2022 Ram 2500 Trim Levels, Configurations & Comparisons.
Sometimes, a full-size pickup truck is not enough. Drivers simply need more hauling and towing capability. That is when they enter the world of heavy-duty pickups. Most of the popular full-size trucks out there have an HD variation to consider. They are typically much more expensive, but they have the ability to get more done.
The Ram 2500 is one popular heavy-duty option. This year, it gets upgraded trailering technology and most trims are now home to the UConnect 5 system. The Big Horn also has a new Silver Edition package to check out, and the Power Wagon gets some updates for its equipment packages.
There are six trim levels available for the 2022 Ram 2500. Buyers can also find three different cab styles - regular, crew, and an extended crew. The entry-level Tradesman is suitable for those who do not need a lot of bells and whistles, while the Power Wagon is designed for people who want to adventure off-road. If luxury is the ultimate goal, and the buyer has a lot of money to spend, the Limited trim level of the 2022 Ram 2500 may be the right choice.
Careful research is the right approach when it comes to selecting the right 2022 Ram 2500. This guide can help by highlighting all of the differences between the trims.
Compare the Tradesman vs Big Horn Trims. What is the difference?
The standard engine for the 2022 Ram 2500 is a hearty 6.4L V8 that can create 410-horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque. This entry-level trim can also be equipped with a turbocharged 6.7L diesel. Going with this option will mean getting 370-horsepower and 850 lb-ft of torque out of the Ram 2500. Switching to the diesel is a pricey choice, however. Buyers will need to be willing to pay over $9,000 more for it.
Rear-wheel drive is standard for the Tradesman, but it can upgrade to a four-wheel drive as well. The entry-level Ram 2500 is riding around on 17-inch silver-painted steel wheels, and there are halogen headlights and daytime running lights. The exterior of the Tradesman is far from luxurious. For example, the side mirrors are not heated or power-adjustable. On the plus side, a seven-pin wiring harness and Class V receiver hitch are both included.
When buyers sit down inside the 2022 Ram 2500 Tradesman, they will see that the bare-bones approach continues. There is vinyl upholstery and a front bench seat. Those who want things like power adjustment for their seat or automatic climate control will have to look elsewhere. This model is equipped with cruise control, however, complete with controls on the steering wheel.
This is the only trim level that does not upgrade to the new UConnect 5 system, and it sticks with a 5-inch touchscreen. There are two USB ports and a six-speaker sound system. While the Ram 2500 Tradesman does have all of the traditional safety equipment, there are exactly zero driver assistance features.
The Tradesman starts out at just over $37,000 for the regular cab with the 8-foot bed. It can also be had with the crew cab. Pairing that style with the 6.4-foot bed will cost around $40,600 while pairing it with the 8-foot bed will cost around $40,800.
Up next is the Big Horn. Those shopping in Texas may hear this model referred to as the "Lone Star" instead. This trim can be equipped with the same two engines that the Tradesman can. Going with the Big Horn will mean getting 18-inch wheels rather than 17-inch ones. It gets several other exterior upgrades as well, including heated side mirrors and a trailer brake controller.
Other upgrades found on the Big Horn include power windows and locks, plus remote keyless entry. A regular cab remains standard, as well as a front bench seat. The Big Horn does swap out the vinyl for cloth instead. The really significant changes for this trim level involve its tech. Here drivers get an 8.4-inch touchscreen, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. The Big Horn also adds access to Ram Connect remote services. There are no safety features added here, however.
This year, the Silver Edition package is back for the Ram 2500. It adds some black interior accents, plus practical items like power-folding mirrors. Most people will be drawn to it for all of the chrome it adds to the exterior, however.
Sticking with the regular cab and an 8-foot bed will mean paying just over $41,000, which is approximately $4,000 more than its Tradesman counterpart. This trim can also have a crew cab with a 6.4-foot bed for around $45,700 or an 8-foot bed for around $45,900. It is the first option on the list available with the "Mega Cab," which only pairs with the 6.4-foot bed and costs a little over $50,000.
Compare the Big Horn vs Laramie Trims. What is the difference?
The Laramie builds off of the Big Horn and adds an added layer of luxury. For the outside, this Ram 2500 gets LED foglights and power-folding side mirrors. The power-folding rear window adds some added convenience to the truck, along with a dampened tailgate. Acoustic front windows help make the interior of the Ram 2500 Laramie more relaxing by reducing the sound that makes its way into the cabin.
Also adding to that is the standard active noise cancellation. There are dual gloveboxes so that drivers have more places to stash smaller gear, and the LED interior lighting makes it easier to see what is going on after dark. There are heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, plus dual-zone automatic climate control.
It is easier to get comfortable in the Ram 2500 Laramie due to its power-adjustable front seats and power-adjustable pedals. There is also a nine-speaker audio system from Alpine, plus sophisticated leather upholstery. This trim level is also the first to give drivers advanced safety equipment. It comes equipped with front and rear parking sensors, plus a trailer light check system.
The Laramie cannot be had in the regular cab style. As a result, the most affordable version is the crew cab with the 6.4-foot bed, which costs around $52,000. Upgrading to the 8-foot bed will mean paying an extra $200 on top of that. The Laramie can also be had with the extended crew cab for $56,400.
Compare the Laramie vs Power Wagon. What is the difference?
The Power Wagon is the most capable version of the 2022 Ram 2500, at least when it comes to off-roading. This trim level is only available with a four-wheel drive. It goes down to 17-inch wheels and upgrades to all-terrain tires to help the Power Wagon go further. Other off-road performance-enhancers include hill descent control, a disconnecting front stabilizer bar, and underbody skid plates.
That's not the end of the list, however. The 2022 Ram 2500 Power Wagon has an off-road performance-tuned suspension. There are also locking front and rear axles, which can enhance traction in off-roading situations. Rounding out the capability upgrades found here is the electric winch.
On top of being exclusively available with four-wheel drive, the Power Wagon can also only be had with a crew cab and 6.4-foot bed. Its starting price is just under $56,800.
Compare the Power Wagon vs Limited Longhorn. What is the difference?
All of the off-road features added by the Power Wagon go away when looking at the Limited Longhorn. This truck goes back to rear-wheel drive with the option to upgrade to four-wheel. The bed of this truck gets a spray-in bedliner and LED lighting. There is also a remote tailgate release.
Inside, there are front bucket seats that are both heated and ventilated. The upholstery is sophisticated leather, and the second-row of seats gains heat as well. Driver seat memory settings make it easy for people to share the Ram 2500 with another person. The power-adjustable pedals also gain memory settings, which makes a lot of sense if people with dramatically different heights are sharing driving responsibilities. For an added sense of luxury, the Limited Longhorn has wood and leather on its steering wheel.
There are a couple of notable technology upgrades found here as well. It has an integrated navigation system, plus HD radio. High-beam assist is a high-tech safety feature that is standard for the Limited Longhorn as well.
This trim level gives buyers more options when it comes to the body style. The lowest-priced option is the crew cab with the 6.4-foot bed, which costs around $60,300. Going up to the 8-foot bed costs only an extra $100 for this trim level. The Mega Cab is once again on the table, but it will cost buyers over $64,750.
Compare the Limited Longhorn vs Limited Trims. What is the difference?
The 2022 Ram 2500 with the most standard equipment is the Limited. While the engine options still have not changed, there are now 20-inch alloy wheels under the truck. It also adds handy features like power-deployable running boards and adjustable tie-down hooks. Models with the 6.4-foot bed also gain the RamBox system of storage bins.
Inside, the Limited is home to a 12-inch touchscreen. Another handy tech upgrade is the wireless device charging. Buyers will find genuine wood and aluminum accents found around the cabin. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is also added to this top Ram 2500 trim.
The crew cab with either bed length will cost approximately $65,000. For the extended crew cab, buyers are looking at around $69,750.
Which Trim to Choose?
The entry-level Tradesman version of the 2022 Ram 2500 is just too lacking to be considered. Buyers will want to go up to at least the Big Horn, which is available in all three cab styles and adds the more sophisticated infotainment system. Due to this, the Big Horn is the correct choice for most drivers.
The Laramie is pretty impressive, thanks to features like heated front seats and a premium sound system from Alpine. At the same time, it costs over $10,000 more than the Big Horn. That size of a price jump is hard to justify.
There may be some who would be best served by the Power Wagon. This is a unique version of the 2022 Ram 2500 that offers off-roading equipment that cannot be found on any other model. Its day-to-day practicality is somewhat questionable, however, and it gives drivers no options when it comes to bed length or cab style.
Both the Limited Longhorn and Limited are incredibly sophisticated, but at this point, the price tag is simply climbing too high. Most drivers will be willing to sacrifice ventilated front seats and power-deployable running boards in order to save a few thousand dollars.
The 2022 Ram 2500 Big Horn is a well-equipped choice with satisfying performance, especially if buyers can upgrade to the available diesel engine.
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