beebs
Skip to main content

2021 Ram 1500 Classic review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
6 photos

Ram 1500 Classic highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability rating

Pros

  • Work ready trims
  • Smooth ride
  • Smartphone connectivity

Cons

  • Limited driver assist technology 
  • Few available features
  • Dated styling

Mileage (EPA estimate)

15 city, 21 highway, 17 combined

Pricing for current inventory

From $23,998 - $28,998*

View our Ram 1500 Classic inventory
Lighting bolt logo
Can an EV fit my lifestyle? Image of woman on smartphone while charging an EV

Does an EV fit my lifestyle?

On this page

6 photos

Find your 1500 Classic
then buy online or in-store

Learn more about getting pre-qualified with no impact to your credit score
Price
Year
Search our 1500 Classic inventorySearch for a different car

Shop with your budget in mind

Getting pre-qualified lets you shop with personalized monthly payments, and it doesn't impact your credit score.

Get Pre-qualified

A work truck that can also play

The 2021 Ram 1500 Classic is a no-frills work truck that can also hold its own on weekend camping trips, or hauling your boat to the lake. The 2021 Ram 1500 Classic comes with two engine options: a V6 or a Hemi® V8. Four-wheel drive is available on every trim, and the 2021 Ram 1500 Classic also offers some features to improve your off-road performance, including an available limited-slip rear differential. Three trims, three cabin options, and three bed lengths mean it’s easy to find the 2021 Ram 1500 Classic that is right for you.

All Ram 1500 Classic years

What is new for the 2021 Ram 1500 Classic?

  • Blind Spot Monitor, Lane Departure Warning, and Panoramic Sunroof features are now available as options on select trims.
  • The Tradesman trim now comes with Alloy Wheels and Bluetooth Technology as standard equipment.
  • The Warlock trim now comes with Tow Hitch as standard equipment.
  • The SLT trim now comes with Tow Hitch as standard equipment.
  • The Express trim now comes with Tow Hitch and Bluetooth Technology as standard equipment.
  • The SSV trim now comes with Cloth Seats and Bluetooth Technology as standard equipment.

2021 Ram 1500 Classic trims

Curious how Ram 1500 Classic trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

Tradesman:

Warlock:

SLT:

Express:

SSV:

  • Includes all features available on the Express
  • Power Seats

Ram 1500 Classic photos

5 reasons to buy the 2021 Ram 1500 Classic

1. Available V8 

Whether you’re hauling landscaping materials or pulling a camper, you’ll love to power in the 2021 Ram 1500 Classic. The truck comes standard with a 305-hp 3.6L V6 engine. For the most strength, choose a 2021 Ram 1500 Classic with the 395-hp 5.7L Hemi® V8, which is available on every trim.  

2. Powerful towing 

Whether you’re bringing your horse to a trail ride or transporting a mini excavator to work, the 2021 Ram 1500 Classic can handle the load. With the available V8 engine, the 2021 Ram 1500 Classic with a Regular Cab and 8-foot bed can tow up to 10,610 pounds when properly equipped.

For the best towing power, choose a 2021 Ram 1500 Classic with the factory-mounted goose-neck trailer hitch, and opt for the tow package that adds towing mirrors and a trailer brake controller.  

3. Four-wheel drive ready 

The 2021 Ram 1500 Classic can work hard, but it can also play hard. Reaching an off-grid campsite or going mudding with friends is no problem with four-wheel drive, available on all trims. The available limited-slip rear-differential and various axle gear ratios improve off-road performance.  

4. Functional bed options 

The 2021 Ram 1500 Classic is built to hold all your gear and tools. The available eight-foot bed is a fit for building supplies like lumber and drywall, or kayaks for a day of fun. The available RamBox cargo boxes allow you to lock your tools away and keep them protected from the weather.  

5. Smartphone connectivity 

Keep your music flowing thanks to the available smartphone connectivity on the 2021 Ram 1500 Classic. Apple Carplay®, Android Auto™ and Bluetooth® integration are available on every 2021 Ram 1500 Classic. Your playlist will help long workdays or long drives pass quickly.

Shop with your budget in mind

Getting pre-qualified lets you shop with personalized monthly payments, and it doesn't impact your credit score.

Get Pre-qualified

Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4.7 out of 5

15 customer reviews

RepairPal reliability rating

4
1
2
Excellent

RepairPal gave the Ram 1500 Classic an overall reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Ram 1500 Classic 1st out of 19 among Fullsize Trucks.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Ram 1500 Classic

Ram 1500 Classic features and specs

Curious how Ram 1500 Classic trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

Tradesman 2WD 2D Regular Cab

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Cruise Control
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Windows
  • Rear View Camera
  • Side Airbags
  • Tow Hitch
  • Traction Control
  • Vinyl Seats

Optional Features

  • 20 Inch Plus Wheels
  • Alloy Wheels
  • Bed Cover
  • Bed Liner
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • CD Audio
  • Cloth Seats
  • Heated Mirrors
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Parking Sensors
  • RamBox
  • Rear Defroster
  • Running Boards
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Tow Hitch

Drive Wheels

Rear Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

3.6L

Horsepower

305

Torque (ft-lbs)

269

Engine type

Gas

Fuel capacity

26

Wheelbase

120"

Overall length

209"

Width

79.4"

Height

74.6"

Leg room

F 41"

Head room

F 39.9"

Front tires

P265/70SR17

Rear tires

P265/70SR17

Seating capacity

3

Max towing capacity

494/4960 lbs.

Transmission

Automatic

2021 Ram 1500 Classic FAQ

Ram 1500 Classic inventory

Check out our Ram 1500 Classic inventory

2021 Ram 1500 Classic Warlock

2021 Ram 1500 Classic Warlock

$28,998*56k Miles

Omaha, Nebraska

2022 Ram 1500 Classic Tradesman

2022 Ram 1500 Classic Tradesman

$20,998*47k Miles

Omaha, Nebraska

2019 Ram 1500 Classic Tradesman

2019 Ram 1500 Classic Tradesman

$20,998*97k Miles

Wichita, Kansas

2021 Ram 1500 Classic Tradesman

2021 Ram 1500 Classic Tradesman

$23,998*45k Miles

Merriam, Kansas

2019 Ram 1500 Classic Express

2019 Ram 1500 Classic Express

$28,998*50k Miles

Merriam, Kansas

2022 Ram 1500 Classic Warlock

2022 Ram 1500 Classic Warlock

$30,998*39k Miles

Independence, Missouri

2022 Ram 1500 Classic Warlock

2022 Ram 1500 Classic Warlock

$31,998*36k Miles

Independence, Missouri

Want to view more?

Research other vehicles


* Price excludes taxes, title, registration, and fees. Applicable transfer fees are due in advance of vehicle delivery and are separate from sales transactions.

We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.​

Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.

Unless otherwise noted, information related to featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities.​ By clicking on any video links, you will be taken to a third-party site maintained by YouTube, Inc.

We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing.