Ram 2500 Trim Levels Compared

With multiple trim levels of pickup truck models to choose from, it can be a bit overwhelming when trying to narrow down the right one for you and your family. Should you be considering a Ram 2500 and want to know the difference in each trim level, we can help you. We researched this popular pickup truck from multiple professional sources so that you will know for sure what each one has to offer.

For 2022, Ram has four separate trim levels for their 2500 pickup truck. The different trim levels are:

  • The Ram 2500 Tradesman
  • The Ram 2500 Big Horn
  • The Ram 2500 Laramie
  • The Ram 2500 Limited
  • The Ram 2500 Lonestar
  • The Ram 2500 Longhorn
  • The Ram 2500 Power Wagon

Now that you know the different trim levels offered for the Ram 2500, we'll take a close look at the details that separate them from one another. You might also be wondering if the Laramie is better than the Limited, or how reliable the Ram 2500 is. For the answers to these questions and more, read ahead in this post to see what our research has revealed. 

Ram 2500 display at a chrysler ram dealership, Ram 2500 Trim Levels Compared

Details of each Ram 2500 trim level

The Ram 2500 Tradesman

The base-level trim for the Ram 2500 is the Tradesman. But don't let the fact that it's the lowest trim level fool you into thinking that it's still not a great buy. Available in six styles over multiple box and cab configurations, this pickup truck can be built for all of your crew needs or hauling requirements.

The 6.4L, 410.0 horsepower engine helps to give this truck a maximum towing capacity of 19,990 pounds. This makes even the base level trim an excellent vehicle for heavy hauls.

The Ram 2500 Big Horn

The Ram 2500 models include the Tradesman and Big Horn

Owners of the Big Horn trim level have seven styles to choose from, spread out over several cab and box options. The Big Horn has an equal towing capacity, equipped with the same engine as the Tradesman. 

The chrome front and rear bumpers and 18-inch chrome wheels accent the 24 different body colors available. This trim level also offers powered and heated exterior mirrors. 

The Ram 2500 Laramie

The Laramie trim level offers the same amenities as the Big Horn but adds more features. These include LED-exterior lighting, power-adjustable pedals, and powered/heated seats. 

The ten-speaker Alpine audio system helps round out the interior of this trim level.

The Ram 2500 Limited

This trim level has the base amenities of the Laramie but has LED projector headlamps, automatic high beams, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. It rides on 20" alloy wheels.

On the interior, the leather upholstery lends for a luxurious riding experience accentuated by the addition of heated and ventilated seats. A standard navigation system is also part of the onboard technology. The interior trim is wood and aluminum.

Blind-spot monitoring is a standard feature of this trim level.  

The Ram 2500 Lonestar

This trim level has the base features of the Big Horn trim level but with the "Lone Star" branding and chrome exterior accents. The Lone Star is only available in the state of Texas. Dodge has produced this trim level for years, intending to give those with some Texas pride a way of displaying it via their choice of a pickup truck.

The Ram 2500 Limited Longhorn

Outfit with the same base amenities as the Laramie, the Limited Longhorn has projector LED headlamps, automatic high beams, and rain detecting windshield wipers. 

In the cab are leather seats that are heated and ventilated. This helps add to the already comfortable onboard experience of the Ram 2500.

The Ram 2500 Power Wagon

Finally, we have the Power Wagon. This trim level is based on the features of the Tradesman but is only available in the 4x4 crew cab, with a 6'4" box. Its 14.2" clearance makes it the most suitable Ram 2500 for off-road driving. 

For those who want to tow with their Ram 2500, the Power Wagon is up for the job. Although possessing a towing capacity far less than its counterparts among the 2500, it can still tow up to 10,000 pounds.

Is Laramie better than Limited?

While the Limited is easier on the budget, the Laramie packs more interior and exterior features and amenities. With starting MSRP of $54,660, the lower-priced Laramie still includes all the features of the base model Tradesman plus heated and powered seats, all-LED exterior lighting, and a great onboard factory audio system.

But the Limited takes what the Laramie is equipped with and makes it a more luxurious ride. Leather seats that are both heated and ventilated are set in a cab that has a superior sound system, a 12" infotainment display, and power deployed running boards. This comes at a greater starting MSRP than its Laramie counterpart, at $66,995.

Ultimately, which trim level you choose should be decided on how much you want to spend and whether you believe the added features of a higher trim level are worth it.

Ram 2500 display at a Chrysler Ram dealership

Which Ram 2500 trim is best?

When shopping for a trim level that will best suit your needs, it's essential to make yourself knowledgeable of all the features each one has available. While all trim levels promise a powerful engine and a more than generous towing capacity, each one is separated by features and amenities that appeal to individuals differently. 

For those who want a luxurious ride with all the creature comforts onboard that you can imagine, the Limited trim level is the best option. As we pointed out earlier in this post, the heated and ventilated leather seats provide optimum comfort in any climate. The onboard sound system is the best among all available trim levels of the Ram 2500.

But if you enjoy off-roading, you'll find that the Ram 2500 Power Wagon is probably the best trim level for your lifestyle. With a clearance of 14.2 inches, this 4x4 machine is a sure winner when taking the truck off the grid. Keeping the above information in mind, even the base trim level has terrific features and has a price that is far less than the top tier Limited trim level.

Knowing what you need in a truck and what you can afford will be the best guide in determining which one is the best trim level for you.

American pickup truck Dodge Ram 2500 of the motocross racing team drives at the interurban road

How reliable is Ram 2500?

The reliability of a pickup truck is more important than the amenities offered at each trim level. After all, what good do ventilated seats and a great surround sound audio system do you if you constantly find that your truck is stalled when you need it the most? And if you find that after shelling out good money for a vehicle only to have to keep pumping money into it to keep it running, you might find yourself better off with a lower-priced but more reliable model.

For the Ram 2500, you'll find that it is of average reliability. Repair Pal rates it a middle-of-the-road 2.5 out of 5.0, with annual repair costs averaging just under $1,100. This puts it at 10th out of 17 in its class of pickup trucks.

Despite the repair costs and the reliability being only average, the Ram 2500 can last a ton of road miles. For a truck that does a lot of heavy moving, you'll find that the 2500 will last upwards of 300,000 miles on the road. Of course, achieving this milestone will depend upon regular factory-recommended maintenance being performed.

Ram 2500 heavy duty on the street

In conclusion

The Dodge Ram 2500 is one of the most popular pickup trucks in its class. With seven trim levels to choose from, you'll be able to easily find a cab configuration and box size that suits you or your business's needs. Built for heavy towing and hauling, you can be sure that the Ram 2500 will get the job done, no matter what trim level you select. Drive safe!

If you found this post on the Ram 2500 trim levels to be helpful, we believe you'll enjoy reading the following posts about this popular truck manufacturer:

How Long Will A Ram 2500 Cummins Last?

How Big Is A Ram ProMaster? [2500 And 3500 Models]

5 Types of Dodge Trucks You Should Know [Ram Pickups]

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