buyers, offering solid capability and a well-rounded feature set at a lower price; the Laramie sits higher, delivering more luxury, technology, and comfort—at a higher cost. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize price and practicality or premium interior and tech. This article breaks down what each trim includes, typical pricing dynamics, and real-world considerations for 2024–2025 Ram 1500 models.
Ram’s 1500 lineup positions the Big Horn as a mid-range workhorse and the Laramie as a step up into premium comfort. Below is a detailed look at how they compare in key areas like features, cost, and ownership realities.
What each trim brings to the table
Here are the core traits you’re most likely to notice when comparing these two Ram 1500 trims, focusing on interior feel, technology, and overall ambiance.
Big Horn highlights
- Interior: durable materials with practical seating; cloth upholstery is common, with leather options available on certain packages
- Technology: standard Uconnect infotainment with an 8.4-inch touchscreen; larger displays and smartphone integration available in add-on packages
- Performance and capability: strong powertrain options, including a capable V6 and available V8; four-wheel drive is commonly offered
- Convenience: straightforward controls, practical storage, and sufficient connectivity for most daily demands
Big Horn emphasizes value and practicality, delivering a well-rounded pickup without the premium touches found in higher trims.
Laramie highlights
- Interior and comfort: leather-trimmed seating, upgraded cabin materials, power-adjustable driver seat with memory settings, and improved sound insulation
- Technology: larger, higher-resolution displays and enhanced audio options; more advanced driver-assistance features often available as standard or in higher packages
- Luxury touches: heated seats and steering wheel, dual-zone or tri-zone climate control, more chrome and refined trim
- Convenience: refined instrumentation and additional premium features that elevate daily driving experience
In short, Laramie raises the interior quality, tech access, and overall luxury level, appealing to buyers who want a more premium feel from the cabin to the screen.
Price, value, and ownership costs
How the two trims typically stack up on price and what you get for that money, including potential ownership costs over time.
Before looking at numbers, remember that exact pricing varies by model year, option packages, region, and current incentives. The Big Horn generally starts lower than the Laramie, with the gap widening as you add options. The Laramie carries extra cost for leather, premium materials, and larger displays, but it also delivers a more upscale experience.
- Typical price gap: Big Horn is usually several thousand dollars cheaper than the Laramie, depending on year and options
- Included features: Laramie bundles premium interior and tech that are optional or unavailable on the Big Horn
- Ownership costs: insurance, maintenance, and replacement parts can be higher for the Laramie due to more electronics and premium components
For many buyers, the extra investment in the Laramie is justified by the enhanced comfort, tech, and perceived resale appeal; for others, the Big Horn offers nearly all the essentials at a more approachable price.
Real-world considerations and tips
Practical guidance to help you decide which trim aligns with your day-to-day needs, plus tips for test drives and negotiating in today’s market.
- Test-drive both trims to evaluate seat comfort, driving feel, and how you interact with the infotainment system
- Assess whether leather and premium features are worth the price premium given your usage and climate
- Check year-specific and region-specific feature availability, as packages can differ by year
- Factor total ownership: warranty options, potential incentives, and expected maintenance costs
Bottom line: if luxury and tech matter more to you and you’re comfortable with a higher price, the Laramie is the better fit; if value and practicality are your priorities, the Big Horn remains a strong, cost-efficient choice.
Summary
- Big Horn = best value among mid-range Ram 1500 trims; strong balance of features and price
- Laramie = higher-end, more luxurious interior and tech, with a higher price tag
- Choose based on budget, desired luxury level, and how important premium tech and materials are to your daily driving
What's the best Ram truck on the market?
Ram 1500
In our opinion, the Ram 1500 is the best pickup truck you can buy today—we like it so much, we named it to our 10Best list. Its high-tech equipment includes a hybrid powertrain. If you need a heavy-duty performer, there are the Ram 2500 and 3500; when properly equipped, they can tow more than 35,000 pounds.
What is the difference between the Big Horn and the Laramie?
The main differences between the Ram 1500 Laramie and Big Horn are that the Laramie is a more luxurious trim with premium features, while the Big Horn is a more utilitarian and value-oriented option. The Laramie comes standard with leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a larger touchscreen with navigation, while the Big Horn has cloth seats and typically features a smaller base screen with dual-zone climate and heated seats being optional.
You can watch this video to see a side-by-side comparison of the 2025 Ram 1500 Big Horn and Laramie trims: 1mPickup Truck Plus SUV TalkYouTube · Feb 19, 2024
Laramie (more luxury)
- Interior: Standard leather-trimmed seats, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel.
- Technology: Includes a larger 12-inch touchscreen with Uconnect 5 NAV and an Alpine premium audio system. Features dual-zone automatic climate control.
- Exterior: Often has more chrome accents, upgraded wheel options, and LED lighting.
Big Horn (more utility)
- Interior: Features premium cloth seats and manual climate control with rear vents.
- Technology: Comes standard with an 8.4-inch touchscreen and a six-speaker audio system, with more advanced features being optional. Dual-zone climate and heated seats are optional.
- Exterior: Considered a more utilitarian choice with a focus on value. Exterior styling is often simpler than the Laramie's, but appearance packages are available.
Which RAM to stay away from?
5 RAM 1500 Years To Avoid
If you're looking for reliable trucks, steer clear of the 2003 Dodge RAM 1500, as well as the 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2019 RAM 1500. These models are plagued by problems in critical components, like engines, steering, braking, airbags, electrical systems, and fuel systems.
What's special about Ram Big Horn?
Some of the features typically included in the RAM Big Horn packages include upgraded exterior styling elements, unique all-black badging, sports performance hoods, and so much more. Learn about these packages today and contact us to start customizing your RAM Big Horn!
