The Ram 1500 has won Motor Trend Truck of the Year more times than any competitor, and the reason isn’t one single thing — it’s the combination of the best interior in the segment, a suspension system that genuinely rides like a car, and an engine lineup that now includes a twin-turbocharged inline-six with more power than a Corvette. If you’re shopping full-size trucks on Long Island and haven’t driven a current Ram, you’re working with outdated information. This guide covers every trim from Tradesman to TRX, all three engine families, towing and payload realities for Nassau County contractors and weekend haulers, and the certified pre-owned landscape.
Bottom Line: The Ram 1500 is the best daily driver in the full-size truck segment - with class-leading interior refinement, coil-spring rear suspension, and the most powerful engine options available.
- Coil-spring rear suspension delivers the smoothest ride in the full-size truck class
- Best-in-class interior materials and technology from Laramie trim upward
- Hurricane inline-six produces up to 500 hp - more than any other half-ton engine
- Towing ratings lag the F-150 at max configurations; payload is competitive
What’s in This Guide
- Ram 1500 Overview and Generations
- Trim Levels at a Glance
- Powertrain Options Compared
- Ram 1500 Trim Levels: Tradesman to TRX Explained
- Ram 1500 vs. F-150 vs. Silverado
- Towing and Payload Guide
- Engine Options: eTorque, HEMI, and Hurricane
- Ram TRX vs. F-150 Raptor
- Total Cost of Ownership
- Certified Pre-Owned Ram 1500 on Long Island
- Why Long Island Drivers Choose the Ram 1500
- Why Buy at Westbury Jeep
- FAQ
Ram 1500 Overview and Generations
The current Ram 1500 (DT platform) launched in 2019 and brought a fundamental rethinking of what a full-size truck could be. The signature move was replacing the leaf-spring rear suspension found on every major competitor with a coil-spring rear setup — a change that transformed the Ram’s ride quality from competitive to class-defining. Combined with an air suspension option that adjusts ride height automatically, the Ram 1500 became the truck that car buyers could comfortably live with every day.
Ram followed that with the introduction of the Hurricane inline-six engine family, which replaced the long-running HEMI V8 as the performance and efficiency benchmark in the lineup. The Hurricane’s twin-turbocharged architecture produces either 420 or 500 horsepower depending on the tune, combined with better fuel economy than the V8 it largely replaces. The HEMI 5.7L remains available and still has a loyal following for its proven reliability record and distinctive sound.
The Ram’s typical Nassau County buyer is a contractor or tradesperson who spends significant time in the truck’s cab and values comfort alongside work capability, or a family buyer who wants the utility of a full-size truck without feeling like they’re piloting a work vehicle on the Southern State every morning. The Ram threads that needle better than any competitor in the segment.
Trim Levels at a Glance
| Trim | MSRP (Crew Cab) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Tradesman | $42,610 | Commercial/fleet, pure work use |
| Big Horn | $46,990 | Entry comfort, most popular trim |
| Rebel | $57,245 | Off-road styling with daily comfort |
| Laramie | ✓ $52,990 | Best value for comfort and features |
| Longhorn | $61,990 | Premium leather, wood trim, ranch styling |
| Limited | $67,990 | Near-luxury features, premium audio |
| TRX | from $91,990 | 702 hp supercharged, extreme performance |
The Laramie is the sweet spot in the Ram 1500 lineup. It’s where the segment-leading interior materials fully arrive — real leather seating, a 12-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen, heated and ventilated front seats, and ambient interior lighting — without crossing into luxury truck pricing territory. The jump from Big Horn to Laramie is substantial in perceived quality; the jump from Laramie to Longhorn is more about styling preference than feature content.
Powertrain Options Compared
The Ram 1500’s engine family is the most diverse in the segment, spanning a mild-hybrid V6, the iconic HEMI V8, and the new Hurricane turbocharged inline-six in two states of tune. For Nassau County buyers who spend significant time in traffic, the eTorque mild-hybrid system on both the V6 and V8 is worth understanding — it provides fuel savings in stop-and-go conditions where it matters most for Long Island commuting.
Ram 1500 Trim Levels Explained
The Tradesman is a fleet and commercial tool, not a personal vehicle for most buyers. It’s stripped to the essentials — cloth seating, basic infotainment, and work-grade durability — and priced for contractors who need a truck that works without extras. Unless you’re buying for a business fleet, start at the Big Horn.
The Big Horn is where Ram becomes genuinely pleasant to live with. It includes a 12-inch Uconnect touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, auto climate control, and the option to add the popular Level 1 and Level 2 equipment groups that unlock heated seats, a multifunction tailgate, and bed utility features. It’s the most popular trim in the Ram lineup because it hits the right value point for most buyers.
The Laramie is the inflection point where the Ram’s interior advantage over its competitors becomes undeniable. Real leather seating surfaces, a genuine leather-wrapped dash, front ventilated seats, heated rear seats, a premium Harman Kardon or Beats audio system, and Night Edition styling options make the Laramie feel closer to a luxury vehicle than a work truck. For Nassau County buyers who spend significant time commuting, the comfort dividend is real.
Read our full guide: Ram 1500 Trim Levels Explained: Tradesman, Big Horn, Laramie, Longhorn, Limited, and TRX
Ram 1500 vs. F-150 vs. Silverado
The Ram wins the interior quality comparison decisively — every independent road test and long-term review reaches the same conclusion. The materials quality from the Laramie trim upward is measurably better than comparable F-150 and Silverado configurations. For buyers who spend significant time in the cab, this matters more than spec sheet differences.
The F-150 has the advantage in payload capacity at the top of the spec sheet and offers the Pro Power Onboard generator option — a unique selling point for contractors and job site work. The Silverado is the most conventional of the three, with strong towing numbers and GM’s proven engine lineup but the least differentiated interior experience.
The Ram’s coil-spring rear suspension is the most significant mechanical differentiator. Every Ram rides on a rear coil setup while F-150 and Silverado use leaf springs. Leaf springs are more durable for very heavy commercial loading; coil springs deliver a dramatically smoother ride for the day-to-day Nassau County reality of 80% empty truck bed.
Read our full guide: Ram 1500 vs. F-150 vs. Silverado: The Long Island Full-Size Truck Comparison
Towing and Payload Guide for NY Contractors
The Ram 1500’s maximum tow rating of 12,750 lbs requires the Hurricane Standard engine, 4WD, rear air suspension, and the Max Tow package — a specific equipment combination that must be ordered or found in stock. Most Ram 1500s on the lot are configured to tow between 7,700 and 10,000 lbs depending on engine and axle ratio, which covers the vast majority of Long Island towing needs: boats, trailers, campers, and equipment.
Payload is where many truck buyers make critical mistakes. The payload number on the door jamb sticker — not the spec sheet max — is the actual limit for that specific vehicle’s configuration. Exceeding payload affects braking, handling, and accelerates wear on the suspension and frame. For Nassau County contractors hauling materials or equipment in the bed, understanding your specific vehicle’s payload limit is non-negotiable.
The Ram’s rear air suspension manages payload brilliantly for loaded and unloaded driving. It automatically adjusts ride height when weight is added to the bed and can be manually raised or lowered for trailer hookup or off-road clearance. It’s the most sophisticated rear suspension in the segment for mixed work/personal use.
Read our full guide: Ram 1500 Towing and Payload Guide: Max Ratings and Real-World Use for NY Contractors
Engine Options: eTorque, HEMI, and Hurricane
The Hurricane inline-six is the engine to choose for 2026. Both the Standard (420 hp) and High Output (500 hp) versions produce more power, more torque, and better fuel economy than the HEMI V8 they largely replace. The twin-turbocharged architecture delivers peak torque at lower RPMs — critical for trailer pulls and loaded acceleration. The HEMI’s primary remaining advantage is its 25+ year reliability record and the familiarity of service technicians across the country.
The eTorque mild-hybrid system deserves attention for Nassau County’s stop-and-go reality. It’s available on both the V6 and HEMI V8 as a 48-volt belt-alternator-starter that recovers braking energy and provides a torque boost at low speeds. It’s not a plug-in hybrid — there’s nothing to charge — but it meaningfully improves fuel efficiency in city driving where the Ram spends most of its time on Long Island.
The 5.7L HEMI V8 remains a strong choice for buyers who prioritize long-term reliability over peak power numbers. It’s one of the most proven truck engines in production, with hundreds of thousands of high-mileage examples demonstrating its durability. The HEMI’s 395 hp and 410 lb-ft are entirely adequate for any towing or hauling task a Ram 1500 will encounter. Choose it if the Hurricane’s relative newness gives you pause.
Read our full guide: Ram 1500 Engine Options Compared: eTorque V6, HEMI V8, and Hurricane Six-Cylinder
Ram TRX vs. F-150 Raptor: Performance Truck Showdown
The TRX is the most powerful production pickup truck ever built, with a supercharged 6.2L HEMI producing 702 horsepower. It’s based on a Ram 1500 body but with a significantly widened track, 35-inch BFGoodrich KO2 tires, Fox 2.5-inch piggyback remote reservoir shocks, and a suspension travel of 13 inches front and 12.8 inches rear. It’s engineered to cover rough terrain at triple-digit speeds.
The F-150 Raptor uses a 450 hp twin-turbocharged V6 (or the Raptor R’s supercharged V8 at 700 hp) with a similar philosophy — wide body, long-travel suspension, high-speed off-road focus. The Raptor’s IFS (independent front suspension) gives it a handling advantage on smooth, fast desert surfaces. The TRX’s solid front axle handles more severe impacts better at the expense of on-highway handling refinement.
For Long Island buyers considering either, both are impractical daily trucks in the most honest sense. They’re excellent if the performance and statement are the point — and on the Southern State or LIE, both make an impression. The decision between them typically comes down to the V8 vs. V6 philosophy and which brand relationship you have more history with.
Read our full guide: Ram TRX vs. F-150 Raptor: Performance Truck Showdown for Long Island Buyers
Total Cost of Ownership
The Ram 1500 holds its value well, though not as dramatically as the Wrangler or F-150. Depreciation over five years runs around 35-40% for most crew cab configurations — better than the Silverado historically. The Laramie and Limited trims tend to retain value better than Tradesman and Big Horn because the used truck market skews toward comfortable, well-equipped examples.
Insurance costs for the Ram 1500 are competitive with other full-size trucks and actually lower than many midsize SUVs. The 5.7L HEMI has a long, well-documented service history that keeps maintenance costs predictable; the Hurricane is newer but uses established turbo architecture with standard service intervals. Oil changes, filter replacements, and brake service at authorized intervals represent the core maintenance cost.
Fuel is the variable that separates Ram owners from each other. A Hurricane Standard owner averaging 22 mpg mixed pays roughly $1,200-$1,500 per year in fuel at current Long Island gas prices. A HEMI owner at 18 mpg mixed pays $1,500-$1,900. Over five years, that gap becomes meaningful — factor it into your engine decision alongside the purchase price difference.
Read our full guide: How Much Does a Ram 1500 Cost to Own? 5-Year Total Cost Breakdown for NY Drivers
Buying a Certified Pre-Owned Ram 1500 on Long Island
CPO Ram 1500 trucks offer significant savings over new, particularly in Laramie and Limited trims where the feature content is high and depreciation has already occurred. A 2022-2023 Laramie with low mileage typically saves $10,000-$14,000 versus a comparable new configuration — with comparable equipment levels and warranty coverage through the CPO program.
Diversified CPO certification at Westbury Jeep covers comprehensive inspection across all major systems, powertrain protection, and roadside assistance. CPO GO extends the manufacturer’s original warranty for additional peace of mind, which is particularly valuable if you’re stepping up to a Hurricane-powered model where the engine is relatively new to the market.
What to look for in a CPO Ram: verify the air suspension system operates correctly across all positions, check for any active recall completions (easily verified with the VIN), and ask for the full service history. HEMI-powered Rams with documented oil change intervals at or below the recommended service interval are among the most reliable used trucks you can buy.
Read our full guide: Buying a Certified Pre-Owned Ram 1500 on Long Island: CPOV vs. CPO GO Explained
Why Long Island Drivers Choose the Ram 1500
Nassau County contractors know the Ram’s reputation for interior quality, and it matters more than it sounds. A contractor who spends eight hours a day in a truck cab — driving to job sites, sitting on hold with suppliers, eating lunch — values a comfortable, quiet, technology-equipped interior in a way that weekend-only truck drivers don’t fully appreciate until they switch.
The Ram’s air suspension is particularly relevant for Nassau County’s road conditions. Long Island’s mix of highway miles, local stop-and-go on Hempstead Turnpike and Jericho Turnpike, and the occasional unpaved contractor site access road is exactly the diverse surface mix the air suspension handles best — firm and controlled when needed, compliant and comfortable when it can be.
For family buyers, the Ram 1500 Crew Cab’s rear seat is one of the most spacious in the segment. With 45.2 inches of rear legroom in the Crew Cab configuration, adults sit comfortably in the back — a genuine advantage over the Silverado and competitive with the F-150 SuperCrew. Combined with the truck’s hauling and towing capability, it makes for a legitimate do-everything family vehicle.
Why Buy at Westbury Jeep Chrysler Dodge Ram
Westbury Jeep carries the full Ram 1500 lineup across all trims, bed lengths, and cab configurations, with inventory depth that lets buyers compare a Rebel to a Laramie side by side or find exactly the engine and equipment combination they need. The team is familiar with the Hurricane engine’s specifications and the HEMI’s service characteristics — not generalist salespeople guessing from a brochure.
VIP+ membership at Westbury Jeep means lifetime complimentary oil changes and tire rotations, free loaner vehicles during any scheduled service, and access to Mopar-certified technicians who work on Ram trucks specifically. For a work vehicle where downtime is real cost, having a loaner available during service appointments matters to Nassau County business owners.
Browse new Ram 1500 inventory or explore certified pre-owned options at Westbury Jeep on Jericho Turnpike. Schedule a test drive and ask about current Ram incentives — the Hurricane engine launch often comes with competitive financing.
"Ram 1500 buyers often come in thinking they've already decided on an F-150, and then they sit in a Laramie. The interior quality difference is immediately obvious - it's not close. We let the truck make the case."
General Manager, Westbury Jeep Chrysler Dodge Ram
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Ram 1500 Hurricane engine reliable? The Hurricane is based on proven twin-turbocharged architecture and has been in production long enough to establish a positive reliability record. Stellantis backs it with standard warranty coverage. That said, the HEMI’s 25-year track record is genuinely hard to match for buyers who prioritize proven longevity above all else — both are strong choices.
What’s the real-world towing capacity of a typical Ram 1500? Most Ram 1500 trucks are configured to tow between 8,000 and 10,500 lbs with the HEMI and proper axle ratio. The 12,750-lb maximum requires the Hurricane, specific axle, and the Max Tow package. Always check the door jamb sticker for your specific truck’s towing and payload limits — the spec sheet maximum and your truck’s actual rating can differ.
How does the Ram’s coil-spring rear suspension compare to the F-150’s leaf springs? Coil springs deliver a measurably smoother ride when the bed is empty — which is most of the time for personal-use trucks. Leaf springs handle very heavy commercial loading with less body roll. For Nassau County drivers who occasionally haul but aren’t running commercial payloads daily, the Ram’s coil setup is more comfortable for everyday use.
Does the Ram 1500 hold its value well? Better than average for the class, though the F-150 holds value slightly better based on historical data. Laramie and Limited trims retain value best. The TRX has shown exceptional used market strength. For most buyers, the Ram’s five-year depreciation is competitive with the segment.
Is the Ram 1500 good for contractors in Nassau County? Yes, particularly for contractors who split time between the office and job sites and value cab comfort alongside work capability. The payload capacity is competitive for light to medium commercial use, and the available Ram Box integrated bed storage system is genuinely useful for securing tools. The air suspension handles loaded and unloaded conditions better than any competitor.
What’s the difference between CPO GO and Diversified CPO at Westbury Jeep? CPO GO is the factory-backed Stellantis program that extends the original manufacturer’s warranty. Diversified CPO is our in-house certification program with comprehensive inspection and coverage. Both include roadside assistance. Your salesperson can explain which applies to specific inventory and which coverage makes more sense for your situation.
Can I get a Ram 1500 with a manual transmission? No. Ram discontinued manual transmission availability years ago. All current Ram 1500 models use an 8-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission regardless of engine choice.
Visit All Three Nassau County CDJR Locations
- Westbury Jeep Chrysler Dodge Ram - Jericho, NY
- Garden City Jeep Chrysler Dodge Ram - Hempstead, NY
- Merrick Jeep Chrysler Dodge Ram - Wantagh, NY
Ready to find your Ram 1500? Browse new inventory or explore certified pre-owned trucks at Westbury Jeep — and ask about VIP+ program benefits when you visit.