2021 Ram 1500

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2021 Ram 1500 Review: Setting The New Standard

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:

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 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

2021 Ram 1500 Front Angle View CarBuzz
2021 Ram 1500 Rear View CarBuzz
2021 Ram 1500 Aft View CarBuzz
See All 2021 Ram 1500 Exterior Photos

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
See all 19 colors

2021 1500 Performance

2021 Ram 1500 Front View Driving Ram
2021 Ram 1500 Front Angle View 1 Ram
2021 Ram 1500 Engine 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

2021 Ram 1500 Dashboard CarBuzz
2021 Ram 1500 Steering Wheel Controls CarBuzz
2021 Ram 1500 Sunroof CarBuzz
See All 2021 Ram 1500 Interior Photos

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

2021 Ram 1500 Cargo Room CarBuzz
2021 Ram 1500 Cargo Capacity CarBuzz
2021 Ram 1500 Exterior Details CarBuzz

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.

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