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

$32,795 - $60,950

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2021 Ram 1500 Review: Setting The New Standard

by Morgan Carter

Two years into its fifth generation, the 2021 Ram 1500 pickup is still going strong. The fierce competition it presented to the Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado has caused both trucks to up their game in order to stabilize their positions in the market. In 2021, the 1500 has returned to its position as the third top-selling pickup in the USA, but we believe it is a better vehicle than these figures suggest. Not only is it capable of towing an impressive 12,750 lbs with its 395-horsepower Hemi V8 gas engine, but it boasts one of the best-quality interiors in the segment. But are a comfortable ride, a state-of-the-art infotainment suite, and good off-roading capabilities enough to keep Ram on the podium when most buyers only seem to care about sheer power and towing capacity?

Read in this review:

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

9.2

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

You don't stay near the top by letting your product stagnate, so the 2021 Ram 1500 continues to receive updates. Leaning into its image as a more premium pickup truck, the Ram 1500 gets some more modern tech this year. Sadly, it is all optional and requires you to upgrade trim levels or spec on packages. Some of the new features include a full-color head-up display, a digital rearview mirror, and trailer reverse steering control. The 4x4 Off-road Group is also expanded with Off-road pages, which supplies information on the transfer case position and ride height, among others. From the Laramie upwards, pedestrian detection and full-speed collision warning have been added to the driver-assistance suite. The Longhorn Limited and limited-run Mopar Ram 1500 Special Edition join the model lineup, too.

Pros and Cons

Highly capable diesel powertrain
Near-top-of-class towing capacity
Best infotainment suite in the segment
Plush ride comfort
High-quality and upscale interior

Excessive weight hampers already poor fuel economy
Most of the nicest features cost extra
Best driver-assistance features limited to top trim levels

What's the Price of the 2021 Ram 1500?

Best Deals on 2021 Ram 1500

2021 Ram 1500 Big Horn

$43,900

31,613 miles

Fair Deal

Average price

2021 Ram 1500 Limited

$57,430

14,766 miles

2021 Ram 1500 Lone Star

$39,104

18,364 miles

2021 Ram 1500 Lone Star

$32,749

28,588 miles

See All 1500 For Sale

2021 Ram 1500 Trims

See trim levels and configurations:

Trim	Engine	Transmission	Drivetrain	Price (MSRP)
Tradesman	3.6L V6 Gas	8-Speed Automatic	Rear-Wheel Drive Four-Wheel Drive	$32,795
Tradesman HFE	3.0L Turbo V6 Diesel 3.6L V6 Gas	8-Speed Automatic	Rear-Wheel Drive	$34,645
Lone Star	3.6L V6 Gas	8-Speed Automatic	Rear-Wheel Drive Four-Wheel Drive	$37,290
Big Horn	3.6L V6 Gas	8-Speed Automatic	Rear-Wheel Drive Four-Wheel Drive	$37,290
Laramie	3.6L V6 Gas	8-Speed Automatic	Rear-Wheel Drive Four-Wheel Drive	$41,980

See All 2021 Ram 1500 Trims and Specs

2021 1500 Exterior

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Dimensions

Length 228.9 in
Wheelbase 140.5 in
Height 77.6 in
Max Width 82.1 in
Curb Weight 4,778.0 lbs

Exterior Colors

Diamond Black Crystal Pearlcoat +$100
Patriot Blue Pearlcoat +$100
Delmonico Red Pearlcoat +$100
Hydro Blue Pearlcoat +$100
Olive Green Pearlcoat, Build Out:04/19/2021. +$100
Olive Green Pearlcoat, Build Out: 04/13/21 +$100
Olive Green Pearlcoat +$100
Olive Green Pearlcoat, Build Out:04/13/2021. +$100
Olive Green Pearlcoat, Build Out:04/20/21 +$100
Billet Silver Metallic Clearcoat +$200
Maximum Steel Metallic Clearcoat +$200
Granite Crystal Metallic Clearcoat +$200
Ivory White Tri-Coat Pearlcoat +$500
Flame Red Clearcoat
Tank Clearcoat, Build Out:02/03/2021
Anvil Clearcoat, Build Out:02/03/2021
Spitfire Orange Clearcoat
Bright White Clearcoat
Anvil Clearcoat, Build Out:09/18/2020

See all 19 colors

2021 1500 Performance

Ram

Ram

Ram

Engine and Transmission

Engines

3.0L Turbo Diesel, 3.0L Turbo V6 Diesel, 3.6L V6 Gas, 5.7L V8 Gas, 5.7L V8 HEMI MDS VVT, 5.7L V8 HEMI MDS VVT eTorque
Transmission

8-Speed Automatic
Drivetrains

4X4, RWD

2021 1500 Interior

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Seating and Interior Space

Seating capacity

6-seater

Front Leg Room 40.9 in
Front Head Room 40.9 in
Rear Leg Room 35.6 in
Rear Head Room 39.2 in

2021 1500 Trunk and Cargo Space

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2021 1500 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 A Good Truck?

Sales figures alone prove that the Ram 1500 is a great truck; so many people can't be wrong, can they? Pickup owners are notoriously loyal, so luring customers away from Ford, GM, and Dodge is an impressive feat. This is despite some questionable reliability expectations, as evidenced by quite a few recalls since the latest generation model was released. Luckily, its safety rating is not in question, with the NHTSA review of the 2021 Ram 1500 returning a solid four-star rating with the Quad Cab, and five stars with the Crew Cab.

Further strengths include an upscale cabin and above-average ride quality. There are plenty of modern features on offer, too, including a fair number of advanced driver aids. However, the Ram 1500 falls a bit behind in terms of towing and sheer power, which is what most buyers in the segment really care about. Even though it is perfectly capable off-road, this hurts its appeal. But, if you want a decent helping of capability, luxury, comfort, and adventure, Ram's 4-door pickup is definitely worth your time and money.

What Ram 1500 Model Should I Buy?

There is a Ram 1500 to fit just about any need, so recommending a particular model depends entirely on said need. If you want to go off-roading on the regular, the Rebel is a great option, while consumers who only care about workhorse credentials will opt for the cheaper Tradesman and spec on the V8 engine. But, if you want to capitalize on the Ram's all-round proficiency, the Limited is the way to go. The price of this 2021 Ram 1500 pickup is a hefty $57,150 ($61,150 with AWD), but you get a lot for your money. This includes the air suspension and potent V8, leather-trimmed seating with heated and ventilated front seats and heated rear seats, and a 12-inch touchscreen paired with a nine-speaker sound system. The Limited Level 1 Equipment Group will add $2,995 to the bill, but the 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio setup and the addition of adaptive cruise control, parallel and perpendicular park assist, pedestrian emergency braking, and a surround-view camera feels worth it.