What is the difference between a Ram 1500 Laramie and Big Horn?

The Ram 1500 is a popular full-size pickup truck that comes in several trim levels, each with its own unique features and capabilities. Two of the most common trims are the Laramie and the Big Horn. While they share many similarities, there are some key differences between these two models that buyers should consider.

Exterior and Interior Design

The Laramie and Big Horn trims have distinct exterior styling cues that set them apart. The Laramie features more chrome accents, such as on the grille, bumpers, and side mirrors, giving it a more premium appearance. The Big Horn, on the other hand, has a more rugged, off-road-focused look with body-colored trim and less chrome.

Inside the cabin, the Laramie offers a more luxurious experience with higher-quality materials, such as leather upholstery and wood-grain accents. The Big Horn has a more utilitarian interior with cloth seats and fewer premium touches.

Technology and Features

Both the Laramie and Big Horn come with a range of technology features, but the Laramie generally has more advanced and premium options. The Laramie typically includes a larger infotainment display, a premium audio system, and additional driver assistance features, such as adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning.

The Big Horn, while still well-equipped, may have a smaller infotainment screen and fewer high-end tech features. However, it often offers more value-oriented features, such as a standard rearview camera and trailer sway control.

Performance and Capability

The Laramie and Big Horn share the same engine options, including the popular 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine. Both models offer similar towing and payload capacities, making them equally capable when it comes to hauling and towing.

The key difference in performance may come down to the available suspension and off-road upgrades. The Big Horn is more likely to offer optional features like an off-road package, which can include features like skid plates, all-terrain tires, and a lifted suspension. The Laramie, on the other hand, is more focused on on-road comfort and luxury.

Pricing and Value

As a general rule, the Laramie trim level is the more expensive option, with a higher starting price and more premium features. The Big Horn, while still well-equipped, is typically the more affordable choice, making it a better value proposition for buyers on a tighter budget.

Ultimately, the choice between the Ram 1500 Laramie and Big Horn will depend on the buyer's priorities and budget. The Laramie offers a more luxurious and feature-rich experience, while the Big Horn provides excellent value and capability for a lower price point.

What is special about a 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!

Is Laramie the best RAM?

Whether the Ram Laramie is the "best" depends on your priorities, but it is an excellent choice that balances luxury, technology, and power, making it a strong contender for those who want a premium and capable truck without the highest-end features or price tag. It is a significant upgrade from base models with more advanced features and comfortable interior options like leather seats, while still offering robust towing and performance capabilities, especially when equipped with the optional V8 engine. 
Advantages of the Laramie

• Luxury and comfort: The Laramie includes premium features like leather-trimmed, heated, and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror, providing a more luxurious and comfortable cabin compared to lower trims. 
• Technology and infotainment: It features a larger 12-inch Uconnect touchscreen with navigation, and an upgraded sound system compared to lower trims. 
• Performance and capability: It can be equipped with powerful engine options, such as the 5.7L HEMI V8, which provides higher towing capacity (up to 12,750 lbs) and performance upgrades. 
• Exterior styling: The Laramie often comes with more premium exterior features like LED lighting, distinct wheels, and other chrome or sport accents. 

When to consider other trims

• For maximum luxury: If your budget allows, trims like the Limited and Tungsten offer even more high-end amenities, such as more advanced displays, higher-grade leather, and available features like a passenger display or head-up display. 
• For a better value: The Big Horn trim is often cited as offering the best value, providing a good balance of features for a lower price. You can often get some of the Laramie's upgraded options on a Big Horn, but it won't have the premium standard features like leather seats. 
• For base-model utility: The Tradesman trim is the most basic and cost-effective, focused on work and utility with more basic interior materials, making it the best choice if you need a no-frills truck. 

This video reviews the 2025 Ram 1500 Limited vs. Laramie to help you decide which truck is the better buy: 1mJB ReviewsYouTube · Dec 29, 2024
Conclusion
The Laramie is a fantastic all-around truck, especially for those who want a mix of a comfortable daily driver and a powerful, capable work vehicle. It strikes a great balance by offering a significant upgrade in luxury and technology over base models without going to the extreme price point of the highest trims. However, if your priority is the absolute lowest price or the absolute most premium features, another trim might be a better fit for your needs. 
This video provides a detailed overview of the 2026 Ram 1500 Laramie: 59sBen HardyYouTube · Sep 17, 2025

Is Ram Laramie a luxury truck?

Yes, the Ram Laramie is considered a luxury truck, as it's a premium trim level that offers upscale features like leather-trimmed seats, advanced technology, and a higher-end interior design. While not as high-end as the Limited trim, it blends rugged capability with a luxurious experience.
 
Luxury features

• Interior comfort: Heated and ventilated leather-trimmed front seats are standard, and heated rear seats are often available. 
• Advanced technology: The Laramie includes advanced tech like a large Uconnect touchscreen display and premium audio system options, which can include a 19-speaker Harman Kardon system. 
• Safety: It comes with a suite of advanced safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring and lane departure warning. 
• Design: The interior uses upgraded materials and a more refined design compared to lower trim levels. 

What sets it apart

• Trim level: The Laramie sits above the Big Horn trim, offering a substantial upgrade in luxury and technology. 
• Balance of power and luxury: The Laramie is engineered to provide a powerful and capable truck experience without sacrificing comfort. 
• Comparison to higher trims: While it is a luxury truck, it is positioned below the top-tier Limited and Longhorn trims, which offer even more premium features like real wood accents and unique design elements. 

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.