RAM is the fastest-growing full-size truck brand with sales up 18% in 2019. RAM has combined comfort with functionality in its 2020 lineup of vehicles. Here’s how to pick which 2020 RAM is right for you.
MODEL
The 2020 RAM models are pretty straightforward. You’ve got the RAM 1500, RAM 2500, and the RAM 3500. From the 1500 to the 3500, the models increase in size and towing capacity.
RAM 1500 vs RAM 2500 vs RAM 3500
| RAM 1500 | RAM 2500 | RAM 3500 | |
| Max Towing Capacity | 12,750 lbs | 19,680 lbs | 35,100 lbs |
| Max Payload | 1,920 lbs | 4,010 lbs | 7,680 lbs |
| Base Engine | 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 | 5.7-liter HEMI V8 | 5.7-liter HEMI V8 |
1500
The 1500 is by far the best-selling vehicle of the group. Unless you have unusually high towing and payload capacity needs (or just want the biggest truck – we don’t judge), the 1500 is most likely the best choice. The 1500 offers best-in-class ride comfort and makes no compromises. If you’re looking to get a Rebel, the 1500 is the only choice so your decision is made for you.
2500
The 2500 is the perfect middle ground. If you need to tow a little bit more but don’t need the additional capacity of the 3500, this is the one for you. This is also the only model to offer the off-road Power Wagon trim.
3500
This thing can tow. With nearly double the capacity of the 2500 and nearly triple the capabilities of the 1500, the 3500 is a beast. If you have stuff to move and that stuff also has stuff to move, this is the truck for you. Also, it’s the biggest. So, there’s that.
TRIM
Now it gets a little more complicated. There are 7 trim levels to choose from in the 2020 RAM lineup: Tradesman, Big Horn/Lone Star, Rebel (RAM 1500 only), Laramie, Laramie Longhorn, Limited and Power Wagon (RAM 2500 only).
TRADESMEN
The Tradesmen, the standard trim-level on all RAM models, comes with:
- 3.6L Pentastar® V6 with eTorque engine
- Uconnect® 3 with 5-in. touchscreen with Bluetooth®
- 4G LTE Wi-Fi® hotspot
- ParkView® rear backup camera
- Trailer sway damping
- 40/20/40 split bench seat
- Black vinyl flooring
- Cargo tie-down loops
- Deep tint sunscreen glass
- Hill start assist
- Power heated exterior mirrors
- Push button start
BIG HORN/LONE STAR
Includes most of the features on the Tradesmen plus:
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel with mounted audio controls
- 60/40 split-folding rear seat
- Carpet flooring
- Front center seat cushion storage
- Front fog lamps
- Rear sliding window
- Chrome door handles, bumpers, and grille
- 18-in. aluminum wheels
LARAMIE
Includes most of the features of the Big Horn plus:
- Uconnect® 4 with 8.4-in. touchscreen
- 7-in. premium driver information digital cluster
- Alpine® nine-speaker premium audio system
- Eight-way power front seats with lumbar support
- Dampened tailgate
- Driver seat and mirror memory
- Dual-zone automatic temperature control
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Heated, power-folding, exterior mirrors with integrated turn signals
- Heated steering wheel
- LED exterior lamps
- Remote start system
REBEL
The Rebel is RAM’s response to the Ford Raptor. A sporty, off-road truck that fits into a specific niche. The Rebel includes most of the features of the Big Horn plus:
- 12-way power driver’s seat with lumbar support
- Perforated steering wheel with accent stitching
- Full dampening, assisted tailgate
- 18-in. painted black wheels
- Bucket seats
- Full-length upgraded floor console
- Second-row in-floor storage bins
- Off-road rubber floor mats
- Powder coated front bumper
- Tow hooks
- 33-in. Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac® tires
LARAMIE LONGHORN
Includes most of the features of the Big Horn plus:
- Uconnect® 4C NAV with 8.4-in. display
- SiriusXM® Traffic Plus, Travel Link, and Guardian™ connected services
- HD Radio™
- ParkSense® front and rear park-assist with stop
- Genuine wood, leather, and metal interior accents
- Heated second-row seats
- Pickup box lighting
- Rain sensing windshield wipers
- Rear underseat storage compartment
- Rearview automatic dimming mirror
- Side steps
- Spray-in bedliner
- Available 22-in. Tu-Tone aluminum wheels
LIMITED
The Limited is the most luxurious of the trim levels and also comes with the highest price tag. The Limited includes most of the features of the Laramie Longhorn plus:
- Uconnect® 4 12-in. display with navigation
- Blind spot monitoring with cross-path and trailer detection
- Active-Level™ Four Corner Air Suspension
- Available Harman Kardon® 19-Speaker Sound System
- Wireless charging pad
- Premium leather-trimmed bucket seats
- Front wheel well liners
- Luxury front and rear floor mats
- Remote tailgate release
- Power running boards
- 20-in. polished wheels with inserts
POWER WAGON
The Power Wagon is the 2500 version of the rebel. It’s equipped with off-road capabilities and offers an additional level of capacity. The Power Wagon comes in different varieties including the Power Wagon Tradesmen and Power Wagon Laramie.
No matter which RAM truck you choose, you’re picking the Motor Trend Truck of the Year. There’s no wrong answers. Click here to start shopping.
