What are the levels of Dodge Ram trucks?
Ram trucks are offered in a ladder of trim levels that vary by model year and region, from practical work-focused builds to luxury, off-road, and high-performance variants. The light-duty Ram 1500 and the heavy-duty Ram 2500/3500 each have their own standard trims, with some shared names and features across the lineup.
In this article, we outline the current trim levels typically available for Ram 1500 (light-duty) and Ram 2500/3500 (heavy-duty), explain what each level usually includes, and note notable variants such as off-road and performance models. This helps clarify how features, styling, and price shift as you move up the ladder.
Trim levels for Ram 1500 (light-duty)
Below is a representative list of the common trims you’ll find on recent Ram 1500 models. The list runs from the base work-oriented level up to premium luxury and specialty variants.
- Tradesman — the base work-truck configuration with essential features and durable fundamentals.
- Big Horn / Lone Star — mid-range trim offering more comfort, upgraded interior and tech, and additional convenience features.
- Laramie — upgraded interior with leather seating, more premium materials, and advanced technology options.
- Rebel — off-road oriented with enhanced suspension, protective skid plates, and rugged styling.
- Laramie Longhorn — premium, western-inspired interior with higher-grade leather and exclusive trim details.
- Limited — top-tier luxury level offering the most premium materials, advanced tech, and exclusive features.
- TRX — high-performance, off-road flagship with a supercharged V8 and specialized performance hardware (limited to certain model years/market availability).
These trims collectively form the standard ladder for the 1500, balancing capability, comfort, and price. Moving up the ladder generally adds interior upgrades, technology, and exclusive styling cues, with the TRX representing a departure into extreme performance.
Notes on market and model-year variations
Names and availability can vary by year and region. Some markets use “Lone Star” branding for the Big Horn variant, and older or regional models may include different trims or package combinations. Always check the current Ram configurator or a local dealer for the exact lineup where you live.
Trim levels for Ram 2500/3500 (heavy-duty)
The heavy-duty Ram 2500/3500 lineup shares a similar ladder with some distinct trims tailored to higher payloads, four-wheel-drive capability, and off-road or luxury options. The list below reflects the common trims found in recent model years.
- Tradesman — baseline HD work truck with durable cab and bed configurations.
- SLT — mid-range trim with more features and interior upgrades compared with Tradesman.
- Big Horn / Lone Star — enhanced comfort, technology, and interior finish for daily driving and heavy use.
- Laramie — higher-end interior, premium materials, and advanced technology options for long-haul or work use in comfort.
- Laramie Longhorn — premium, Western-inspired interior with luxurious materials and exclusive details.
- Limited — the flagship HD trim with the most premium features, driver assistance tech, and upscale touches.
- Power Wagon — off-road specialized variant with extreme capability (limited to select HD configurations and market years).
The heavy-duty trims emphasize heavier payload and towing capacity, with the Power Wagon providing specialized off-road performance and the other trims offering a balance of strength, comfort, and technology appropriate for tougher workloads.
Notable HD variants
Power Wagon is the standout off-road variant in the heavy-duty segment, featuring upgraded suspension, locking differentials, and rugged tires. While not every HD model year includes every trim, this variant represents Ram’s emphasis on extreme capability within the 2500/3500 line.
As with the light-duty lineup, regional naming and optional packages can affect exact trim names and availability for the HD models. A dealer or Ram’s official configurator will provide the current exact lineup for your area and year.
Summary
Ram trucks present a clear trim ladder across both light-duty (1500) and heavy-duty (2500/3500) lines. From Tradesman to Limited, plus off-road and high-performance variants like Rebel, TRX (2500/3500 context-dependent), and Power Wagon, buyers can choose configurations that balance capability, comfort, and cost. Understanding where a truck sits in the trim spectrum helps predict features, technology, and overall ownership experience. Always verify the exact trims available for your model year and region with Ram’s configurator or a local dealer.
Additional context
For shoppers evaluating Ram trucks, keep in mind that trim names can reappear across generations with slightly different feature sets. If you’re comparing used models or newer releases, consider the included equipment, optional packages, and any regional branding (such as Lone Star or Texas-specific trims) to ensure you’re comparing apples to apples.
