Ram 1500 trim comparison
2026 Ram 1500 Laramie vs RHO
The 1500 Laramie starts at $61,030 while the RHO is $73,045. That $12,015 gap buys 7 meaningful differences.
The RHO adds 4WD instead of RWD. If you deal with winter roads or need traction off-pavement, that could be worth $12,015 by itself. If not, the Laramie saves you the money.
The Laramie is the cleaner fit if RWD already covers the job. The RHO only earns the extra money when 4WD is the reason you are shopping up.
Think about this as a monthly tradeoff, not just a sticker gap. The RHO adds about $211/month on a typical 60-month loan, or around $12,660 more overall with interest. The real question is whether 4WD changes your day-to-day use enough to justify paying above RWD.
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 extra traction matters for your weather, roads, or weekend use.
When both feel the same
The Laramie and RHO are mechanically identical where it counts: the same 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
The upgrade math
You are paying $12,015 for 6 measurable differences, which works out to about $2,002 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. 7 specification differences, 1 shared.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2026. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | Laramie | RHO |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $61,030 | $73,045 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 3.0L I6 Turbo | 3.0L I6 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 420 hp | 540 hp |
| Torque | 469 lb-ft | 521 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD | 4WD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 18 | 14 |
| Highway MPG | 25 | 16 |
| Combined MPG | 21 | 15 |
| Fuel Tank | 26.0 gal | 33.0 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | $2,100/yr | No published data |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 5,233 lbs | 6,294 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 144.5" | 145.1" |
| Length | 232.9" | 233.7" |
| Width | 82.1" | 88.0" |
| Height | 77.5" | 81.9" |
| Truck Specs | ||
| Cab Type | Crew Cab | Crew Cab |
| Bed Length | 5.6 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 Laramie vs RHO 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 RHO cost than the Laramie?
The RHO starts at $73,045 compared to $61,030 for the Laramie (both Crew Cab RWD). That is a $12,015 difference, or approximately $211/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2026 Ram 1500 Laramie and RHO have the same engine?
Yes. Both use the 3.0L I6 Turbo producing 420 hp and 469 lb-ft of torque. The engine hardware does not change between these trims, so the real differences are in equipment and feature content.
Does the 2026 1500 Laramie come with 4WD?
No. The Laramie comes standard with RWD while the RHO has 4WD. This affects traction, fuel economy, and curb weight.
What warranty does the 2026 Ram 1500 come with?
All 2026 Ram 1500 trims, including both the Laramie and RHO, 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 RHO worth $12,015 more than the Laramie?
The $12,015 adds 4WD. Worth it if you need the traction. Not worth it if you drive on dry roads year-round.
Which 2026 Ram 1500 trim gets better fuel economy, the Laramie or the RHO?
The Laramie is the more efficient of the two at 21 combined MPG, versus 15 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.
Breaking Down the $12,015 Gap
The RHO earns its premium. For $12,015 more, you get horsepower, torque, and 4WD, making this one of the more straightforward upgrade decisions in the 1500 lineup.
How the Laramie and RHO Feel Different
The RHO produces 120 more hp. That is enough to feel in every merge and every pass. 52 more lb-ft for the RHO. That extra torque means stronger pulling power for trailers and heavy loads. Stepping up to the RHO gets you 4WD. For truck buyers in northern climates or those who tow regularly, this is a functional upgrade worth considering.
Fuel Economy Comparison
The 1500 Laramie gets 6 more combined MPG. At $3.50/gallon and 12,000 miles/year, that saves roughly $800 per year or $4,000 over five years of ownership.
The Short Version
The 1500 RHO costs $12,015 more than the Laramie (about $211/month more on a 60-month loan). That buys 6 meaningful changes at $2,002 per change. Whether that trade-off is worth it depends on which features matter to your daily driving.
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 Laramie
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the Laramie best when the goal is covering the daily-use gaps without paying up to the next trim.
Ram 1500 RHO
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the RHO 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.