Ram has been making some of America’s best-selling pickup trucks for decades. The brand has always had a way of blending together luxury and comfort with reliability and performance. And the current 2019 Ram models are here to make a mark. The 2019 Ram 1500 can be purchased in a multitude of variants and trim levels, with almost-endless options. This year’s models come in a variety of engine choices, with some now augmented by mild-hybrid powertrains.

Keeping up with the other best-selling truck brands, Ram is dedicated to upgrading fuel efficiency and interior features, without sacrificing power and function. The 2019 Ram 1500 has a starting price of $33,440, according to Ram. But with so many optional trim levels, how do you choose one? Here’s what a few of the experts had to say.

MotorTrend

The Laramie is the midlevel variant of the 2019 Ram 1500 and MotorTrend took a brand new Laramie 4×4 Hemi out for a drive. The Laramie is available as a Quad Cab or Crew Cab, with options between a shorter or longer bed. It also received a lighter and stronger body, which helped to increase “payload and towing capacity to 2,300 and 12,750 pounds, respectively.” MotorTrend drove one of the few non-hybrid powertrains, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The Hemi 5.7-liter, eight-cylinder engine creates 395 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque, but with the lighter-built body, the Laramie has quick acceleration and better handling. Though the Laramie doesn’t feature any improvements in fuel efficiency, but Ram did its job in other areas. MotorTrend found the Ram 1500 Laramie to be easy and comfortable to drive, claiming it “rides like a big SUV.” MotorTrend also noted the Laramie’s beautiful suspension system, superior steering, and improved interior. The interior features luxurious materials and an 8.4-inch infotainment screen. The Ram 1500 Laramie that MotorTrend reviewed has a starting price of $55,430. The base price of the Laramie model, however, is just over $40,000.

Motor1

Just a few steps above the Laramie is the Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn, which is only available as a crew cab but with options between a short or long bed. Reviewing the 4×4 variant, Motor 1 was suspicious of the Longhorn’s new Hemi 5.7-liter, eight-cylinder engine paired with the eTorque mild-hybrid system. The electric motor-generator only adds 90 lbs to the Longhorn’s weight and combined with the Hemi engine, creates 395 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque. Motor 1 points out that the Longhorn features better fuel economy of 29 mpg combined, without having to sacrifice any power.

Starting price for the Laramie Longhorn variant beings at just over $53,000. But with that, comes a powerful engine and a cabin that according to Motor 1, “is stunning.” You’ll get a 12-inch infotainment screen, intricate detailing throughout, wood trim everywhere, and an expansive backseat. Unfortunately, Motor 1 did find that the Longhorn lacks in its quality and size of wheels, as well as its fuel economy when compared to competitors.

Jalopnik

Only available in a crew cab, the Ram 1500 Limited is the highest trim level you can get. When the folks at Jalopnik took one out for a drive, the question remained: is the 2019 Ram 1500 Limited worth the price tag? It’s got the same incredible V8 engine that creates 395 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque. But with the Limited, you’ll get an “electronic ride height simulator,” which senses when someone is getting in and lowers the truck to accommodate them. While Jalopnik found the Limited to be big and bulky to drive, but trucks aren’t necessarily designed for parking lots and city driving.

Jalopnik found the interior to be spacious and ultra-comfortable, offering plenty of storage space and legroom. It features modern and impressive high-quality finishes, as well as a 12-inch infotainment screen. Fuel economy still lags, only estimating 22 mpg on the highway. As tested, the Limited’s price tag is close to $70,000. For that price, the extra power pedals and mirrors, upgraded audio system, and a panoramic sunroof left Jalopnik experts with the impression, “it’s nice, but that luxuriousness costs plenty.”