If you’re thinking about buying a new Ram 1500 pickup truck, chances are you already know that the 2020 Ram pickup trucks can get really expensive. So, here’s the deal. The Ram 1500 Big Horn––or Lone Star as we call it in Texas––has just the right amount of bang for your buck. If you want to walk away feeling like you won, you ought to check out the 2020 Ram Big Horn trim and everything that comes with it for the price.

What comes standard on the Ram 1500 Big Horn?

According to US News and World Report, the 2020 Ram 1500 in its Big Horn version is the second trim level up from the Tradesman pickup truck. With this option, you’ll see 18-inch aluminum wheels, a roomy rear seat, and foglights included in the price. Additional available options give you the chance to upgrade to an 8.4-inch or even 12-inch touchscreen.

This upgrade allows for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, paired with the award-winning UConnect infotainment system. But either way, you’ll get the UConnect infotainment with plenty of USB ports and a 5-inch display. If you do opt for the Big Horn’s entry-level equipment package it’s an extra $1,200. This package adds a power-sliding rear window, satellite radio, the upgraded infotainment, a class IV receiver hitch, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, power-adjustable pedals, a power-sliding rear window, satellite radio, and the upgraded Uconnect 4 infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touch screen.

There is also a leather-wrapped steering wheel––which honestly makes so much of a difference––and more upscale interior cloth upholstery. Plus, some extra exterior chrome detail for the 2020 Ram 1500. Or add other appearance packages like the night edition.

The Big Horn 4×2 Quad Cab starts at $36,440. For the 4×4 Crew Cab, the starting price point is $42,640. These prices really aren’t bad considering how easy it is to end up with a $70,000 truck once you start climbing the trim ladder.

The Ram 1500 engine options

Regardless of the starting price, the first few Ram Truck trims come standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine good for 305 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque. That includes the Big Horn or Lone Star trim. And the V6 is great for the needs of most truck owners.

But you can increase the tow rating of your pickup truck by upgrading to one of the V8 engines. In fact, every engine option for the Ram 1500 is available as an option for every trim. Though both V8s make 395 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque, one uses a mild hybrid system to maximize fuel efficiency.

A new option for the 2020 Ram 1500 is the 3-liter diesel engine. This would give the Big Horn 260 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque. US News and World Report says “this engine is responsive and quiet for a diesel.” The smooth and effective eight-speed automatic transmission pairs well with every Ram 1500 engine.

Lone Star luxury

The Lone Star or Big Horn trim for Ram Trucks is a pretty good place to start if you’re in the market for a Ram pickup truck. It’s got quite a decent bit of luxury for a starting price point that’s not super hard to swallow. And all Ram pickup trucks have a secret weapon that makes them all the more luxurious to spend time in.

“Every Ram 1500 has an impressive ride thanks to a rear suspension that uses standard coil springs or optional air springs, unlike the traditional leaf-spring setup found on domestic rivals.”

Car and Driver

So if you start with the Big Horn trim and go from there, you can end with a Ram 1500 for a price that’s more modest. In a time when pickup trucks are the new luxury car, the price cut from the top trims is welcome. And you can add pretty much any option you want for a custom Ram build that’s unique to your taste.