The Ram 1500 remains one of the best full-size trucks. It might not have the highest towing capacity in the segment, but it offers a healthy lineup of engines sure to please most drivers. The Ram 1500 is also known for its high-quality interior, especially in the most expensive trims. Even the standard model is slightly pricier than comparable rivals. In fact, only two 2022 Ram 1500 trims start under $40,000. Though they’re the most affordable models in the series, are they worth your money?

What’s included in the 2022 Ram 1500 Tradesman?

According to Ram, this trim starts at $37,090 in the rear-wheel-drive configuration and $40,890 with all-wheel drive. Its standard engine is a V6 making 305 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque. It’s also equipped with eTorque, which can increase the twist output by 90 lb-ft.

You also have the option to add a 5.7-liter Hemi V8, available with or without the eTorque technology. It produces 395 hp and 540 lb-ft of torque with eTorque.

In addition, an optional diesel produces 260 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque. Each engine pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The standard V6 can tow 7,730 pounds and haul 2,300 pounds.

The Quad Cab comes standard, which includes a 6-foot-7-inch cargo box. The cargo bed also has insulated RamBox storage bins built into the side walls, plus in-bed lighting. Front riders get vinyl seats, while backseat riders ride on black cloth seats.

The center stack houses a 5.0-inch touchscreen, though it doesn’t have many infotainment features. This trim also doesn’t have any advanced safety features besides a backup camera. However, you can add blind-spot monitoring and a trailer brake controller for a few extra hundred dollars. 

The Ram 1500 Tradesman also offers some packages. Most provide only minimal improvements to the exterior and interior, but one utility package adds some functional upgrades to the cargo box.

The 2022 Ram 1500 Tradesman HFE is another under-$40,000 trim

This model starts at $38,727, and it’s available only with front-wheel drive. The 2022 Ram 1500 Tradesman HFE’s sole engine choice is the base V6, and this truck doesn’t offer any packages. Every seat inside the cabin has cloth upholstery, but the tech features remain the same as in the base model.

These 2 trims provide better value than their lower-priced siblings

In Car and Driver’s opinion, the 2022 Ram 1500 Rebel is one of the best trims you can buy. With FWD, it can be purchased for $51,975. Adding AWD brings its price closer to $56,000.

It has the same engine selection as the Tradesman trim, with the V6 being the standard choice. The Ram 1500 Rebel can also be optioned with an air suspension, along with lots of standard off-roading enhancements. They include an off-roading suspension, tow hooks, and all-terrain tires, Car and Driver reports.

The Ram 1500 Rebel also has more available packages for the interior, adding heated seats with leather upholstery. You can also get extra safety features and convenience technology, such as a wireless charging pad and smartphone integration.

On the other hand, Edmunds shows that most consumers buy the 2022 Ram 1500 Laramie, which retails for $50,830. This trim comes with a more spacious Crew Cab, though it has a slightly smaller cargo box. 

However, several of the Ram 1500’s most desirable comfort features we mentioned are already included in the Laramie. It also adds a few desirable perks, such as a premium sound system and ventilated seats. When you consider all the extra features the Rebel and Laramie provide, the $12,000 price difference is reasonable.