Ram 1500 trim comparison
2026 Ram 1500 Big Horn vs Laramie
The 1500 Big Horn starts at $46,830 while the Laramie is $61,030. That $14,200 gap buys 8 meaningful differences.
This trim jump changes the engine from 3.6L V6 mild-hybrid to 3.0L I6 Turbo. Everything else is secondary to whether that powertrain difference matters for how you drive.
Start with the Big Horn if the 3.6L V6 mild-hybrid already feels sufficient for the way you drive. Step up to the Laramie only when the 3.0L I6 Turbo powertrain is the reason you are moving higher in the lineup.
If you are budgeting this move monthly, the jump from the Big Horn to the Laramie is about $250/month on a 60-month loan at 6.5% APR with 10% down. That works out to roughly $15,000 more by the time interest is counted. The payment only makes sense if that different powertrain matters to the way you actually drive, tow, or live with the vehicle.
Lock one trim, change the other side, and move through exact pair pages without resetting back to the full lineup every time.
Who notices the difference
The higher trim starts to make more sense when you tow, haul, or merge with enough load that the stronger powertrain matters.
When both feel the same
Both the Big Horn and Laramie share the same 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
The upgrade math
You are paying $14,200 for 7 measurable differences, which works out to about $2,029 per change.
Key Differences at a Glance
This is the fast read: price, power, efficiency, and the feature flips most likely to change the answer.
Every Difference, Side by Side
This is the full read behind the quick decision signals above: the complete hardware, comfort, and equipment story. 8 specification differences, 1 shared.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2026. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | Big Horn | Laramie |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $46,830 | $61,030 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 3.6L V6 mild-hybrid | 3.0L I6 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 305 hp | 420 hp |
| Torque | 269 lb-ft | 469 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 20 | 18 |
| Highway MPG | 25 | 25 |
| Combined MPG | 22 | 21 |
| Fuel Tank | 26.0 gal | 26.0 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | $2,000/yr | $2,100/yr |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 4,858 lbs | 5,233 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 140.5" | 144.5" |
| Length | 228.9" | 232.9" |
| Width | 82.1" | 82.1" |
| Height | 77.6" | 77.5" |
| Truck Specs | ||
| Cab Type | Quad Cab | Crew Cab |
| Bed Length | 6.3 ft | 5.6 ft |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 3yr/36k | 3yr/36k |
| Powertrain | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion | 5yr/100k | 5yr/100k |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
Data sources: licensed third-party automotive data, EPA fueleconomy.gov, NHTSA, and official manufacturer materials. Values marked est. are estimated.
2026 Ram 1500 Big Horn vs Laramie Questions Shoppers Ask
Use this page for the direct trim answer, then zoom back out to the Ram 1500 lineup, the Ram brand hub, the Full-Size Trucks, the how to pick a trim guide, or our mid-trim value research when you need the bigger shopping path behind this one matchup.
How much more does the 2026 1500 Laramie cost than the Big Horn?
The Laramie starts at $61,030 compared to $46,830 for the Big Horn (both Quad Cab RWD). That is a $14,200 difference, or approximately $250/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2026 Ram 1500 Big Horn and Laramie have the same engine?
No. The Big Horn uses a 3.6L V6 mild-hybrid (305 hp, 269 lb-ft), while the Laramie has the 3.0L I6 Turbo (420 hp, 469 lb-ft). That is 115 more horsepower. Both pair with the same 8-speed shiftable automatic.
Do both the 2026 1500 Big Horn and Laramie come in 4WD?
Both trims start with RWD as standard. 4WD is typically available as a factory option on both. Check with your dealer for current 4WD pricing. This comparison uses the base RWD configuration.
What warranty does the 2026 Ram 1500 come with?
All 2026 Ram 1500 trims, including both the Big Horn and Laramie, come with Ram's standard warranty: 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain coverage. Warranty does not vary by trim level.
Is the 2026 Ram 1500 Laramie worth $14,200 more than the Big Horn?
The $14,200 buys the 3.0L I6 Turbo. If that powertrain matters for how you drive, yes. If not, the Big Horn does the same job for less.
Which 2026 Ram 1500 trim gets better fuel economy, the Big Horn or the Laramie?
The Big Horn is the more efficient of the two at 22 combined MPG, versus 21 for the other trim. That matters most if you are balancing running costs against the extra power, drivetrain, or comfort equipment tied to the pricier trim.
The Full Story Behind This Price Gap
Use the direct answer above for this exact matchup, then use these guides to understand whether you are really looking at a feature step-up, a package shuffle, or the point where the lineup starts changing in a meaningful way.
What $14,200 Gets You
The 1500 Laramie costs $14,200 more than the Big Horn. Whether that is worth it depends on how much you value the 3.0L I6 Turbo engine (+115 hp). Power and comfort matter differently to different buyers. Weigh them against your priorities.
Big Horn vs. Laramie: Day-to-Day
The Laramie runs a 3.0L I6 Turbo instead of the Big Horn's 3.6L V6 mild-hybrid. That means 115 more horsepower and 200 more lb-ft of torque. You will feel the difference towing, merging, and passing on the highway. The cost of that extra capability is roughly 1 fewer combined MPG.
Fuel Economy Comparison
The 1500 Big Horn gets 1 more combined MPG. At $3.50/gallon and 12,000 miles/year, that saves roughly $91 per year or $455 over five years of ownership.
Summary
$14,200 more for the 1500 Laramie gets you 7 real differences. At $250/month more, the question is whether those specific changes are things you will use regularly.
Trim-Matched Accessories
These add-ons are split by trim intent so the recommendations follow the actual use case, not just the same repeated product block.
Ram 1500 Big Horn
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the Big Horn best when the goal is covering the daily-use gaps without paying up to the next trim.
Ram 1500 Laramie
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the Laramie when you want the accessories to match the nicer cabin, broader utility, or more premium use case.
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Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material for the 2026 model year. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Ram or any dealership.
Page updated 2026-03-18. Verify equipment, pricing, and regional availability with the manufacturer or dealer.