Last updated August 4, 2026
The Dodge Ram 3500 lineup runs from ST, the durable work truck, through SXT and SLT, which add everyday comfort and a more finished feel, to Laramie, the leather-trimmed luxury model. Diesel towing remains central throughout: SXT is the first comfort upgrade, SLT is the polished work-and-daily-driver middle ground, and Laramie adds upscale features for long days behind the wheel.
The Work Truck trim level, sold as ST, is the straightforward Ram 3500 built around hard-use hauling, trailer duty, and a durable cabin.
Best for: Drivers who prioritize work-ready function and easy-to-clean materials over comfort or appearance upgrades.
Highlights
The Base Upgrade trim level, sold as SXT, keeps the ST's work-focused character but adds the everyday comforts that make frequent driving easier.
Best for: Work-truck buyers who want cloth seating, power accessories, and remote entry without moving to a dressier trim.
Highlights
Adds cloth seating, power windows and locks, remote keyless entry, and power heated folding mirrors over the ST.
0 in stockThe Mid-Level trim level, sold as SLT, is the more polished work-and-daily-driver choice, pairing heavy-duty towing hardware with a nicer cloth cabin and chrome exterior trim.
Best for: Drivers who need serious truck capability but also want a more finished cabin and appearance for everyday use.
Highlights
Adds premium cloth seating with a center armrest and business console, plus chrome bumpers and grille, over the SXT's simpler comfort package.
0 in stockThe Luxury Features trim level, sold as Laramie, is the upscale heavy-duty Ram 3500, combining Cummins towing strength with leather, added climate comfort, and more advanced cabin equipment.
Best for: Long-haul drivers who want work-truck capability with a quieter, more comfortable place to spend the day.
Highlights
Adds heated power leather seating with memory, dual-zone automatic climate control, a heated steering wheel, upgraded audio, and premium power trailer-tow mirrors over the SLT.
0 in stock| Feature | Mid-Level | Work Truck | Base Upgrade | Luxury Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Includes | SLT0 in stock | SXT0 in stock | Laramie0 in stock | |
| Lineup role | Polished SLT | Job-focused ST | Comfort-step SXT | Upscale Laramie |
| Front seat | Premium cloth bench with console | Vinyl 40/20/40 bench | Cloth 40/20/40 bench | Heated power leather bench with memory |
| Everyday convenience focus | Power features and console storage | Basic functionality | Power accessories and keyless entry | Dual-zone climate and heated wheel |
| Exterior and towing-mirror treatment | Chrome bumpers and grille | Utility-focused | Power heated folding mirrors | Chrome power tow mirrors with heat and memory |
| Cabin technology emphasis | Work-and-daily-use convenience | Straightforward controls | Everyday comfort features | Touchscreen audio, hard drive, and Bluetooth |
The 2010 trim ladder runs from the work-focused ST to the more finished SLT and the upscale Laramie. Some 2009 trucks also use the SXT name for a comfort step above ST, so the badges differ slightly by era.
ST is the basic work-truck trim. In this era it combines the Cummins diesel, exhaust brake, trailer hitch and wiring with a vinyl front bench and heavy-duty vinyl flooring. It favors durability and straightforward function over comfort extras.
SXT is a 2009 comfort upgrade over ST. It adds cloth seating, power windows, power locks, remote entry and power heated folding mirrors. The name does not appear in the 2010 trim list, which is why it is less common in listings.
SLT is the middle trim in this era. It keeps the Cummins diesel and towing hardware, then adds premium cloth seating, power windows and locks, remote entry, and chrome bumpers and grille for a less basic everyday feel.
Laramie is the upscale trim in this era. It pairs the same heavy-duty diesel mission with heated leather seating, driver memory, two-zone automatic climate control, a heated steering wheel, upgraded audio and better-equipped towing mirrors.
SLT adds the everyday features missing from the work-focused ST: premium cloth instead of vinyl seating, power windows and locks, remote entry, and chrome exterior trim. Both retain the Cummins diesel, exhaust brake, hitch receiver and trailer wiring.
Both are comfort steps above ST, but they belong to slightly different trim structures. The 2009 SXT focuses on cloth seating and power conveniences, while the SLT adds a more finished identity with premium cloth and chrome bumpers and grille.
Laramie moves from the SLT’s cloth-and-power-feature cabin to heated leather seating, driver memory, automatic two-zone climate control, a heated steering wheel, upgraded touchscreen audio and power towing mirrors with heat and memory.
ST is the most job-focused trim. Its vinyl seat and heavy-duty vinyl floor are suited to messy use, while the standard Cummins diesel, exhaust brake, tow hooks, hitch receiver and trailer wiring cover the core hauling and towing needs.
SLT is the balanced fit. It keeps the same diesel towing foundation as ST but adds cloth seating, power windows and locks, remote entry, and a more finished exterior without moving all the way to the Laramie’s luxury equipment.
Laramie is the comfort-focused pick for long trips. Heated leather seating, automatic two-zone climate control, a heated steering wheel, upgraded audio and power towing mirrors make extended time in the cab easier.
Laramie is the trim with heated leather-trimmed power front seating in this era. It also adds driver-seat memory, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel and automatic two-zone climate control.
Yes. Across the 2009–2010 trims described here, ST, SXT, SLT and Laramie share the 6.7-liter Cummins turbo-diesel. The main trim differences are cabin materials, convenience features, exterior finish and comfort equipment.