2021 Ram 1500 Trim Levels Review

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Drivers throughout the areas of Mount Pocono, Tobyhanna, and Scranton, Pennsylvania, choose different trucks for very different reasons; that's why the 2021 Ram 1500 offers a range of Ram trim levels. There are eight trim levels to choose from: Tradesman, Tradesman HFE, Big Horn, Rebel, Laramie, Limited Longhorn, Limited, and TRX, so one is sure to fit your life.

For a quick review of which trim gives you what for work or play near Stroudsburg or East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, read this Ray Price Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram truck trim levels review. 

Let's rev the Ram engine and get started!

Engines and Towing Capacities for Long Hauls

A total of five engines can be found under the hood of the Ram 1500, each with their own perks and capabilities. The chart below outlines each powertrain, so you can choose the mix of power and efficiency that's right for you.

The 3.6L Pentastar® V6 engine is standard on every trim but the two highest: the Limited and the TRX. The Limited trim level has the 5.7L HEMI® V8 engine as standard, which can be upgraded to the version with eTorque to give it more towing power. This engine is also an option on almost every other trim level.

Available on almost every trim is the 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 powertrain, which comes last in horsepower, but second in torque and towing capacity. The real benefit to this motor is that it has the best EPA-estimated fuel economy in the range.

The only engine available on the TRX trim is its standard Supercharged 6.2L HEMI® V8 engine, which offers incredible levels of power. This powertrain has the ability to go from 0 to 60 MPH in 4.5 seconds with a top speed of 118 MPH. This is the level for those who want to get to where they're going and get there quick.

All the motors on the 2021 Ram 1500 are paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission. This means you may notice a smoother ride as your truck changes gears seamlessly on its own. 

Trims are available with either 2-wheel or 4-wheel drivetrains. This means no matter what you're using your 2021 1500 for, whether it's for work or play, it has the power and traction to do it with ease and style.

Sizable Dash Technology

A variety of display screens can fit on the dashboard, starting with the 5-inch Uconnect® 3 display that is standard in the Tradesman, Tradesman HFE, Big Horn, and Rebel trims. Boost your screen size with the 8.4-inch Uconnect® 4 display, which is standard for the Laramie and available for the Tradesman, Big Horn, and Rebel trims. 

Take it to the next level with the 8.4-inch Uconnect® 4C NAV display that is standard in the Limited Longhorn trim and available in the Big Horn, Rebel, and Laramie trims. The largest screen, the Uconnect® 12-inch display with navigation, comes standard in the Limited and TRX trims, and is optional for the Big Horn through Limited Longhorn trims. 

For a truly futuristic feel in the present day, choose the available Head-Up Display on every trim level from the Big Horn and above. This system projects key information right onto the windshield, so you never have to look away from the road, even to check your speed. 

Audio Systems

At the base level, a 6-speaker audio system comes standard in the Tradesman, Tradesman HFE, Big Horn, and Rebel trims, while the 9-speaker Alpine® Premium Audio System can be selected for the Laramie trim. For music lovers who want the full concert experience, the Laramie, Rebel, Limited Longhorn, and Limited trims can enjoy the upgraded 900-watt, 19-speaker Harman Kardon® Premium Audio System.

Extra Safety Systems

Plenty of safety features protect you while you're driving your new Ram 1500, but for more advanced options, make sure you pick the trim that contains the extra ones. Standard on all trim levels is Electronic Stability Control, which includes:

• Brake Assist
• Hill Start Assist
• Rain Brake Support
• Ready Alert Braking
• Trailer Sway Damping

Also standard on all trim levels is a ParkView® Rear Back-Up Camera, but this can be upgraded to a 360-Degree Surround View Camera System on the Rebel trim and above. This means you won't have to crane your neck to get every angle when backing out at the grocery store.

Add ParkSense® Front and Rear Park-Assist with Stop to the Big Horn, Laramie, Rebel, and TRX trims. To get the Parallel and Perpendicular Park-Assist with Stop, you'll need to add the Advanced Safety Group Package to the Rebel through Limited trims. These additional driver-assistance features will help spot obstacles you may not initially notice when backing out.

Cabin Comforts

What will make you feel most comfortable in your Ram 1500 after a long day? Would it be available heated front seats? Then select the Big Horn, Laramie, Rebel, or TRX trims. To provide heat for the 2nd-row seats, they are available in the Laramie, Rebel, Limited Longhorn, Limited, and TRX trims. They're great for getting the kids to school on those chilly Pennsylvania mornings. 

If you want the available ventilated front seats for sweltering summer weather when your truck has been sitting in the sun all day, the Laramie, Limited Longhorn, Limited, and TRX trims offer this feature. If you want this same feature on the rear seats, then you can add the TRX Level 2 Equipment Package to your TRX trim.

For extra available 8-way adjustability in the power driver seat, take a seat in the Big Horn, Rebel, and TRX trims. An optional 4-way power lumbar adjustable passenger seat complements the front of the Laramie, Rebel, Limited Longhorn, Limited, and TRX trims. This way, you and your co-pilot can have customized comfort for the road ahead.

Practical and Versatile Bed

Whether you feel the opulent Limited trim, or the work-ready Tradesman trim is best for your lifestyle, you should strongly consider the available multifunction tailgate. There's really nothing this ingenious tailgate can't pull off.

One of the most obvious benefits is the 60/40 split swing-away doors. Without having to reach over or climb the tailgate, you can open these doors and begin loading supplies or materials as needed. There's also an available center bed step for those who appreciate a boost when trying to access their trucks bed.

Strength and durability are other staples of the Ram 1500 bed in every trim level. A 2,000-pound maximum loading weight really inspires confidence when you're loading or unloading heavy materials.

Finally, Ram wanted to ensure practicality and ingenuity when designing the bed. One of the ways they did this was by creating helpful nooks and crannies along the interior. The class exclusive RamBox® Cargo Management System is a storage space which runs alongside the bed. It's lockable, weatherproof, has drainable storage bins on each side of the bed, and can also be illuminated for easier usage at night.

When you couple these nifty storage cubbies with the other RamBox® features like a 115-volt auxiliary outlet built into the back of the bed, you have a truck which is ready for any type of adventure.

Choosing Your Cab Size and Bed Length

With two available box lengths and two available cab sizes, choosing the trim level you want for your 2021 Ram 1500 also means choosing the size and configuration of your truck. Many of the trims come with the same configurability options, yet not all overlap in this regard. Here's a breakdown of the Ram 1500 cab and bed options by trim level:

• Tradesman: Quad Cab or Crew Cab, 6-foot, 4-inch or 5-foot, 7-inch bed
• Tradesman HFE: Quad Cab or Crew Cab, 6-foot, 4-inch box
• Big Horn: Quad Cab or Crew Cab, 6-foot, 4-inch or 5-foot, 7-inch
• Laramie: Quad Cab or Crew Cab, 6-foot, 4-inch or 5-foot, 7-inch
• Rebel: Crew Cab with 5-foot, 7-inch box, or Quad Cab with 6-foot, 4-inch box
• Limited Longhorn: Crew Cab with 5-foot, 7-inch box or 6-foot, 4-inch box
• Limited: Crew Cab with 5-foot, 7-inch box or 6-foot, 4-inch box
• TRX: Crew Cab with 5-foot, 7-inch box

Virtually every trim comes with your choice of a 4X4 or 4X2 drivetrain. The only exceptions are the Tradesman HFE which comes solely in 4X2 and the Rebel and TRX which come solely in 4X4. 

Learn More About the 2021 Ram 1500 Trim Levels