Already Earning Its Stripes: The 2025 Ram 1500 Laramie Enters the Long-Term Ring

Named 2025 Truck of the Year, the Ram 1500 continues to redefine what a full-size pickup can be. With a deep lineup of trims, innovative turbocharged inline-six engines, an available hands-free driving system, and standout features like the new multifunction tailgate, the Ram 1500 blends rugged capability with upscale comfort. Its celebrated ride quality and refined interior remain key strengths that helped it rise above strong competition here at Landmark Dodge of Morrow.

To put these updates to the test, a long-term Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 has joined the evaluation fleet. Outfitted with a crew cab, short bed, and four-wheel drive, this configuration offers the best balance of passenger space, maneuverability, and all-weather capability, ideal for a year of diverse driving conditions.

Advanced Technology and Towing Tools

The test vehicle includes Ram's Hands-Free Active Driving Assist, only available on Laramie and higher trims. That system is packaged with several premium technologies and safety upgrades, including a digital instrument cluster, a large infotainment screen, surround-view cameras, and advanced collision avoidance features.

To better evaluate towing innovations, the available Trailer Tow Group was added, giving access to Ram’s latest trailer backing system. The multifunction tailgate, offering 60/40 swing-away functionality, and bed utility group round out the configuration, enhancing both convenience and capability.

Comfort Meets Capability

In terms of design, this Laramie showcases a Bison Brown/Sea Salt interior, chosen for its bright, inviting contrast, particularly appreciated during darker seasons in northern states. While Ram offers a few bold exterior paint options, combining lighter interior choices with more vibrant exterior colors remains limited in the current configuration matrix.

The truck is also equipped with features like air suspension, leather seating, and powered running boards, adding a layer of comfort and a premium feel without compromising its work-ready nature.

Early Road Test and Incident Recovery

Shortly after arrival, the Ram covered several hundred miles, including a break-in period as outlined in the owner’s manual. During one early highway drive, the truck encountered an unexpected obstacle: a piece of road debris struck the front bumper. Fortunately, repair estimates and scheduling were handled efficiently through the dealer’s photo-based service platform. Replacement parts and calibration services were quickly completed, and the Ram returned to duty without delay.

Despite the incident, the truck’s design helped minimize damage. Standard chrome bumpers, for instance, proved more economical and durable compared to some alternative designs.

Initial Performance and Real-World Use

With over 1,000 miles now logged, initial performance data shows solid results. While acceleration was slightly behind a few previously tested standard-output Ram 1500s, this Laramie excelled in braking and matched others in cornering performance, showcasing strong all-around capability. Brake testing delivered impressive results, especially for a truck of this size.

Looking ahead, this Ram will serve multiple roles, from long road trips to outdoor recreation and utility work. Outfitting plans include third-party accessories like racks and a tonneau cover to support everything from hauling gear to scenic travel photography. The team also aims to explore more than 125,000 miles of highway currently compatible with Active Driving Assist, making full use of this advanced feature throughout the year.

Why It’s Great to Own

Beyond the specs, there’s something special about living with a truck this refined yet capable. Whether cruising down open interstates or backing into a tight jobsite, the 2025 Ram 1500 Laramie feels composed and commanding. The suspension smooths out broken pavement effortlessly, while the cabin cocoons its passengers in quiet luxury. It’s the rare pickup that satisfies both the weekend warrior and weekday commuter. And thanks to Ram’s attention to detail, every feature, from the touchscreen interface to the tailgate design, feels engineered with real owners in mind.

This isn’t just a truck; it’s a statement of power, purpose, and premium craftsmanship. Stay tuned as this long-term review unfolds across highways, trails, and daily life, highlighting how the 2025 Ram 1500 Laramie performs under real-world demands.