The 2015 Ram 1500 offers seven trims sporting both gas and diesel powertrain options. Updates over the previous year include the SLT and Laramie both getting new instrument panels with high-tech, model-specific digital graphics.
Key Points
- The 2015 Ram 1500 pickup truck premiered with seven unique trim levels: Tradesman, SLT, HFE, Sport, Laramie, Rebel, and Longhorn.
- Despite being the base trim, Tradesman offers two engine choices: 3.6L Pentastar V6, or 5.7L Hemi V8. SLT ups the luxury with added standard equipment, like cloth seats and keyless entry.
- HFE has fewer options but does include a choice of a 5.6′ or 8.2′ truck bed. Ram Sport standard with Hemi and 22-inch forged aluminum wheels and fog lights.
- Laramie comes standard with most features and options. Rebel trim caters to off-road enthusiasts with added capabilities and unique styling inside and out.
- Top-tier Longhorn trim has the most options and offers a number of add-on bundles not available in other trims.
2015 Ram 1500’s Seven Trims Start with Base Tradesman, a Capable, Well-equipped Work Truck
The 2015 Ram 1500 hasn’t changed much since 2014, featuring seven trim levels, three engine options, three cabs, three bed sizes, and two-wheel or four-wheel-drive variants. Trim levels range from the entry-level (but still well-equipped) Tradesman to the ultra-luxurious Longhorn. Despite being the base trim level, the Tradesman offers seven packages and many exciting options, including:
- Two engine choices that include standard 3.6L Pentastar V6, or optional 5.7L Hemi V8
- Six-speed or eight-speed transmission
- Limited-slip differential
- Three axle gear ratios
- Steel or aluminum wheels in 17- or 20-inch designs
The Tradesman is a perfect trim level for drivers that need a truck for work, hence the “Tradesman” moniker. It offers a single, double, or crew cab, and a choice between rear-wheel or four-wheel drive. We recommend the 3.6L Pentastar for drivers that don’t need to rely on four-wheel drive. The gas mileage is better than the 5.7L Hemi V8, and it offers capable lightweight towing.
2015 Ram SLT’s Nice Selection of Features Include 17-inch Aluminum Wheels, Heated Mirrors
Next in line is the Standard Luxury Trim (SLT). While it isn’t the most luxurious offering from Ram, it provides a nice selection of standard equipment. The SLT’s most mentionable features include:
- Cloth seats, which are standard over vinyl offerings
- 17-inch aluminum wheels instead of steel wheels
- Keyless entry replaces manual door locks
- Heated mirrors
Then SLT trim has 10 different packages that let you further customize your truck. Some packages include a remote starter or trailer assistance. In general, sticking with the 5.7L Hemi V8 with a four-wheel-drive and aggressive gear ratio is a good bet for drivers that find themselves off-road from time to time.
2015 Ram 1500 HFE is Lacking in Options but Does Include Choice of 5.6′ or 8.2′ Truck Bed
The HFE trim, offered in two-wheel-drive options, gave shoppers a choice between a 5.6′ or 8.2′ bed. The 3.6L V6 is the only engine offered, the 3.21 gear ratio is the only ratio available, and packages have been limited to almost nil.
The HFE trim, meant to be a one-size-fits-all choice for shoppers mostly concerned with fuel economy, doesn’t offer much else in the way of choices.
2015 Ram Sport Trim Adds Dynamic Exterior Style via. 22-inch Forged Aluminum Wheels, Fog Lights
The Sport trim offers the 5.7L Hemi V8 as a standard engine choice, with no option to have the 3.6L V6. Also, standard are 22-inch forged aluminum wheels, fog lights, and driver lumbar support. Shoppers have only one gear ratio choice, an aggressive 3.92 rear end, but all three bed sizes and cab choices are available. Along with the option for a two-wheel or four-wheel drive.
2015 Ram Laramie Comes with Three Engine Options, Most Features Standard, Several Add-on Packages
The return of the standard 3.6L Pentastar V6 came with the Laramie trim, along with lots of luxury options. Also, available, the 5.7L Hemi V8, and a 3.0L turbo V6 Diesel. All three rear axle options were also available.
While the Laramie doesn’t have a ton of new options, it does come with almost everything mentioned in previous trims. Additional packages added extras like an engine block heater for cold mornings, towing mirrors, trailer brake, keyless entry, auto high-beam control, and rain-sensing windshield wipers.
2015 Ram 1500’s Rebel Showcases Aggressive Styling Inside and Out, Few Functional Upgrades
The Rebel trim comes standard with the same 5.7L Hemi V8 offered in previous trims, as well as a flat black 5.7L Hemi and Ram badge, dual exhaust tips, and Ram glove box badge.
If you want to turn the luxury up, you can add the Luxury Package that offers power mirrors, under-hood lights, and a universal garage door opener. Ultimately, upgrades are mostly aesthetic.
2015 Ram’s Top-tier Longhorn Brings Ultimate Luxury with Options Like a Wood-wrapped Steering Wheel, Sunroof, 10-way Power Seat
The Longhorn is everything you want and need in a top-tier Ram 1500 trim. There is a bevy of options and packages for the Longhorn trim that add comfort, safety, and luxury add-ons, like a wood-wrapped steering wheel, driver’s 10-way power seat, and six-way power seat for the passenger. For this trim, only the 5.7L Hemi and the 3.0L turbo-diesel engines are available. Also, for a small charge, a sunroof, and Ram’s proprietary cargo management system can be had.
2015 Ram 1500’s Many Trims and Packages Mean any Driver Can Customize their Perfect Pickup Truck
Buying any truck offers an avalanche of options, and Rams are no exception. Whatever you want your truck to be equipped for, it’s possible with a Ram 1500. For the bargain shopper or company owner that needs a work truck, we recommend the Tradesman, a no-frills truck that has everything a working person needs, and there are multiple bed size options.
Truck owners that want to spend a little more to get more bang for the buck should consider the Sport or the Rebel trims. Both offer unique options, both with a 5.7L V8 engine choice. The luxury shopper seeking a capable pickup with class should be in the Laramie or Longhorn camp. These will be pricier, but both trims open up a world of possibilities that allow drivers to dial in their perfect truck.
Photos: Stellantis
