Close Big Horn Option Creep: When Should You Just Buy a Ram 1500 Laramie?
Quick Summary: If you're planning to load up a Big Horn with a lot of options, take a serious look at the Laramie before you commit. Once popular upgrades are added, the price difference can shrink to just a few hundred dollars. In situations like that, the passive entry alone can make the upgrade worthwhile. And, the Laramie also adds standard equipment like ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, memory seating and other comfort features that simply aren't available on a Big Horn.
A $325 Answer Most Ram Buyers Don’t Expect
Many Ram 1500 shoppers begin the process assuming the Laramie costs much more than a Big Horn. That assumption usually leads people to start building a Big Horn first.
Then the options start stacking up. The Level 2 Equipment Group goes on the list. Maybe the Night Edition. A bigger screen, a sunroof, leather seats, and a few towing features. Before long the truck looks exactly like the one they wanted.
Then the numbers come back.
In this example using two real 2026 Ram 1500 builds, the difference between a fully equipped Big Horn and a Laramie comes out to just $325.
At that point the conversation changes. The question becomes:
If the price difference is only a few hundred dollars, does it make more sense to simply buy the Laramie?
Here’s what that comparison actually looks like.
Loaded Big Horn Night Edition vs Laramie Night Edition
| Feature | Loaded Big Horn Night Edition | Laramie Night Edition |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $71,935 | $72,260 |
| Price Difference | — | +$325 |
| Engine | 3.0L Hurricane Twin Turbo | 3.0L Hurricane Twin Turbo |
| 12" Uconnect Touchscreen | Included with Level 2 | Standard |
| Navigation | Included | Standard |
| 9-Speaker Audio w/Subwoofer | Included | Standard |
| Heated Front Seats | Included | Standard |
| Heated Steering Wheel | Included | Standard |
| Leather Seats | Mopar Leather Upgrade | Factory Leather Standard |
| Ventilated Front Seats | Not Available | Standard |
| Heated Rear Seats | Not Available | Standard |
| Passenger Power Seat | Not Available | Standard |
| Seat / Mirror Memory | Not Available | Standard |
| Passive Entry (Keyless Unlock) | Not Available | Standard |
| Interior Trim | Cloth Interior with Mopar Leather Kit | Upgraded Laramie Interior |
Once many Big Horn trucks are equipped with the Level 2 Equipment Group, Night Edition, leather seats, and popular technology upgrades, the price difference between trims can become surprisingly small.
Pricing based on Q1 2026 build specifications. Equipment availability, packages, and pricing may change. Prices shown are MSRP for illustration purposes only and do not include dealer discounts, time-sensitive incentives, taxes, title, or registration fees.
Big Horn Option Creep FAQ
What features does the Ram 1500 Laramie have that the Big Horn does not?
The Ram 1500 Laramie includes several features that are not available on the Big Horn trim, even when the Big Horn is heavily optioned. Key differences include:
- Ventilated front seats
- Heated rear seats
- Passive entry (keyless unlock by grabbing the door handle with the key fob in your pocket)
- Passenger power seat
- Driver memory features (seat, mirrors, and pedals)
Can you add leather seats to a Ram 1500 Big Horn?
Yes. Some buyers add Mopar leather seat kits to a Big Horn, which can give the cabin a more premium look and feel. That said, adding leather does not add features that come standard on the Laramie, like ventilated seats, heated rear seats, passenger power seat adjustments, or driver memory settings.
What is passive entry on a Ram 1500?
Passive entry is a keyless convenience feature. With the key fob in your pocket or bag, the truck can unlock when you grab the door handle. The Ram 1500 Laramie includes passive entry. A Big Horn typically relies on remote keyless entry, which means you unlock it using the key fob or the door handle button.
When does it make more sense to buy a Ram 1500 Big Horn instead of a Laramie?
The Big Horn makes the most sense when you want to keep the truck closer to its value-focused setup. If you prefer cloth seats and you are not planning to add big-ticket upgrades like the Level 2 Equipment Group, leather seats, and a panoramic sunroof, the Big Horn can be a strong buy. The price gap usually shrinks when buyers start stacking those popular options, which is when a Laramie can become the better deal.
Where is the North Aurora Auto Mall?
The North Aurora Auto Mall is located near the intersection of Orchard Road and I-88 in North Aurora, Illinois. Several dealerships operate within the auto mall, including River Front Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram.
Some people refer to us as “Gerald Jeep” because we share the North Aurora Auto Mall with Gerald stores. River Front Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram is independently owned and operated and is not part of the Gerald Auto Group.
Our main dealership is at 200 Hansen Blvd, North Aurora, IL 60542. Our Ram Truck Center is nearby at 1851 Orchard Gateway Blvd, North Aurora, IL 60542.
