2023 Ram 1500 Trim Levels, Configurations & Comparisons.

The 2023 Ram 1500 is a full-sized, half-ton truck. This truck has a handsome exterior and an almost luxurious interior. It handles well and offers a comfortable ride quality that one doesn't usually see in a pickup truck. Make no mistake, however, this is a rugged and reliable truck that can get the tough jobs done. This means serious hauling, towing and off-road capabilities.

Ram gives buyers four different gasoline-powered engines to choose from. One powertrain is actually a mild-hybrid system. This truck is also available with a turbocharged diesel engine. There are eight different trim levels for 2023. This truck comes in two different cab styles both with four doors. The Quad Cab can accommodate five passengers and comes with a 6-foot 4-inch bed length. The Crew Cab is roomier on the inside. It can be paired with a 6-foot 4-inch or 5-foot 7-inch bed.

Choosing the right trim level and configuration can be a daunting task with the 2023 Ram 1500. This can be a great thing since there are so many ways to customize this truck for one's specific needs. It can also leave buyers with option paralysis and some confusion. There's no need to worry, however, as we will cover each trim level in detail. Every model will be compared to the trim level before and after it in Ram's lineup.

Compare the Ram 1500 Tradesman vs Tradesman HFE. What Is the Difference?

The first two trim levels have the four-door Quad Cab body style. They each get long beds and a 4X2 drive-train. Both are available with 4X4 capabilities as well for improved off-road performance. These two trims get a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 24 valves and variable valve timing. Tradesman HFE models get a mild-hybrid eTorque system for better fuel efficiency. Both have Start/Stop Technology to further aid with conserving fuel.

Both models have the same 850RE 8-speed automatic transmission. These two trim levels get a 7-pin wiring harness for hooking up trailers. The base-model Tradesman has a class IV trailer hitch and can tow more. The Tradesman pulls up to 7,740 pounds while the Tradesman HFE can tow up to 6,760 pounds. Their suspension systems have a stabilizer bar up front and in the rear.

For the exterior, the standard Tradesman gets 18-inch steel wheels. The Tradesman HFE has a set of 20-inch aluminum chrome-clad wheels. There are intermittent windshield wipers for both models. The exterior mirrors are power-adjustable, manually folding and have a heating element. Both models get automatic halogen-quad headlamps and incandescent tail lamps.

These two trims have 4-way manually-adjustable seats up front. The base model gets a bench seat while the HFE trim has bucket seats. They both come with Ram's Uconnect 3 infotainment system with a 5-inch touchscreen display. This system has Voice-Command and hands-free calling. There's a standard AM/FM stereo that's compatible with SiriusXM satellite radio. The audio system includes six speakers.

The Tradesman and Tradesman HFE have standard A/C and heating systems. They also get Ram's Clean-Air System to keep everyone breathing easier. There are Advanced Multistage Front Air Bags, Supplemental Side Airbags up front and a Side-Curtain Airbag. The LATCH system for child-safety seats is standard. These two trucks also have Electronic Roll Mitigation, Electronic Stability Control and Hill-Start Assist.

All models of the 2023 Ram 1500 have a Parkview rear-camera system. There's a Tire-Pressure Monitor with a handy display. The Tire-Fill Alert feature lets you know when it's time for more air. A Traction-Control System makes for a safer driving experience with more control over the vehicle. Both trim levels also get Push-Button Start, Remote Keyless Entry and a Sentry Key® Theft-Deterrent System.

Compare the Ram 1500 Tradesman HFE vs Big Horn Trims. What Is the Difference?

The Big Horn trim level comes with the same engine, transmission and suspension system as the Tradesman HFE. It mostly has the same performance specs, though its tow rating drops by 10 pounds. The difference there will be negligible for most buyers. Most of the exterior features mirror those of the Tradesman. There are a few new optional exterior features such as power-folding mirrors and LED fog lamps.

The Big Horn gets a set of 18-inch cast-aluminum wheels. A power-sliding rear window can be added on as an option. A MOPAR spray-in bedliner and Tonneau cover are available as well. The stock seats are the same as the base model. Ram offers optional power-operated seats up front for this trim. The infotainment center and audio are the same with the option to add a navigation system into the mix.

An automatic climate-control system is offered for this trim, but again only as an option. There's now a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The front passenger now gets a mirror for their sun visor. The safety features are basically the same with the option for Full-Speed Forward-Collision Warning Plus.

Compare the Ram 1500 Big Horn vs Laramie Trim Levels. What Is the Difference?

Next up is the Laramie trim level. Again we get the same engine and transmission. There's also an option to upgrade the engine to a 5.7-liter V8 HEMI. The HEMI V8 makes 395 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque. A Four-Corner Air Suspension is optional. For the exterior, courtesy lamps get added on to the mirrors. The driver's mirror now has an auto-dimming feature.

Laramie models automatically get power-folding mirrors with a memory feature. The taillights are upgraded with LEDs. The Laramie gets the same painted wheels as the base Tradesman models. On the inside, the front seats now have heat for those cold winter months. There's also ventilation for those hot summer days. The front seats have 8-way power adjustments with 2-way lumbar support.

Laramie owners get an upgraded Uconnect 5 infotainment system with integrated navigation from TomTom. This system gets a larger 8.4-inch touchscreen. The system is now fully compatible with Google's Android Auto and Apple's CarPlay. Owners now get a 4G LTE WiFi Hotspot to keep everyone connected. The audio gets a bump up to nine speakers.

Full-Speed Forward-Collision Warning Plus is now standard. This trim level also gets a security system to deter thieves. A Surround-View Camera is optional. A Dual-Pane Panoramic Sunroof can be added on for a small fee. The remaining safety features for the previous trim get carried over to the Laramie.

Compare the Ram 1500 Laramie vs Rebel Trims. What Is the Difference?

The Rebel comes with the same V6 engine and 8-speed automatic transmission as before. The towing capacity here gets bumped up to 7,430 pounds. This model gets an electronic locking rear axle. The ride height is taken up a step for the Rebel. The outside mirrors actually lose the power-folding and memories features, though they can still be added on as options. The headlights, taillights and fog lamps are now all LED models.

The Rebel comes sporting a set of glossy black 18-inch wheels. These are outfitted with a set of all-terrain tires. The seats revert back to manual adjustments. The Rebel models retain the upgrades to the infotainment system and audio setup that are found on the Laramie models. There's now an A/C and heating system with Dual-Zone Auto Temperature Control.

The Rebel trim level offers most of the same safety features as the Laramie trim. This trim tacks on some extra options such as Blind-Spot and Cross-Path Detection, as well as a Trailer Surround-View Camera System. The main differences here are a few upgrades to the off-road capabilities of the truck.

Compare the Ram 1500 Rebel vs Limited Longhorn. What Is the Difference?

The Limited Longhorn trim is the last model to get the base engine. It has a lower maximum towing capacity when compared to the Rebel. It can tow around 6,340 pounds when properly equipped. The Limited Longhorn loses the electronic locking rear axle. The memory and power-folding mirrors make their return for the Limited Longhorn. The outside also gets some shiny chrome trim for a sleek appearance.

Choosing this trim level gets you 20-inch aluminum wheels and all-season tires. The wheels have a painted and polished finish. Inside of the Limited Longhorn you'll find bucket seats with heating and ventilation. There are 8-way power seats up front with 2-way adjustable lumbar support. The driver's side gets a memory feature. This can be useful if multiple drivers will be using the truck.

This trim level gets a massive 12-inch touchscreen display for the infotainment system. The infotainment and audio setups are otherwise the same as the Laramie. There are nine speakers and a subwoofer for amazing life-like sound. The safety features are again the same.

Compare the Ram 1500 Limited Longhorn vs Limited Trims. What Is the Difference?

Now we come to the Limited trim and a major upgrade for the powertrains. The Limited is powered by a 5.7-liter HEMI V8. This engine makes 395 horsepower with 410 pound-feet of torque. These models can tow up to 8,100 pounds. Ram offers this engine with the eTorque mild-hybrid system too. The automatic transmission gets upgraded here though it's still an 8-speed.

The Limited gets an improved suspension system along with the new engine. It uses the Four-Corner Air Suspension mentioned above as an option for some trim levels. This model gets heavy-duty shock absorbers for front and rear. The Limited and Limited Longhorn share most of the same exterior features. They even get the same 20-inch wheels. Blind-Spot and Cross-Path Detection are automatically installed on these models.

Compare the Ram 1500 Limited vs TRX. What Is the Difference?

The TRX is the top trim level and it's the most powerful too. These models get their power from a 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI V8 SRT. The TRX trim makes 702 horsepower and an astonishing 650 pound-feet of torque. This truck offers track-worthy performance specs. It can get you up to 60 miles-per-hour in just 4.5 seconds.

The electronic locking rear axle makes a return for this trim. This truck now has a 3.55 rear-axle ratio. The ride height is raised for this trim level. It also gets Adaptive Damping and an 800-amp maintenance-free battery. The TRX also has an upgraded 250-amp alternator. Ram throws in some tow hooks for the front and rear and adds configurable drive modes here.

Extra skid plates protect the TRX's underbelly. The TRX also has dual exhaust tips with black ends. This trim level gets LED lights all around for the exterior. There's a set of 18-inch aluminum wheels with all-season tires. High-performance brakes help to deal with all of the extra horsepower. There's also a sleek looking performance hood on the TRX.

All of the driver-assist tech and safety features carry over for the final trim level. The TRX has 8-way power bucket seats with heating and ventilation up front. Leather upholstery is now available. It comes with the top-tier infotainment system, the 12-inch touchscreen, navigation and an upgraded sound system by Harman Kardon® with 19 speakers.

Final Thoughts

For those who are simply looking for a work vehicle, the Tradesman or Tradesman HFE will work out just fine. For most buyers, the Laramie will be your best option. It has the best balance of features, performance and cost. For the most power and torque, the versatile TRX is your best buy. For off-road fun, the Rebel is a good, solid choice. The best trim largely depends on your specific needs, but for most buyers, the Laramie is the way to go.

Previous Year Trim Configurations:

• 2022 Ram 1500 Trim Levels