If you’re looking for a heavy-duty pickup truck, the Ram 2500 is probably on your list as it should be because this beast’s tow and torque ratings are off the charts. However, the base trim levels can be a little bit confusing. There are seven trims total, but the base three are very similar. What are the similarities and differences between the base trim levels of the Ram 2500?
2022 Ram 2500 Tradesman
2022 Ram 2500 Heavy-Duty Longhorn Mega Cab
For 2022, the Ram 2500 Tradesman is the base of all base models. While the other two options are affordable, the Tradesman is the cheapest by far. Starting at just $40,955, it’s about $4,000 more reasonable than the next available trim. This base model comes with a regular cab, 4×2, and an 8′ box. It can tow up to 19,990 lbs, has a max torque rating of 850 lb-ft, and has a max payload capacity of 4,010 lbs when equipped with the Cummins turbo diesel engine.
Each one comes with a standard 6.4-liter V8 engine or the optional 6.7-liter I6 Cummins turbo diesel for an extra $9,400. The standard HEMI delivers 410 horsepower, 429 lb-ft of torque, and can tow up to 17,540 lbs. The interior comes with a 5-inch touchscreen display, voice command with Bluetooth, USB ports, an audio jack, and more. After adding destination fees, the Ram 2500 Tradesman exceeds $40,000. Of course, it’s much more expensive with the optional engine.
2022 Ram 2500 Big Horn
The Ram 2500 Big Horn is more expensive than the Tradesman base model. It also comes with an 8′ box, 4×2, and a regular cab. According to Car and Driver, the price starts at $44,975 after destination fees. Additionally, it comes with the same standard engine as Tradesman, and the optional diesel is available. However, the Big Horn trim gets upgrades the actual base model doesn’t have.
Some of the design features you’ll get with a Big Horn and not a Tradesman are chrome bumpers, a chrome grille with a black insert, and 18-inch chrome-clad steel wheels. Next, trailer-tow mirrors, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, Uconnect 5 with an 8.4-inch display, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa built-in are all included. There’s even more, but these help the Big Horn stand out from the Tradesman.
2022 Ram 2500 Lone Star
2022 Ram 2500 Heavy-Duty Longhorn Mega Cab (left), Power Wagon (center), and 3500 Heavy Duty Limited Crew Cab Dually (right)
This is where the base models of the heavy-duty pickup trucks get confusing. Once you get to the Lone Star trim, you’ll notice it’s the same price as the Big Horn. For the same price, why does this trim level exist? These two trucks have the same engines, capability, cost, and more, but are there any differences?
In this case, the two trucks are the same thing. That’s why they’re the same price. However, a Lone Star badge and a few other things to change the name are available in a package. You’ll need to get the package on a 2022 Ram 2500 Big Horn model. So, in the end, there isn’t a difference between the Big Horn and Lone Star, other than which name you’d prefer.
Is the Ram 2500 a good heavy-duty pickup truck?
The 2022 Ram 2500 is one of the best heavy-duty pickup trucks available. Especially with the Cummins turbo diesel engine, it’s at the top of its class in just about every category. For towing, hauling, and torque, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better option. Each of these base models is available with both engines, but to save money with the standard V8, you’ll lose some towing power. In conclusion, those are the base trim levels of the Ram 2500 explained.
Keyword: Base Trim Levels of the Ram 2500 Explained