Ultimately, the choice between the 2026 Ram 1500 Lone Star and Laramie comes down to how much technology, luxury, and capability will fit in your budget! Let’s take a closer look at what each of these full-size, light-duty trucks has to offer.
Key Takeaways
- Both the Lone Star and Laramie are meant for drivers who want a great price on a handsomely equipped truck — but the Laramie treats you to a longer list of luxury features!
- Where the Lone Star delivers modern safety, cutting-edge infotainment, and roomy comfort, the Laramie takes everything up a few notches.
- The Laramie comes standard with a more powerful engine, but you can always upgrade your Lone Star truck to match!
- Shop for the 2026 Ram 1500 Lone Star starting at $47,125* or upgrade to the Laramie from $61,325*!
2026 Ram 1500 Lone Star vs. Laramie: What’s the difference?
So, how do the Lone Star and Laramie differ overall? Where the Lone Star offers an impressive list of features at a great price, the Laramie delivers a bigger collection of luxury features. And while the Laramie will cost you more than the Lone Star, it’s actually more of a midrange luxury truck, giving you a great price on an upscale ride compared to higher trim models. As we’ll see, the Laramie also comes standard with more power — though you can always upgrade your Lone Star engine to match!
What features are included with the 2026 Ram 1500 Lone Star vs. the Laramie?
The Lone Star might be the more affordable option, but it doesn’t lack for features. Roomy, cloth-clad seats keep you comfy, and smartphone-friendly infotainment features keep you connected. An impressive utility lineup — from LED fog lamps to adaptive cruise control — help you travel our local Texas highways in style. The Lone Star even has a flashy side, featuring chrome bumpers and chrome exterior trim.
Lone Star Highlights
- 18-inch aluminum wheels
- Cloth upholstery
- 3.5-inch color driver information display
- UConnect infotainment with 8.4-inch touchscreen
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Six-speaker sound system
- LED headlamps
- LED fog lights
- Power-locking tailgate
- Chrome bumpers and exterior trim
- Dual exhaust with Bright tips
- Rearview camera
- Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking
- Adaptive cruise control
The Laramie, on the other hand, offers a very luxurious cruise. Not only does this Ram 1500 trim model feature upscale creature comforts (like driver memory settings and leather-trimmed seating), but it’s also big on tech upgrades (including premium audio and built-in navigation). Outside, you can spot the Laramie by its big, 20-inch wheels and black-tipped dual exhaust pipes.
Laramie Highlights
- 20-inch Premium aluminum wheels
- Leather-trimmed upholstery
- Heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Driver memory settings
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- 12-inch premium driver information display
- UConnect 5 NAV with 12-inch touchscreen
- Alpine 10-speaker audio
- Power-adjustable pedals
- Keyless entry
- Power-sliding rear window
- LED bed lighting
- Dual exhaust with Black tips
- Optional wireless smartphone charging
- Optional rain-sensitive windshield wipers
What are the 2026 Ram 1500 Lone Star and Laramie engine options?
Each truck offers slightly different engine options. The Lone Star comes standard with the Ram 1500’s base V6 (305 horsepower), but it’s also available with a twin-turbo inline six-cylinder engine (420 hp) or a HEMI V8 (395 hp). Thanks in part to its eTorque mild hybrid system, the Lone Star’s standard powertrain is the most efficient option, helping you earn up to 22 mpg combined (20 city/25 highway).
The more luxurious Laramie, on the other hand, isn’t available with the Ram’s base engine. Instead, it comes standard with the more powerful twin-turbo I-6 (420 hp). If you’re shopping for more of a classic V8 performance, you can opt for the HEMI V8. Like the Lone Star, the Laramie comes standard with rear-wheel drive, but four-wheel drive is available to improve your trips into Texas off-road terrain.
2026 Ram 1500 Lone Star and Laramie Powertrain Options
- Lone Star: standard 3.6L V6 with eTorque (305 hp, 271 lb-ft of torque)
- Laramie, optional for Lone Star: standard 3.0L twin-turbo I-6 (420 hp, 469 lb-ft)
- Optional for both: 5.7L HEMI V8 with eTorque (395 hp, 410 lb-ft)
- Eight-speed automatic transmission
- Rear-wheel drive and optional four-wheel drive
How much do the 2026 Ram 1500 Lone Star and Laramie trims cost?
Get a great price on a brand new Ram 1500 when you choose the Lone Star (starting at $47,125*). Then again, if you’re after a luxurious ride, the Laramie delivers upscale comfort, style, and tech features at a very reasonable price (from $61,325*). Either way, you can test-drive these 2026 Ram 1500 trim models right here at Coleman Motors! We’re proud to serve your trucking needs in New Boston and Texarkana.
*MSRP as of 11/19/25.