Buying guides / 2026 factory trim comparison
2026 Ram 1500 Big Horn vs. Laramie: Trim or Package?
Start with your must-have equipment, then compare the actual trucks. For 2026, Big Horn/Lone Star starts with an 8.4-inch Uconnect 5 screen in our factory comparison, while Laramie starts with a 12-inch Uconnect 5 NAV screen and leather-trimmed seats. Packages can change the final truck substantially.
Cars With Sam · Updated October 4, 2026 · Meet Sam · Sources and corrections
Start with the factory equipment
U.S. 2026 factory configuration. Options and packages can change an individual vehicle. “Optional” does not mean every vehicle has it.
| Equipment | Big Horn / Lone Star | Laramie |
|---|---|---|
| Standard touchscreen | Standard 8.4-inch Uconnect 5Factory source ↗ | Standard 12-inch Uconnect 5 NAVFactory source ↗ |
| Front seat material / layout | Standard Cloth bucketsFactory source ↗ | Standard Leather-trimmed bucketsFactory source ↗ |
| 360-degree camera | Optional / package Requires H2 equipment groupFactory source ↗ | Optional / package Advanced Safety GroupFactory source ↗ |
| Bed / onboard power upgrade | Optional / package 2-kW, 120-volt system; Crew Cab 5-foot-7 boxFactory source ↗ | Optional / package 2-kW, 120-volt system; Crew Cab 5-foot-7 boxFactory source ↗ |
Why can two Big Horn trucks have different screens?
An equipment group can replace the standard radio and add other features. Our documented 2026 Lone Star example compares R12316 with an 8.4-inch screen and Level 1 group against R12565 with a 12-inch screen and Level 2 group. These are examples from original VIN-matched labels; the stock numbers are not a promise of current availability.
What should you compare beyond the screen?
Separate the center touchscreen, driver display and any passenger display. Check the camera system by its exact name; a backup camera does not establish surround view. Laramie’s factory comparison includes ventilated outboard front seats, but use the sticker and a demonstration to check a particular truck. Heated seats are a different feature.
Does a higher trim include bed power and every camera?
No. The table identifies surround-view and bed-power entries as optional, with their source conditions. Confirm the equipment group, outlet location and installed power rating. A small cabin outlet does not establish an outlet in the bed, and the screen size does not establish which camera system is installed.
How should you decide whether the upgrade is worth it?
List the three features you will use most. Compare two actual VINs with similar cab, bed, engine and drive configuration, then compare their asking prices and equipment. Consider the value of the additional features to you; a trim badge alone cannot establish the better purchase. For towing, use the exact truck’s ratings and payload label.
What should you ask Sam or Ryan to show on video?
Ask for the radio information screen, camera views, front-seat ventilation controls and any bed outlet you need. Include the stock number or VIN. A short demonstration of your must-haves is more useful than assuming a package name means the same equipment in every model year.
See the two Ram factory stickers and their screen differences →
Make the next comparison about your vehicles
Pick the features that matter most, then enter the stock numbers or VINs in Compare VINs. Share your shortlist with Sam or Ryan and ask for a demonstration of the equipment you need.
Why this question?
Shoppers have asked about this decision in this public owner discussion ↗. We use the discussion to identify the question and manufacturer documents to support equipment facts. This is a selected buying topic, not a measured search-volume ranking.