One of the best-selling half-ton trucks out there is the RAM 1500, and for good reasons. RAM trucks have always had the reputation of a pristine and top-end interior in their class, but this truck has more to offer than that. In this article, we researched and compared side-by-side for you the two highest trims available for the RAM half-ton, the Laramie and Limited, to figure out which is right for you.
To choose which is trim suits you best, you must consider what you need and what you want from the truck. The 1500 Limited is the most upscale trim that RAM offers, while the Laramie is in the middle of the pack in terms of variants for their half-ton division. You can expect to get more features and technology and a slightly upgraded engine with the Limited, while you will get a cheaper price tag and more ergonomic design with the Laramie.
Interested to learn more about RAM's 1500 Laramie and 1500 Limited? We will be answering related questions such as what other 1500 trims does RAM offer, are Ram trucks reliable, how well do they hold up in value, and more. So stick around to find out. In the end, we will also be suggesting some related articles that might help and interest you regarding the topic.
RAM 1500 Laramie Vs. RAM 1500 Limited
It would be very unfair to put the two trim models toe-to-toe as the other would win when it comes to features and technology as it is the top-of-the-line offering. But all the bells and whistle does not make it the truck that is right for you.
You would have to consider a plethora of things such as functionality, practicality, and even budget to find the pick-up best suited for you.
This is why in this section, we will be running down the key features of both trim models to help you evaluate which one better fits your taste. We will also be telling you the price comparison of these two trims.
Laramie
Starting with the Laramie, as we mentioned a while back, this trim falls in the middle pack of the hierarchy of variants for the RAM 1500. Two available trim models separate the Laramie from the Limited (the Rebel and the Limited LongHorn).
The Laramie starts at an MSRP of $42,080. Some key features for this trim are:
- LED headlamps, tail lamps, and fog lamps
- Heated and ventilated Bristol leather-trimmed ten-way power driver and front passenger seats
- Memory features
- Forward collision warning with active braking
- Heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel
- U-Connect 5 with 8.4-inch display
- Alpine nine-speaker premium audio system
- Available multifunction tailgate with 60/40 split swing-away doors
These features are also coupled with choosing from the available engines that the Laramie is offering. We will be discussing these options and what engine is available in that specific trim level later below.
Limited
Moving forward with the Limited, this trim level is marketed as the top-level spec for half-ton RAMS together with the more off-road specific RAM TRX.
The Limited starts at an MSRP of $57,150. Here are key features for this trim (some features of the Limited LongHorn arealso carried to this level):
- 5.7L HEMI® V8 engine producing 395 HP and 410 lb-ft of torque (other options are also available)
- Active-level four-corner air suspension
- Power running boards
- 20-inch polished aluminum wheels
- Natura plus leather bucket seats
- Blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-path and trailer detection
- Available 19-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system
It is important to note that The 2021 Ram 1500 offers a max towing capacity of up to 12,750 lbs with a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 with eTorque. This can be achieved with the engine option that you will choose; just remember that 4x2 will always have a higher tow rating compared to 4x4 ones.
As we see here, the Limited, is equipped with better wheels and a more posh interior compared to the Laramie. While the latter might be a bit behind with components, the Laramie is more adept at being used as a work truck as you can easily put through its components to rugged use compared to the more expensive amenities of the Limited.
What other trims does RAM offer for their half-ton trucks?
There are eight main trims and one off-road trim that RAM offers for the 1500 segment. These are the Tradesman, Big Horn, Laramie, Rebel, Limited LongHorn, and Limited. While the off-road variant for the RAM 1500 is the TRX.
What engine options does RAM offer for their half-ton trucks?
For the 2021 model year, RAM offers five engine options that you can choose from, some engines are available in specific trim levels, and some are not. Here is the list of the engines that you can find under the hood of your RAM half-ton.
3.6L PENTASTAR® V6 Engine with ETorque
This is the entry-level engine on the 2021 Ram 1500 a 3.6L Pentastar V6 with eTorque. This engine has advanced wide-range variable valve timing (VVT) that puts out 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque, which allows for towing up to 7,730 lbs
5.7L HEMI® V8 Engine
One of the most famous engines, the 5.7L V8 is also equipped with VVT and a Multi-Displacement System (MDS) with Fuel Saver Technology. This engine can produce up to 395 horsepower, 410 lb-ft of torque and can tow up to 11,610 lbs
5.7L HEMI® V8 Engine with ETorque
A variant of the 5.7L Hemi V8, this time with eTorque. This engine can draw up 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque. The eTorque option gives this engine more pulling capacity at 12,750 lbs, making it the most powerful engine option in terms of tow rating.
3.0L EcoDiesel V6 Engine
The 3.0L Ecodiesel V6 engine is the Diesel offering of the RAM half-ton trucks. This engine puts out less horsepower at 260 but gets best-in-class diesel torque of 480 lb-ft allowing you to tow 12,560 lbs.
Supercharged 6.2L HEMI® V8 Engine
This new engine is the most powerful factory-installed engine ever on a half-ton truck. The 6.2L Supercharged Hemi V8 engine puts out an incredible 702 max horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. But is only rated to tow 8,100 lbs. This is because it is more geared towards 4x4 off-roading than regular use.
This engine can achieve 0-60 MPH in just 4.5 seconds! Mighty impressive for a pick-up.
Here is the list of engines available per trim level:
2021 RAM 1500 Tradesman
- 6L PENTASTAR®V6 Engine with ETorque
- 7L HEMI®V8 Engine
- 7L HEMI®V8 Engine with ETorque
- 0L EcoDiesel V6 Engine
2021 RAM 1500 Big Horn
- 6L PENTASTAR®V6 Engine with ETorque
- 7L HEMI®V8 Engine
- 7L HEMI®V8 Engine with ETorque
- 0L EcoDiesel V6 Engine
2021 RAM 1500 Laramie
- 6L PENTASTAR®V6 Engine with ETorque
- 7L HEMI®V8 Engine
- 7L HEMI®V8 Engine with ETorque
- 0L EcoDiesel V6 Engine
2021 RAM 1500 Rebel
- 6L PENTASTAR®V6 Engine with ETorque
- 7L HEMI®V8 Engine
- 7L HEMI®V8 Engine with ETorque
- 0L EcoDiesel V6 Engine
2021 RAM 1500 Limited Longhorn
- 6L PENTASTAR®V6 Engine with ETorque
- 7L HEMI®V8 Engine
- 7L HEMI®V8 Engine with ETorque
- 0L EcoDiesel V6 Engine
2021 Ram 1500 Limited
- 7L HEMI®V8 Engine
- 7L HEMI®V8 Engine with ETorque
- 0L EcoDiesel V6 Engine
2021 RAM 1500 TRX
- Supercharged 6.2L HEMI®V8 Engine
Are RAM trucks reliable?
Depending on use and how well it is maintained, a RAM truck can easily last 13 to 17 years and 200,000 to 300,000 miles. In general, half-ton RAMs are the ones that last longer compared to their bigger brothers (quarter-ton trucks and one-ton trucks).
Trucks that are more used and often hauls close to their max ratings are more likely to have a lesser lifespan than those that are not. Even though these vehicles are designed to take a beating and are probably the type of car that can take up the most wear and tear, their parts will eventually wear down.
This is why improper maintenance and use can be very detrimental to pick-up trucks.
How well does RAM compare to other half-ton trucks?
RAM has been struggling against its main competitors when it comes to pick-up trucks, particularly the half-ton segment. They have even been dubbed as tier two pickups behind Ford and GM (Chevy) trucks.
But RAM has always had the title for the most torque when it comes to engine output and is the first brand to come out with a truck that has at least 1000lb-ft of torque!
How well does RAM hold up its value?
Their 2021 model year has will ultimately retain 59.8 percent of its value after five years, relatively lower compared to Toyota and Ford.
In conclusion
Ultimately, it all boils down to which is your preference, if you want a more luxurious ride at the same time doing some hauling or towing, then the Limited by the right one for you. If you still want some luxury but not over the top as you will be using it for a rougher lifestyle, then try checking out the Laramie. But one thing is for certain, you can never go wrong with these two options!
Here are some related articles that might help you.
Can A Dodge Ram 1500 Pull A Toy Hauler?
How Big Is A Ram ProMaster? [2500 And 3500 Models]