When a vehicle has several trim levels to choose from, like the 2023 Ram 1500’s eight options, it’s always fun to see which trim is most popular with buyers. It’s rarely the base trim unless it’s a luxury vehicle that costs too much for most consumers to pay. In the case of the Ram 1500, one trim manages to outsell all the others, and it’s clear why.

You’ll have a hard time choosing between these 2023 Ram 1500 trims

The Ram 1500 Tradesman is the base trim and starts at $37,410. It is equipped with a 3.6L V6 eTorque Engine. Next in the lineup is the Tradesman HFE, with a starting price of $39,050. The Big Horn follows close behind. 

The Laramie costs $52,825 and has a wider range of exterior colors than the lower trims. The Rebel offers a new LED trailer hitch light and 12-inch programmable driver information digital cluster display for $52,825, and the Longhorn cranks things up with a 702 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque that Ram reports is the most powerful street-legal production pickup truck in the class. It costs $60,180.

The Limited has a price tag of $64,050 and offers an available multifunction tailgate with 60/40 split swing-away doors. The final trim is the TRX, which will set you back $84,555. It is equipped with 35-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory All-Terrain Tires, available 18-inch bead lock-capable aluminum wheels, and a wide grille.

The Big Horn is the most popular model

Edmunds reports that the Big Horn is the most popular trim that shoppers are interested in. You can check for yourself by going to the “Select a trim” drop-down list, where the Big Horn is listed as the most popular.

It’s the third least expensive trim, which is a plus for the Big Horn and starts at $42,825. It comes equipped with a 3.6L V6 engine, but you can upgrade to the 5.7L V8 Hemi for $2,995. This is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

There aren’t a ton of standard features unless you upgrade. Uconnect 3 comes standard with a 5.0-inch touchscreen, but you can get an 8.4-inch or even 12.0-inch screen for more money.

Most of the features like heated front seats and steering wheel, as well as forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and lane keep assist require consumers to pay more. Even so, it’s clear that the Big Horn is the trim most buyers want. 

This probably has to do with the value for the money. But what do the experts think?

The verdict on the best 2023 Ram 1500 trim

Even though Edmunds points out that consumers want the Big Horn, the review site prefers the Laramie. The reason given is that the Laramie has plenty of standard equipment and more powerful engine options. Many of the features that you have to pay for on the Big Horn are now standard, so while you’re paying more upfront, it’s worth it if you can afford it.

Car and Driver does not agree with Edmunds or the shoppers. The review site prefers the Rebel trim. It is more costly than the Laramie and therefore offers even more. It has some interesting packages, like a remote start, a 115-volt outlet, and hands-free entry.

The main problem with these trims is that they are costly. Pickup trucks aren’t exactly cheap right now, and many consumers will not be able to pay $40,000 for a new model, much less $50,000. Because of this, the buyers are choosing to go their own way and picking the trim that offers some nice features for a more affordable price.