2022 Ram 1500 Trim Levels, Configurations & Comparisons.

Different sedans and SUVs come and go as the years go by, but the truck game is fairly consistent. There are a handful of full-size options out there that have been fighting for the top spot for decades. The good news is, this means that the trucks have gotten better and better to try to gain an edge.

The Ram 1500 is one of the most popular pickup trucks on the road. This year, there are new packages to consider, which allow for further customization of the truck. Most of the trims levels also get the UConnect 5 infotainment system that is widely applauded for its ease of use. The 2022 Ram 1500 is a part of the fifth generation of this truck.

If including the performance-oriented TRX model, there are a total of seven trim levels available for the Ram 1500. The Tradesman is the most basic, although it has a respectable list of standard equipment. As buyers move up the trim ladder, they find models that lean toward luxury as well as models that lean toward performance.

It can be tricky finding the right version of the 2022 Ram 1500. Using the following guide, shoppers can determine which trim level of this truck has all of the features they need.

 

Compare the Tradesman vs Big Horn Trims. What is the difference?

Coming standard for the 2022 Ram 1500 Tradesman is a 3.6L V6 that generates 305-horsepower along with 269 lb-ft of torque. It has an eTorque mild hybrid system that will help improve the fuel economy numbers for the truck. This engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, and rear-wheel drive comes standard.

There are also two optional engines for the Tradesman, provided that the buyer is willing to pay a little extra. The first is a 5.7L Hemi V8 that will create 395-horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque. This can be had with or without the eTorque system. The second is a turbocharged 3.0L diesel 3.0L V6 that makes 260-horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque. No matter the engine, the eight-speed automatic transmission remains standard for all 2022 Ram 1500 models.

Extended side mirrors with a heating element come standard. For the Tradesman, these mirrors are black. Automatic quad halogen headlights are included, plus incandescent taillamps. The bumpers are all black, along with the front grille. As for what the Tradesman rides around on, buyers will find 18-inch steel-painted wheels. A full-size 18-inch spare tire is included.

Inside, the Ram 1500 Tradesman has a black and diesel gray theme. Both the driver and front passenger are stuck with four-way manual adjustment for their seats. Vinyl is used for both the seats and the floors. Air conditioning is standard, along with a cabin-air filtration system.

Technology features for the entry-level Ram 1500 are a bit lacking. This is one of two trims that is still equipped with the UConnect 3 infotainment system, and it runs on a tiny 5-inch touchscreen. Buyers should be aware that there are no smartphone integration tools equipped, but the Tradesman can be upgraded to the UConnect 5 system if that is a requirement. No matter what, Bluetooth comes standard, along with a six-speaker audio system.

There are no standard driver assistance features when it comes to this truck, other than a rearview camera. It does come with trailer sway dampening, however. Buyers can also choose to add the Level 1 Safety Group, which includes lane-keep assist, pedestrian emergency braking, advanced brake assist, and full-speed forward-collision warning plus. This package also has an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

Drivers can choose from two appearance packages when they pick the Ram 1500 Tradesman. First up is the Sport Appearance package, which includes body-colored bumpers and a body-colored grille surround, plus fog lights and black interior accents. The next option is the Night Edition, which is home to 20-inch black aluminum wheels, black exterior badging, a dual-exhaust with chrome tips, and much more.

For nearly $5,000 more, buyers can go with the Big Horn instead of the Tradesman. This will give them standard front fog lights and a footwell courtesy lamp. There is chrome around the grille for this trim level, helping it look more sophisticated than the entry-level trim. The wheel size remains 18-inches. However, they were steel for the Tradesman and become aluminum for the Big Horn.

Inside, there is cloth upholstery and carpet on the floors. There are several available upgrades found here as well, including a power-adjustable driver's seat and heated front seats. Coming standard are a leather-wrapped steering wheel, plus a split-folding rear seat to increase the versatility of the inside of this model.

The Sport Appearance package is not available for the Big Horn, but it can have the Night Edition. This truck can also have the basic safety package that is available for the Tradesman, but it adds no standard driver assistance features.

Compare the Big Horn vs Laramie Trims. What is the difference?

Next up on the list is the Laramie trim. Buyers are going to have to pay over $8,000 more if they choose this model. This is the first trim that offers an air suspension. The engine options are the same as the previous two trim levels. At the same time, it adds quite a bit of luxury, so drivers may be willing to pay the steep price.

First, the exterior. The driver's side mirror gains an auto-dimming function and memory settings. Rather than the black seen on lower trim levels, the Laramie has chrome accents for its side mirrors. There are LED reflector headlights and LED footwell-lighting to help greet drivers and their passengers at night. While 18-inch wheels remain the standard, drivers can also choose 20-inch or even 22-inch ones instead.

Remote engine start helps the cabin of the Laramie be at the perfect temp. Also helping to achieve that goal is the dual-zone automatic climate control. There are many important upgrades when it comes to comfort, including heated and ventilated front seats and leather upholstery. There is also a heated steering wheel, plus handy power-adjustable pedals.

The infotainment system finally gets a standard upgrade. There is an 8.4-inch touchscreen and smartphone integration with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. If that is not enough, there is a Wi-Fi hotspot and satellite radio found in the cabin of the Ram 1500 Laramie. It also upgrades to a nine-speaker sound system and gives drivers access to Ram Connect services.

Full-speed automatic forward-collision mitigation is standard for this midlevel trim level. The Laramie is eligible for a package that adds front parking sensors and reclining rear seats. There is the Laramie Southwest Edition package available as well, which includes styling details along with a 12-inch touchscreen and a dual-pane sunroof.

Compare the Laramie vs Rebel Trims. What is the difference?

The Rebel was designed to be the off-road version of the Ram 1500. It is interesting that this trim does not come standard with four-wheel drive, however. Still, it does have important features such as tow hooks, locking differentials, and an off-road-oriented suspension with a 2-inch lift on its standard equipment list. This trim level can upgrade from the standard engine to the V8 or the diesel, and it can also be equipped with air suspension.

Hill descent control is included for the Ram 1500 Rebel. It also has underbody skid plates and all-terrain tires, plus a Class IV tow hook. The overall style of this trim level is more aggressive than the other options and includes specialized badging.

Buyers should note that the Rebel does not build on the Laramie trim level, but rather on the Big Horn. It is missing several of the upgrades found on the Laramie model. In comparison to the Big Horn, however, it does gain power-adjustable front bucket seats and a front console.

The Rebel loses the luxury but gains many capability features. That is why it costs only about $1,000 more than the Laramie.

Compare the Rebel vs Limited Longhorn. What is the difference?

The Limited Longhorn builds off of the Laramie. It costs nearly $7,000 more than the Rebel, but it has an incredible amount of standard luxury to show off. This trim level comes standard with 20-inch wheels and upgrades to even more sophisticated LED headlights. It also has automatic high beams.

Further adding both safety and convenience to this trim level are rain-sensing windshield wipers. There are also side steps to make it easier to get inside of the Ram 1500, plus a spray-in bed liner and in-bed lighting. A power tailgate release rounds out the upgrades to the exterior of the Ram 1500 Limited Longhorn.

Naturally, the cabin of this trim level is also luxurious. Premium leather upholstery is standard. The rear seats are heated and can recline, and there is under-seat storage for added convenience. As for the technology, this version of the Ram 1500 has an integrated navigation system.

Compare the Limited Longhorn vs Limited Trims. What is the difference?

Choosing the Limited trim level means getting a Ram 1500 with the V8 underneath the hood. Buyers can still choose to go with the diesel option, but the standard V6 is not available. This is also the only trim level that comes standard with the sophisticated four-corner air suspension that can raise and lower the height of the Ram 1500.

This trim is even easier to get inside of, thanks to power-deployable side running boards. Inside the cabin, the Limited model has wireless device charging and a 12-inch vertical touchscreen. Both blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are standard for this well-rounded version of the Ram 1500.

There is an exclusive Limited Equipment package. It bundles ventilated rear seats, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and a 19-speaker sound system. Also included is a parallel and perpendicular park assist.

Compare the Limited vs TRX Trims. What is the difference?

The TRX is a Ram 1500 unlike any other. It comes standard with four-wheel drive and has an exclusive supercharged V8 engine that pumps out 702-horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. This is the same engine that is found underneath the hood of the iconic Dodge Charger and Dodge Challenger.

To help the Ram 1500 keep up with this V8, it adds upgraded engine cooling. There are also upgraded brakes, all-terrain tires, underbody skid plates, and an electronic locking rear differential. The Blistein shocks and upgraded air filters further help the TRX be the most capable and powerful version of the Ram 1500.

All of the upgrades made to the TRX do not come cheap. It costs nearly $16,000 more than the ultra-luxurious Limited model.

 

Final Thoughts

Looking closely at the 2022 Ram 1500 lineup reveals everything from a bare-bones truck to a borderline luxury vehicle. The entry-level Tradesman is lacking in many ways. While the Big Horn moves in the right direction, but it does not have the upgraded infotainment system.

The Laramie is the sweet spot for most drivers. It has a variety of important upgrades, including climate-controlled front seats and the UConnect 5 system. Features like dual-zone automatic climate control, a remote engine start, and a Wi-Fi hotspot help this version of the Ram 1500 more pleasant to be in all around.

There may be some thrill-seekers out there who want the TRX in their driveway. If they can afford it, this is undoubtedly a capable truck with a lot to offer. It has way more than the average driver needs for their daily life, however, and a price tag that would make nearly anyone pause.

The 2022 Ram 1500 Laramie offers a good deal of features for its price, making it the smart choice for most drivers.

Previous Year Trim Configurations:

• 2021 Ram 1500 Trime Levels