2021 Ram 1500 Classic: Review, Trims, Specs, Price, New Interior Features, Exterior Design, and Specifications

$29,510 - $46,150

Price Range (MSRP)

2021 Ram 1500 Classic For Sale

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Ram 1500 4th Generation (DS/DJ/D2)

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2021 Ram 1500 Classic Review: Not Quite Ready For Retirement

by Morgan Carter

The 2021 Ram 1500 Classic is a bit of a dinosaur in the US pickup truck segment, but it exists for a very specific reason. While the newly revamped 1500 has an updated and upscale cabin and loads more modern features, the Classic is significantly cheaper than the base model. Of course, this means that it is the most sparsely equipped, but it still gets access to a potent V8 gas engine that facilitates some great towing and hauling capabilities, as well as all the body and bed customization options. This makes it one of the most affordable no-frills workhorses on the market. If you don't care for the comforts and advanced driver assists found in contemporary cars like the Ford F-150 or the Chevrolet Silverado, then the 1500 Classic pickup may just be the perfect budget vehicle. Sales have been strong so far, but how much longer will this particular Ram remain relevant as many marques start moving towards high-tech electrification?

Read in this review:

Exterior Design 8 /10
Performance 8 /10
Fuel Economy 7 /10
Interior & Cargo 8 /10
Infotainment & Features 9 /10
Reliability 8 /10
Safety 8 /10
Value For Money 10 /10

8.2

What is BuzzScore?

2021 Ram 1500 Classic Changes: What’s The Difference vs The 2020 1500 Classic?

For the new model year, Hydro Blue Pearl paint replaces the old Hydro Blue, and Olive Green Pearl is available to all trims. Overall, only nine out of the original 19 colors are presented when configuring your build. Utility figures have seen some changes, too, with maximum towing capacity dropping from 10,680 to 10,610 pounds, while payload hauling rises from 1,920 to 1,930 lbs. The five-inch touchscreen with Uconnect 3 is now standard on all 2021 Ram 1500 Classic models.

Pros and Cons

Powerful engine choices
Pleasant ride comfort
Spacious and ergonomic cabin
Great value for the money

Limited trim selection
Subpar towing and safety tech
Spotty reliability track record
New 1500 is so much better at a similar price

Best Deals on 2021 Ram 1500 Classic

2021 Ram 1500 Classic SLT

$38,995

29,810 miles

2021 Ram 1500 Classic SLT

$35,975

18,399 miles

Fair Deal

Average price

2021 Ram 1500 Classic SLT

$38,974

11,464 miles

2021 Ram 1500 Classic SLT

$38,974

11,443 miles

See All 1500 Classic For Sale

2021 Ram 1500 Classic Trims

See trim levels and configurations:

Trim	Engine	Transmission	Drivetrain	Price (MSRP)
Tradesman	3.6L V6 Gas 5.7L V8 Gas	8-Speed Automatic	Rear-Wheel Drive Four-Wheel Drive	$29,510
Express	3.6L V6 Gas	8-Speed Automatic	Rear-Wheel Drive Four-Wheel Drive	$29,510
SLT	3.6L V6 Gas 5.7L V8 Gas	8-Speed Automatic	Rear-Wheel Drive Four-Wheel Drive	$33,710
Warlock	3.6L V6 Gas	8-Speed Automatic	Rear-Wheel Drive Four-Wheel Drive	$38,640
SSV	5.7L V8 Gas	8-Speed Automatic	Four-Wheel Drive	$42,720

See All 2021 Ram 1500 Classic Trims and Specs

2021 1500 Classic Exterior

FPI Studios

FPI Studios

FPI Studios

See All 2021 Ram 1500 Classic Exterior Photos

Dimensions

Length 209.0 in
Wheelbase 120.0 in
Height 74.6 in
Max Width 79.4 in
Curb Weight 4,517.0 lbs

Exterior Colors

Delmonico Red Pearlcoat +$100
Diamond Black Crystal Pearlcoat +$100
Hydro Blue Pearlcoat +$100
Olive Green Pearlcoat +$100
Patriot Blue Pearlcoat +$100
Delmonico Red Pearlcoat, N/C - credit will be applied when configured +$100
Diamond Black Crystal Pearlcoat, N/C - credit will be applied when configured +$100
Hydro Blue Pearlcoat, N/C - credit will be applied when configured +$100
Maximum Steel Metallic Clearcoat +$200
Billet Silver Metallic Clearcoat +$200
Granite Crystal Metallic Clearcoat +$200
RV Match Walnut Brown Metallic Clearcoat, Build Out:07/16/2021 +$200
Billet Silver Metallic Clearcoat, N/C - credit will be applied when configured +$200
Granite Crystal Metallic Clearcoat, N/C - credit will be applied when configured +$200
RV Match Walnut Brown Metallic Clearcoat, Build Out:06/16/2021. +$200
RV Match Walnut Brown Metallic Clearcoat, Build Out:06/16/2021 +$200
RV Match Walnut Brown Metallic Clearcoat, Built Out: 06/16/2021 +$200
RV Match Walnut Brown Metallic Clearcoat, Build Out: 06/16/2021 +$200
Construction Yellow, Build Out: 08/24/2020. Minimum Build Quantity of 10. +$450
Midnight Blue Pearlcoat, Build Out: 08/24/2020. Minimum Build Quantity of 10. +$450
National Safety Yellow, Build Out: 08/24/2020. Minimum Build Quantity of 10. +$450
Case IH Red, Build Out: 03/01/2021. Minimum Build Quantity of 10. +$450
Black Clearcoat, Build Out: 04/01/2021. Minimum Build Quantity of 10. +$450
Detonator Yellow Clearcoat, Build Out: 03/01/2021. Minimum Build Quantity of 10. +$450
Light Green, Build Out: 04/01/2021. Minimum Build Quantity of 10. +$450
Omaha Orange, Build Out: 03/01/2021. Minimum Build Quantity of 10. +$450
School Bus Yellow, Build Out: 02/04/2021. Minimum Build Quantity of 10. +$450
Timberline Green Pearlcoat, Build Out: 03/01/2021. Minimum Build Quantity of 10. +$450
Yellow, Build Out: 03/01/2021. Minimum Build Quantity of 10. +$450
New Holland Blue, Build Out: 03/01/2021. Minimum Build Quantity of 10. +$450
Case IH Red, Build Out: 03/01/2021. Minimum Build Quantity of 10. +$450
Detonator Yellow Clearcoat, Build Out: 03/01/2021. Minimum Build Quantity of 10. +$450
Omaha Orange, Build Out: 03/01/2021. Minimum Build Quantity of 10. +$450
Timberline Green Pearlcoat, Build Out: 03/01/2021. Minimum Build Quantity of 10.Build Out: 03/01/2021. Minimum Build Quantity of 10. +$450
Yellow, Build Out: 03/01/2021. Minimum Build Quantity of 10. +$450
New Holland Blue, Build Out: 03/01/2021. Minimum Build Quantity of 10. +$450
Case IH Red, Build Out:03/01/2021. Minimum Build Quantity of 10. +$450
Black Clearcoat, Build Out:04/01/2021. Minimum Build Quantity of 10. +$450
Bright Green, Build Out:04/01/2021. Minimum Build Quantity of 10. +$450
Bright Red, Build Out:04/01/2021. Minimum Build Quantity of 10. +$450
Construction Yellow, Build Out:04/01/2021. Minimum Build Quantity of 10. +$450
Detonator Yellow Clearcoat, Build Out:03/01/2021. Minimum Build Quantity of 10. +$450
Hills Green, Build Out:04/01/2021. Minimum Build Quantity of 10. +$450
Light Cream, Build Out:04/01/2021. Minimum Build Quantity of 10. +$450
Light Green, Build Out:04/01/2021. Minimum Build Quantity of 10. +$450
Midnight Blue Pearlcoat, Build Out:04/01/2021. Minimum Build Quantity of 10. +$450
National Safety Yellow, Build Out:04/01/2021. Minimum Build Quantity of 10. +$450
Omaha Orange, Build Out:03/01/2021. Minimum Build Quantity of 10. +$450
Power Tan, Build Out:04/01/2021. Minimum Build Quantity of 10. +$450
Robin Egg Blue, Build Out:04/01/2021. Minimum Build Quantity of 10. +$450
School Bus Yellow, Build Out:02/04/2021. Minimum Build Quantity of 10. +$450
Timberline Green Pearlcoat, Build Out:03/01/2021. Minimum Build Quantity of 10. +$450
Tree Green, Build Out:04/01/2021. Minimum Build Quantity of 10. +$450
Yellow, Build Out:03/01/2021. Minimum Build Quantity of 10. +$450
New Holland Blue, Build Out:03/01/2021. Minimum Build Quantity of 10. +$450
Bright Green, Build Out:10/19/2020. Minimum Build Quantity of 10. +$450
Bright Red, Build Out:10/19/2020. Minimum Build Quantity of 10. +$450
Construction Yellow, Build Out:10/19/2020. Minimum Build Quantity of 10. +$450
Hills Green, Build Out:10/19/2020. Minimum Build Quantity of 10. +$450
Light Cream, Build Out:10/19/2020. Minimum Build Quantity of 10. +$450
Midnight Blue Pearlcoat, Build Out:10/19/2020. Minimum Build Quantity of 10. +$450
National Safety Yellow, Build Out:10/19/2020. Minimum Build Quantity of 10. +$450
Power Tan, Build Out:10/19/2020. Minimum Build Quantity of 10. +$450
Robin Egg Blue, Build Out:10/19/2020. Minimum Build Quantity of 10. +$450
Tree Green, Build Out:10/19/2020. Minimum Build Quantity of 10. +$450
Black Clearcoat, Build Out: 04/01/2021. Minimum Build Quantity of 10. +$450
Light Green, Build Out: 04/01/2021. Minimum Build Quantity of 10. +$450
Timberline Green Pearlcoat, Build Out: 03/01/2021. Minimum Build Quantity of 10. +$450
Bright Green, Build Out:10/13/2020. Minimum Build Quantity of 10. +$450
Bright Red, Build Out:10/13/2020. Minimum Build Quantity of 10. +$450
Construction Yellow, Build Out:10/13/2020. Minimum Build Quantity of 10. +$450
Hills Green, Build Out:10/13/2020. Minimum Build Quantity of 10. +$450
Light Cream, Build Out:10/13/2020. Minimum Build Quantity of 10. +$450
Midnight Blue Pearlcoat, Build Out:10/13/2020. Minimum Build Quantity of 10. +$450
National Safety Yellow, Build Out:10/13/2020. Minimum Build Quantity of 10. +$450
Power Tan, Build Out:10/13/2020. Minimum Build Quantity of 10. +$450
Robin Egg Blue, Build Out:10/13/2020. Minimum Build Quantity of 10. +$450
Tree Green, Build Out:10/13/2020. Minimum Build Quantity of 10. +$450
Holland Blue, Build Out:03/01/2021. Minimum Build Quantity of 10. +$450
Flame Red Clearcoat
Bright White Clearcoat

See all 81 colors

2021 1500 Classic Performance

2021 Ram 1500 Classic Front Angle View 1

Ram

Ram

Ram

Engine and Transmission

Engines

3.6L V6 Gas, 5.7L V8 Gas, 5.7L V8 HEMI MDS VVT
Transmission

8-Speed Automatic
Drivetrains

4X4, RWD

2021 1500 Classic Interior

Ram

FPI Studios

Ram

See All 2021 Ram 1500 Classic Interior Photos

Seating and Interior Space

Seating capacity

3-seater

Front Leg Room 41.0 in
Front Head Room 39.9 in

2021 1500 Classic Trunk and Cargo Space

Ram

FPI Studios

Ram

2021 1500 Classic Safety and Reliability

Warranty

Basic:
3 Years \ 36,000 Miles
Drivetrain:
5 Years \ 60,000 Miles
Corrosion:
5 Years \ Unlimited Miles
Roadside Assistance:
5 Years \ 60,000 Miles

US NHTSA Crash Test Result

Overall Rating
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Side Crash Rating
Rollover Rating

Verdict: Is the 2021 Ram 1500 Classic A Good Truck?

Sticking with the fourth-generation guise, the 1500 Classic pickup sacrifices sophistication for affordability. It is also slightly less capable than the newer Ram 1500, but the differences aren't so severe that the average buyer should be deterred. Inside, it's still a spacious and accommodating vehicle, and the ride comfort is a strong selling point, even when compared with more modern rivals.

However, it does suffer from its age, especially when it comes to its safety rating and reliability. The NHTSA's subpar four-star review of the 2021 Ram 1500 Classic, alongside a history of recalls and complaints, may be enough to send shoppers to more reputable competitors. Many savvy consumers wouldn't even consider a vehicle with so few driver assists nowadays. That said, it cannot be denied that the 1500 Classic is still a good truck with decent capabilities. And its really low starting price is alluring enough that many are willing to overlook its shortcomings to get the job done on a dime.