Ram trucks are well-known for balancing exceptional power and impressive good looks. Narrowing down which model and trim is right for you is the difficult part of the equation. When you search “Ram dealer near me,” one of the first things you’ll notice is the impressive array of options available. Today, we’ll keep things simple by focusing on the Ram 1500. Those 2500 and 3500 models will land you in heavy-duty truck territory, which is great if you’re camping, farming, or using your truck commercially, but the Ram 1500 offers everything most drivers need in a pickup.
Once you know which model you’re going for, the big factor to consider is the trim level. This decision is largely lifestyle based—all Ram 1500 trucks are capable and tech-savvy, but you get to determine what level of capability and technology you receive. That’s not even to mention the different design features that accompany each trim. Sounding too complicated? Don’t worry, it’s not as bad as you think. Today, we’re here to help you quickly see all the most important factors that differentiate each 2023 Ram 1500 trim. Let’s get started.
#1 – The Tradesman / Tradesman HFE
The Tradesman is the entry-level trim for the 2023 Ram 1500. It is the simplest version you can get in the best ways possible. While it doesn’t include the fancier bells and whistles, it has practical and handy standard features, like an 8.4-inch touchscreen interface, an electric parking brake, remote keyless entry, and an LED trailer hitch light. It also comes with several add-on options, such as in-floor storage and safety technologies like Forward Collision Warning, Pedestrian Emergency Braking, and more. It’s got all the engine options and a maximum towing capacity of 12,750 lbs to get the job done for a realistic price. The Tradesman HFE is even simpler than its counterpart, offering a perfect design for those folks who like to keep it practical. There are plenty of upgrade opportunities if you want to take them, but the choice is yours.
#2 – The Big Horn / Lone Star
Are you interested in the Big Horn for its advanced luxury features? No one can blame you there. Its class-exclusive in-floor storage feature adds additional interior cargo and passenger space, while the dual-pane automatic sunroof option increases natural lighting and adds a fun flare to summer drives. The Big Horn is the “fun truck” that falls right in the middle of the trim lineup, providing both power and family-friendly features. Convenience is further enhanced with add-ons like power-folding exterior mirrors, a digital rearview mirror, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror, so you’re always one step ahead on the road. If you’re in Texas, you will have access to the Lone Star trim, which combines the features of the Big Horn with unique badging.
#3 – The Laramie
The Ram 1500 Laramie trim includes many of the same standard and available features we’ve already discussed, with more variety for you to choose which ones you do and don’t want. One of the main differences in this trim is that it offers driver memory features for the exterior mirrors, driver’s seat, pedals, and even radio presets. Basically, the Laramie can make the ride feel a bit more leisurely than the lower trims. It’s also equipped with standard Advanced Brake Assist, which kicks in when a front-end collision is detected, providing some extra safety features on the house.
#4 – The Rebel
The Rebel’s name hints at its purpose—it was created for the unknown. This adventure-ready truck offers a sportier design with tow hooks, a sport performance hood, black wheel flares, skid plates, and 18-inch black aluminum wheels. Of course, aesthetic features are just part of the package here—the 2023 Ram 1500 Rebel also has a stock one-inch lift with 9.7 inches of ground clearance and an electronic locking rear axle to help you get out of sticky situations. Finally, all-terrain 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac tires are standard on this model, so you never have to fear leaving the pavement. Yeah, that’s a lot, but basically, it can tackle terrain much easier than the average pickup truck.
#5 – The (Not So) Limited Longhorn
Luxury isn’t very limited on the Limited Longhorn trim. Many of this trim level’s additions are tactile, including genuine wood, leather, and metal accents, chrome exterior elements including tow hooks and side steps, and LED headlamps with adaptive lighting. Convenience and performance features are abundant on the Limited Longhorn as well. It’s got the largest brake rotors of any vehicle in its class, increasing braking capability, which is especially helpful for towers and haulers.
This trim also includes heated and ventilated front and rear seating, plus more available speakers than any other truck in its class, so your family will enjoy it right along with you. To top it all off, the 2023 Ram 1500 Limited Longhorn is equipped with a plethora of driver-assist features, from Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist to Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist. That means you have everything you need to feel safe and secure, whether you’re cruising the highway or towing a heavy load.
#6 – The (Even Less) Limited
The Ram 1500 Limited trim is far from modest. It pushes boundaries by being the most luxurious truck available in its class. This label doesn’t come easily, either. The features that make the 2023 Ram 1500 better than its competition start with a standard 12-inch touchscreen and Uconnect 5 NAV system. This is where you access different settings and features, including satellite radio, dual-zone climate control, and navigation. The truck also allows you to create up to five different user profiles so that each driver has their own unique vehicle settings at the tap of a button.
A 12-inch driver information display is standard and includes a digital cluster with important specs and stats. Premium leather interior details are standard, with a wood and leather-accented steering wheel for further definition. The Limited also includes a brand-new air filtration system. This handy new feature is designed to help remove up to 95% of harmful and irritating particles from the air. In addition to tech, health, and convenience, the available 360-degree Trailer Surround Camera allows drivers to better view their surroundings, even when trailering.
The tech doesn’t end there. Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Path and Trailer Detection comes standard, making it easier to kick it in reverse. Let’s not forget about the exterior features, either. Yep, the Ram 1500 Limited includes an optional class-exclusive RamBox storage system, power running boards, and an available multi-function tailgate with split swing doors. Score!
#7 – The TRX
Now let’s get to a fan favorite, the hardcore off-roading TRX. While the Rebel is fun for casual adventurers who like to spend their weekends fishing or camping, the TRX is made for the trails. First off, it’s the most powerful performance truck in its class, with a supercharged V8 producing 702 hp. Other features that help it one-up the competition include its impressive Bilstein Black Hawk e2 shocks, high-performance dual exhaust, and eight different drive modes with Off-Road Pages—a system that collects and monitors all important off-road data and presents it in one location. While the TRX isn’t necessarily the Ram 1500 with the most luxury features, it is the most powerful trim available in the lineup, placing it at our top spot. If you want a truck that can keep up with the Jeeps, this is it.
