When you upgrade from the 2025 Ram 3500 Tradesman to the Lone Star, you’ll enjoy a jump in comfort, convenience, and style. Then again, your budget will love the entry-level Tradesman. So, which trim model is your future workhorse? Our comparison guide helps you get to know these heavy-duty trucks!
Key Takeaways
- Looking for the best price on a new Ram 3500? You’re going to love the Tradesman. Want more style and comfort? Upgrade to the Lone Star!
- Both HD trucks are available with a Cummins turbo-diesel inline six-cylinder engine, delivering up to 430 horsepower and 1,075 pound-feet of torque!
- While the entry-level Tradesman is big on roomy comfort and modern tech, the Lone Star adds niceties like cloth seating and chrome exterior trim.
- The 2025 Ram 3500 Tradesman starts at $46,570*, and the Lone Star costs just a little extra, from $50,190*!
How do the 2025 Ram 3500 Lone Star and Tradesman compare?
Although both Ram 3500 trucks are big on heavy-duty performance, they’re meant for decidedly different drivers. The entry-level Tradesman is a little basic when it comes to comfort (with standard vinyl seating and flooring), but it’s big on modern technology (including cutting-edge infotainment and driver safety aids). Plus, it offers the lowest price on a brand new Ram 3500!
In the Ram 3500 trim-level hierarchy, the Lone Star is one step up from the base Tradesman. Not only does this heavy-duty truck come at a very reasonable price, but it also adds to the standard lineup with everyday comforts (e.g., cloth seating and carpeted flooring) and high-tech upgrades (like front and rear parking sensors). Plus, the Lone Star turns heads with flashy chrome exterior trim and aluminum wheels!
Which delivers more horsepower, the 2025 Ram 3500 Lone Star or Tradesman?
Like other Ram 3500 trim models, the Lone Star and Tradesman are available with your choice of two heavy-duty engines. The standard, gas-powered HEMI V8 is a great option for hauling major payloads. If you’re in need of outrageous towing capabilities, you’ll love the torque-heavy Cummins turbo-diesel inline six-cylinder engine. To help you travel through unpaved worksites, both trucks are also available with traction-boosting four-wheel drive.
2025 Ram 3500 HD Powertrain Specs
- Standard 6.4L HEMI V8 (405 hp, 429 lb-ft)
- Optional 6.7L Cummins turbo-diesel high-output I-6 (430 hp, 1,075 lb-ft)
- Eight-speed automatic transmission
- Rear-wheel drive or optional four-wheel drive
What features come standard on the 2025 Ram 3500 Lone Star versus the Tradesman?
Not only does the Ram 3500 Tradesman kick off the trim lineup with the most affordable MSRP, but it’s also pretty handsomely equipped. This truck is certainly a tech-savvy option, with an 8.4-inch central infotainment touchscreen, wireless smartphone connectivity, and three USB ports. The Tradesman also helps you skirt danger, with standard safety aids like adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking.
Tradesman Highlights
- Vinyl upholstery
- Keyless push-button start
- 3.5-inch color driver information display
- Uconnect 5 with 8.4-inch touchscreen
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Three USB ports
- Vinyl flooring
- LED reflector headlamps with Black bezels
- LED fog lamps
- 17- or 18-inch Black-painted steel wheels
- Class V hitch receiver
- Trailer-tow wiring with 4- and 7-pin connectors
- Tow hooks
- Adaptive cruise control
- Forward collision mitigation with pedestrian warning
- ParkView rear back-up camera
Move up to the Ram 3500 Lone Star to enjoy all of the above features, plus with an expanded list of comforts and conveniences. Inside, cloth seating and carpeted flooring make your ride extra homey. Outside, this heavy-duty truck reflects the Texas sun with flashy chrome trim and polished aluminum wheels. And we can’t forget its handy utility items — including front and rear parking sensors and heated, power-adjustable exterior mirrors!
Lone Star Highlights
- Cloth upholstery
- Power-adjustable front seats
- Carpet flooring
- Premium vinyl door trim panel
- Park-Sense Front/Rear Park Assist
- 18-inch polished aluminum wheels
- Chrome bumpers and exterior trim
- Heated, power-adjustable telescoping mirrors with supplemental signals
What’s more expensive, the 2025 Ram 3500 Lone Star or Tradesman?
By now you probably guessed it — after all, one of the Tradesman’s biggest perks is its low-low starting price (from $46,570*). Then again, if you decide you can’t do without some extra comfort features, the Lone Star (from $50,190*) won’t cost you too much more. Whatever your decision, you can check out these heavy-duty workhorses at your local Ram dealer. For drivers in New Boston, Texarkana, or greater Bowie County, that’s us — Coleman Motors!
*Price as of 11/19/25.