Which is better, Laramie or Big Horn?

For most buyers, the Laramie is the better choice if you prioritize luxury and tech; the Big Horn offers better value if price is the main factor. Both trims share Ram's rugged foundation, so the decision largely comes down to interior quality, equipment, and budget.

This article compares the two popular Ram 1500 trims in terms of interior comfort, technology, styling, pricing, and everyday practicality to help you decide which one fits your needs.

What sets them apart

Key differences between the Laramie and Big Horn revolve around interior materials, equipment availability, and how much you pay for features. The Laramie is positioned as the premium mid-range trim, while the Big Horn aims to deliver more value with essential comforts and conveniences.

Interior and comfort

• Laramie typically comes with premium seating (often leather) and features like heated front seats and a heated steering wheel; power-adjustable driver seat with memory is common in many builds.


• Big Horn usually uses cloth or vinyl seating, with more basic comfort features; leather upholstery is optional or available only with higher packages.

Bottom line: Laramie elevates the cabin with richer materials and more adjustment options, while Big Horn focuses on everyday practicality and price.

Technology and infotainment

• Laramie often includes a larger touchscreen, upgraded audio, and more standard tech; premium navigation and advanced connectivity options are commonly available.


• Big Horn provides solid infotainment with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and a capable system, but the base setup is typically less premium and may require upgrades for additional features.

Conclusion: If you crave cutting-edge tech and a polished cockpit, Laramie is the better pick; if you’re content with strong connectivity and savings on features, Big Horn suffices.

Exterior styling

• Laramie features more chrome accents and refined trim, contributing to a premium appearance.


• Big Horn has a more rugged, work-ready look with fewer chrome touches and a simpler stylistic package.

Conclusion: The Laramie projects a premium image; the Big Horn emphasizes practical, straightforward styling.

Pricing and value

• Laramie carries a higher starting price but bundles more features, with additional options like the Luxury Group boosting the value proposition.


• Big Horn starts lower and offers strong value; you can add packages to reach a higher feature level, but the base cost remains more affordable.

Conclusion: If your priority is cost efficiency, Big Horn wins; if you want more features as standard and a more upscale feel, Laramie wins.

Which trim should you choose?

Use-case-based guidance helps identify the best fit. Consider the following scenarios to decide between Laramie and Big Horn.

• Budget-first buyer: Big Horn typically delivers the most features per dollar and leaves room to upgrade later.


• Comfort and tech enthusiast: Laramie brings leather, premium interiors, bigger screens, and more standard conveniences.


• Tow/haul focus: Both trims share the same drivetrain options; overall capability is similar, though exact numbers depend on configuration and packages.


• Infrequent driver or resale concerns: Laramie’s premium feel can help resale value, but that may be offset by the higher initial cost.

Most shoppers who want maximum luxury with a higher trim price will prefer Laramie, while those prioritizing value and practicality will lean Big Horn.

Shopping tips

Before you buy, follow these steps to compare exact features and determine the best fit for your truck:

• Check the exact equipment list for the model year you’re considering, noting whether leather upholstery or a cloth/vinyl alternative is included in each trim.


• Test drive both trims to evaluate seat comfort, ride quality, and how the tech systems respond in real-world use.


• Compare available option packages (for example, a Luxury Group on Laramie or a Convenience/Technology package on Big Horn) to see how close you can get to your desired feature set.


• Review total cost of ownership, including insurance, fuel economy, maintenance, and depreciation for the exact configuration.


• Inspect build quality, bed length, and optional equipment such as bed liners, towing packages, and 4x4 vs 2WD depending on your needs.

Tip: If you’re unsure about using the extra luxury features, starting with Big Horn and upgrading later is common, though factory-built Laramie configurations can offer favorable value per feature in some cases.

Summary

The Laramie is the luxury-forward Ram 1500 trim, offering leather interiors, more standard comfort and technology, and a premium feel. The Big Horn emphasizes value, solid features, and a lower starting price. If you want a more comfortable, tech-rich daily driver and don’t mind paying more, choose Laramie. If you want strong capability at a lower price with the flexibility to add features later, choose Big Horn. Always compare model-year-specific configurations and test-drive both to confirm the best fit for your needs.

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

What is the best Ram truck model to buy?

The 2018, 2019, and 2020 Ram 1500 models are widely acknowledged as top choices. These models are praised for enhanced reliability, minimal reported issues, and robust performance. The 2020 Ram 1500, in particular, is noted for its exceptional reliability ratings, making it a solid choice for a dependable truck.

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.