What does laramie mean on a Dodge RAM?

On a Dodge RAM, Laramie is the name of a trim level that signals a higher-end interior and features; it’s named after Laramie, Wyoming, to evoke rugged Western heritage.

Branding and what it signals

The Laramie trim has appeared on RAM pickups such as the 1500, 2500, and 3500 to denote a premium package above the base trims. It is more about branding and perceived luxury than a literal linguistic meaning. Availability and exact features can vary by model year and market, but the Laramie line is consistently positioned as a comfortable, well-equipped option within the Ram lineup.

Origins of the name in the RAM lineup

Ram uses place-based names as branding cues. Laramie, a real town in Wyoming, carries Western-era associations that marketers lean on to convey ruggedness and capability. Choosing the Laramie name is meant to evoke that frontier heritage rather than defining a word’s dictionary meaning.

What buyers typically get with Laramie

Below are the common features and design cues associated with the Laramie trim across several model years. Availability can vary by year, market, and any additional packages.

• Leather-appointed seating and upgraded interior materials


• Exterior chrome or satin chrome trim and distinctive Laramie badging


• Enhanced infotainment with larger touchscreen and connectivity


• Comfort and convenience features such as heated seats and steering wheel, dual-zone climate control

Note that feature availability is year-specific, so verify the exact build for a given truck.

How the Laramie trim sits within the RAM lineup can influence what you see on the showroom floor or in a brochure.

Where Laramie sits in the RAM lineup

Compared with base Tradesman or mid-range Big Horn/Lone Star trims, Laramie represents a premium interior and comfort focus. It sits above the entry-level trims and often behind the top-tier Laramie Longhorn or Limited variants, depending on the generation. In many configurations, Laramie is the standard mid-to-upper option with a distinct interior feel and styling cues.

• Tradesman: basic; Laramie adds luxury and comfort


• Big Horn/Lone Star: mid-range; Laramie adds premium interior and features


• Laramie Longhorn: premium luxury variant above Laramie

As with any model year, the exact lineup and feature sets can vary by year and region; consult a current RAM brochure or dealer to confirm.

Summary

The term Laramie on a Dodge RAM is a branding-driven trim name drawn from the Western town of Laramie, Wyoming. It signals a more upscale interior and feature set compared with base trims, with styling and branding that evoke rugged, frontier imagery. The precise equipment and availability vary by model year and configuration.

What does laramie mean?

Laramie has a French origin, meaning "from the leafy grove" or "canopy of leafy boughs," and is also associated with the "Laramie River," which was named after French-Canadian fur trapper Jacques La Ramie. Historically, the name gained prominence through the city of Laramie, Wyoming, and is now used as a given name that symbolizes resilience, a connection to nature, and the adventurous spirit of the American West. 
Origins and meanings

• French origin: The name likely comes from the French surname "La Ramée," meaning "canopy of leafy boughs". 
• French trapper: It was given to a river, mountains, and the city of Laramie, Wyoming, after a 19th-century French-Canadian fur trapper named Jacques La Ramie, who disappeared in the area. 
• "From the leafy grove": The French meaning can also be translated to "from the leafy grove". 
• "Elk river": Some sources also suggest a Native American origin meaning "elk river" for the name of the Laramie River. 

Historical and cultural significance

• American West: The name is strongly associated with the pioneering spirit of the American West due to the city of Laramie, Wyoming, and its role in the westward expansion and railroad construction. 
• Laramie Treaty: The name holds historical significance from the 1851 Laramie Treaty, which established peace and defined boundaries between the U.S. government and Native American tribes. 
• Symbolism: It is often used as a first name to evoke themes of strength, resilience, adventure, and a connection to nature. 

What is the Laramie package on RAM?

The "Laramie package" usually refers to the luxury features included in the Laramie trim level of a Ram truck, which often includes high-end finishes like leather upholstery and wood-themed accents. For the most current models, there are also specific equipment groups available that further upgrade the truck, such as the Laramie Level 1 and Laramie Level 2 Equipment Groups, which add technology and convenience features like larger touchscreens, advanced audio systems, and power tailgates.
 
You can watch this video for a walkaround and review of the 2025 Ram 1500 Laramie: 58sJoshua McDonaldYouTube · Sep 16, 2024
Standard Laramie trim features

• Interior: Leather-trimmed seating, wood-themed interior accents, and a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel. 
• Comfort: Heated and ventilated front seats, a 10-way power driver's seat, and heated rear seats. 
• Technology: Uconnect 5 infotainment system with an 8.4-inch or 12-inch touchscreen, and a 7-inch premium driver information display. 
• Safety: Forward Collision Warning with Active Braking. 
• Audio: An Alpine nine-speaker premium audio system. 

Optional equipment groups

• Laramie Level 1 Equipment Group: Adds convenience features like rain-sensitive windshield wipers, power tailgate release, and a wireless charging pad. 
• Laramie Level 2 Equipment Group: Builds on Level 1 with even more advanced technology, including a larger 14.4-inch touchscreen, a 19-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system, integrated navigation, and a dual-wireless charging pad. 

This video explains the new features in the 2025 Ram 1500 Laramie: 58sVagabond BuildsYouTube · Nov 17, 2024
Other potential packages and options

• Sport Appearance Package: Adds a sportier look with features like a distinctive "Sport Performance Hood" and a chrome "RAM" badge. 
• RamBox Cargo Management System: A class-exclusive system that provides lockable and lighted storage in the bed walls (available on Crew Cab models with a specific bed length). 
• Night Edition: Creates a stealthy, all-black appearance with blacked-out trim and accents. 

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.

Is Laramie or Limited better?

"Better" depends on your priorities, but the **Laramie is generally a better value for those who want to customize luxury features, while the **Limited is for those who want the most premium experience with features like superior leather, advanced suspension, and the most powerful engine option as standard. If you're aiming for a loaded Laramie, the price difference to a Limited can be small enough to consider the Limited for its higher-end standard features and better resale value, according to this Reddit post.
 
Laramie

• Value and customization: The Laramie offers a great balance of luxury and ruggedness, and you can option it to have many of the features found on the Limited at a lower overall price point. 
• Best for: Those who want to tailor their truck with specific packages or want to save money while still getting a very luxurious and capable vehicle for both work and play. 
• Key features: Comes standard with leather seats, heated and ventilated front seats, and a 12-inch Uconnect 5 NAV system. 

Limited

• Ultimate luxury: The Limited is designed to be the most premium option, with higher-end materials and standard features that are often optional on the Laramie. 
• Best for: Drivers who prioritize luxury, comfort, and performance and are willing to pay more for the top-tier experience. 
• Key features: Includes a more powerful high-output engine option, more premium leather, a better-riding air suspension, and features like power-deployable running boards as standard. The interior is often described as being best-in-class in terms of quality and refinement. 

How to choose

• Compare feature lists: See if the cost of adding all the specific features you want to a Laramie is close to the price of a Limited. If it is, the Limited is likely a better buy because it comes with the high-end features as standard and may have better resale value. 
• Consider your priorities: If you want the absolute best materials and a smoother ride without having to select many add-on packages, the Limited is the way to go. If you want more flexibility to choose only certain luxury options and save money, the Laramie is the better choice. 
• Test drive both: The best way to decide is to drive both models. Some drivers find the comfort and feel of the Limited to be noticeably superior to a loaded Laramie, according to this Facebook post.