The 1500 may be the smallest of the RAM pickups, but it packs more than enough of a punch to solidify its position as a top tier contender in the pickup class regardless of trim when squaring up against even the best of its competition. That said, the different trims the 2025 Ram 1500 offers are each distinct in their own way, something that we’ll be exploring more in depth in this Tradesman vs Big Horn comparison for the 2025 model year. Between the base Tradesman or the upscale Big Horn, which model is the best value for buyers in 2025?
Key Takeaways
- Tradesman offers value-focused pricing and work-ready features.
- Big Horn adds more comfort, styling, and convenience options.
- Both trims share the same core powertrain options for reliability.
What is the difference between Trademan and Big Horn?
The Tradesman serves as the base workhorse, featuring durable vinyl seating, easy-to-clean materials, and essential convenience features designed for reliability on the job site. Stepping up to the Big Horn, buyers gain more available amenities and a touch of sophistication, such as upgraded cloth seating, chrome exterior accents, and access to a larger 12-inch Uconnect touchscreen for a more connected driving experience.
The 2025 Ram 1500 lineup continues to set the benchmark for versatility in the full-size pickup segment, offering eight trims that cater to a wide range of buyers—from fleet operators and everyday drivers to off-road enthusiasts and luxury truck owners. Starting with the Tradesman, Tradesman HFE, and Big Horn trims, Ram emphasizes practicality, value, and efficiency. The Tradesman HFE variant focuses on fuel economy, offering aerodynamic enhancements and a lighter configuration to help maximize mileage.
From there, the 2025 Ram 1500 expands into trims that blend luxury with performance. The Laramie adds leather-trimmed seats, digital displays, and enhanced sound insulation, making it ideal for long hauls or daily commuting in comfort. The Rebel caters to the adventurous, featuring off-road-ready suspension, rugged tires, and a sportier exterior design that signals capability.
For those seeking an elevated balance between refinement and strength, the Limited Longhorn and Limited trims offer rich materials such as real wood and leather throughout the cabin, plus exclusive wheel designs and advanced technology, including the available 14.5-inch infotainment display. The lineup culminates in the Tungsten, Ram’s new luxury flagship, which adds premium touches like massaging seats, a 23-speaker Klipsch audio system, and the most advanced suite of driver-assist features in the range.
What is the gas mileage on a 2025 Dodge Ram 1500?
The 2025 Ram 1500’s new turbocharged inline-six engine brings improved efficiency and performance compared to the HEMI V8s. According to EPA estimates, trucks equipped with the standard-output Hurricane I6 return 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway, while adding four-wheel drive reduces both figures by about one mpg. The high-output version, which comes exclusively with four-wheel drive, achieves 15 mpg city and 21 mpg highway.
For comparison, the returning base V6 remains the most fuel-efficient gas option, rated at 20 mpg city and 25 mpg highway, or 19/24 mpg with four-wheel drive. The specialized Tradesman HFE trim slightly improves that to 26 mpg highway. In real-world testing, a Ram 1500 with the high-output inline-six managed 20 mpg on a 75-mph highway route—outperforming the previous-generation V8 while offering stronger performance.
For the most accurate and up-to-date fuel economy data, Ram recommends checking the EPA’s official website.
Summary
The choice between the Tradesman and the Big Horn goes deeper than just being a matter of preference, as the two models offer a unique experience in class that gives them their own reasons to be chosen over the other. The Tradesman is an entry level trim, being a great value point for buyers looking to get in on the 1500 at a solid price point. The Big Horn sells itself on its more upscale kit making for a fancier interior when compared with its comparatively lax Tradesman, though that kit comes with a fitting uptick in price.
At the end of the day, one model offers the hard to beat price, and one offers the all too enticing interior comfort of a fancied up RAM, and both give a solid pickup truck perfectly suited for both home work and the job site. To help make your final decision come to Alan Jay CDJR in Wauchula to test drive both!