Ram 1500 Laramie delivers big muscle, surprising luxury feel

To say the full-size pickup market has evolved considerably over the years would be a true understatement, as today’s trucks are now expected to haul, handle weather, tow and serve as comfortable daily transportation. I recently spent a week in the 2026 Ram 1500 Laramie Crew Cab 4x4, which makes a strong case for buyers who want the versatility of a pickup without giving up the comfort and technology found in a luxury SUV.My tester was particularly well equipped, featuring the 3.0-liter Hurricane twin-turbocharged inline-six-cylinder engine with Stop/Start technology, an eight-speed automatic transmission and a lengthy list of optional equipment. The result was a truck that felt powerful, sophisticated and impressively comfortable, although its final price raised an important question about just how much luxury a pickup buyer really needs.Smooth power The standard-output 3.0-liter Hurricane inline-six produces a healthy 420 horsepower and 469 pound-feet of torque. That is serious outpu