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2021 Ram 1500 review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
6 photos

Ram 1500 highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • Ram 1500 TRX is a hugely capable off-road model
  • More tech offerings for 2021 add more appeal to the lineup

Cons

  • Driver-assist technology remains optional across the range
  • The TRX impresses, but it should given its near $100,000 price tag

Mileage (EPA estimate)

10 city, 14 highway, 12 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

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Price
Year
Mileage

The 2021 Ram 1500 adds even more capability with TRX model

Few vehicle types match the breadth of use of full-size light-duty pickup trucks, and there's no better representative than the 2021 Ram 1500. At one end of the scale is the relatively basic Tradesman trim, bought by thousands of people who just need a truck to go about their business. At the opposite end is the Ram 1500 TRX, a new-for-2021 model that features a thundering supercharged 6.2-liter engine producing 702 hp. It can reach 60 mph on almost any surface in just 4.5 seconds, thanks to special tires, an off-road-specific suspension, and a reinforced frame. Its capabilities, and MSRP close to $100,000, surely put it out of reach for many, but the Ram 1500 is a great truck even at less lofty price points.

There's near limitless choice: three cabs and four cargo bed lengths, combined with four engines, rear- or all-wheel drive, and seven available trims. All Ram 1500s come with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the engine choices are a 3.6-liter V6 with 305 hp, a 5.7-liter V8 with 395 hp, a 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel with 260 hp, and that supercharged 702-hp 6.2-liter V8 that's unique to the TRX. All models drive very smoothly thanks to the fitting of coil springs under the cargo bed. The Ram 1500 is easy to recommend in any form, though it's regrettable that many of the latest driver aids remain on the options list.

All Ram 1500 years

What is new for the 2021 Ram 1500?

  • The 1500 is available in a new trim called the TRX.
  • 1500 trims have been upgraded with Automated Parking, Rear A/C Seat(s), and Supercharged Engine as standard equipment this year.
  • Head Up Display features are now available as options on select trims.
  • The Lonestar trim now comes with Bed Liner and Smart Key as standard equipment.
  • The Bighorn trim now comes with Bed Liner, Satellite Radio Ready, and Smart Key as standard equipment.
  • The Rebel trim now comes with Smart Key as standard equipment.
  • The Tradesman trim now comes with Bed Liner as standard equipment.
  • The Longhorn trim now comes with Navigation System and Blind Spot Monitor as standard equipment.
  • The HFE trim now comes with Smart Key as standard equipment.

2021 Ram 1500 trims

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

Tradesman:

  • 395-hp, 410-lb-ft of torque 5.7L
  • 305-hp, 269-lb-ft of torque 3.6L
  • 260-hp, 480-lb-ft of torque 3.0L
  • Cruise Control
  • Vinyl Seats
  • Power Mirrors
  • Traction Control
  • Side Airbags
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Rear View Camera
  • Smart Key
  • View our Ram 1500 Tradesman inventory

HFE:

  • Includes all features available on the Tradesman
  • Cloth Seats
  • Running Boards
  • 20 Inch Plus Wheels

Bighorn:

Lonestar:

Laramie:

  • Includes all features available on the Lonestar
  • Rear Defroster
  • Leatherette Seats
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Automated Parking
  • A/C Seats
  • Memory Seats
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Leather Seats
  • View our Ram 1500 Laramie inventory

Rebel:

Longhorn:

Limited:

TRX:

  • Includes all features available on the Limited
  • 702-hp, 650-lb-ft of torque 6.2L
  • Supercharged Engine

Ram 1500 photos

5 reasons to buy the 2021 Ram 1500

1. Powertrain options

2021 Ram 1500 Review: Exterior | CarMax

The 2021 Ram 1500 offers a wide assortment of engine options, providing the power you need to tackle big jobs. The 3.6L Pentastar® V6 (standard in Tradesman, Big Horn, and Rebel trims) and 5.7L HEMI V8 (available in all trims) include an eTorque mild-hybrid system, which optimizes shift changes for an extra boost of performance. You can also find 2021 Ram 1500s with the 5.7L Hemi V8 without the mild-hybrid system if you prefer a truck with a traditional powertrain (standard in Laramie, Longhorn, and Limited trims; available in all other trims). For a torque-rich engine that's also practical at the pumps, consider the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel (available on all trims). When equipped with rear-wheel drive and the eight-speed automatic transmission, the 3.0L V6 EcoDiesel returns an EPA-estimated 26 mpg combined.

2. New TRX trim

For 2021, changes to the Ram 1500 include a new TRX trim, which redefines the boundaries of what a pickup can be. Powered by a 6.2L HEMI supercharged V8 with 702 hp and 650 lb.-ft. of torque, the 2021 Ram 1500 TRX is a high-performance truck that can go from zero to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds (according to the manufacturer, when new). This model also includes a launch control with launch-assist system, which regulates engine RPM and monitors wheel slip feedback to achieve fast acceleration rates. You can off-road in the TRX, too, with the standard 2.5-inch Bilstein® Black Hawk e2 adaptive performance shocks, which continuously adapt to varied terrain for optimal body control.

3. Strong towing abilities

2021 Ram 1500 Review: Trunk | CarMax

If you're shopping for a pickup to help you tow with ease, the 2021 Ram 1500 will impress you with its pulling abilities and smart technologies. For heavy loads, consider the 2021 Ram 1500 with the 5.7L V8 HEMI with eTorque, which can tow an estimated 12,750 lbs. when properly equipped.

 Available power-fold tow mirrors provide great visibility, while the available surround-view monitor uses five cameras to help you align the truck to a trailer. On the road, the available blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-path detection scans blind-spot zones and automatically senses the length of the trailer for confident lane changes.

4. Comfortable cabin

2021 Ram 1500 Review: Front seats| CarMax

The 2021 Ram 1500 has a roomy cabin with cavernous passenger space and functional cubby storage to keep belongings nearby. With room for five or six passengers, depending on the trim you choose, Crew Cab models boast 45.2 inches of rear-seat legroom and available reclining rear-seats for customized comfort on long trips. The available in-floor storage zone is also a great place to store tools or cargo out-of-view (Tradesman and Big Horn trims with Crew Cab only). You'll love how bright the cabin feels with the available dual-pane power-operated sunroof (standard on 2021 Ram 1500 Big Horn and higher trims with Crew Cab only), while leather seating surfaces with accent stitching add to the truck's luxurious atmosphere (standard on Laramie and higher trims).

5. Advanced technology

2021 Ram 1500 Review: Dashboard | CarMax

The 2021 Ram 1500 is a tech-rich truck, offering useful features for work or play. All models come standard with a ParkView rear backup camera to assist with tricky reverse moves, while Laramie and higher trims include a Uconnect infotainment system with an 8.4-inch display. The available head-up display (included in the Advanced Technology Group package for Big Horn and higher trims) lets you see stats, like turn-by-turn navigation, current speed, and incoming calls, without taking your eyes off the road. The 2021 Ram 1500 also features an available digital rearview mirror (included in the Advanced Technology Group package for Big Horn and higher trims) that improves driver rearward visibility by displaying real-time video from the rear-facing camera.

Similar vehicles

If you're interested in the 2021 Ram 1500, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.

Image of RAM 2500

Redesigned in 2019 for its fifth generation, the RAM 2500 is a heavy-duty pickup that can handle punishing jobs. 2019–2021 models use a 410-hp 6.4L V8 that can tow an estimated 17,580 lbs when properly equipped or an option turbocharged 370-hp 6.7L V6 diesel that can tow an estimated 19,780 lbs when properly equipped.

2017–2021 models also offer an available auto-level rear air suspension system, which adapts to shifting loads and undulations of the road. Standard features on the 2017–2019 RAM 2500 Tradesman include:

  • 17-inch steel wheels

  • Vinyl 40/20/40 front bench seat with manual adjust

  • Rearview monitor (2018–2021)

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

3
1
2
Above Average

RepairPal gave the Ram 1500 an overall reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Ram 1500 3rd out of 19 among Fullsize Trucks.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Ram 1500

Ram 1500 features and specs

Tradesman 2WD 4D Crew Cab

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Bed Liner
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Cruise Control
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Windows
  • Rear View Camera
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Tow Hitch
  • Traction Control
  • Turbo Diesel Engine
  • Vinyl Seats
  • 20 Inch Plus Wheels
  • Adjustable Suspension
  • Alloy Wheels
  • Bed Cover
  • Bed Liner
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Cloth Seats
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Power Seat(s)
  • RamBox
  • Rear Defroster
  • Running Boards
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Tow Hitch

Drive Wheels

Rear Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

3.0L

Horsepower

260

Torque (ft-lbs)

480

Engine type

Turbo Diesel

Fuel capacity

26

Wheelbase

153.5"

Overall length

241.8"

Width

82.1"

Height

77.4"

Leg room

F 40.9"/R 45.2"

Head room

F 40.9"/R 39.8"

Front tires

P275/65TR18

Rear tires

P275/65TR18

Seating capacity

6

Max towing capacity

650/6600 lbs.

Transmission

Automatic

2021 Ram 1500 FAQ

More about the 2021 Ram 1500

Color options

Exterior colors:

  • Billet Silver Metallic

  • Bright White

  • Delmonico Red Pearl

  • Diamond Black Crystal Pearl

  • Flame Red

  • Granite Crystal Metallic

  • Hydro Blue

  • Ivory Tri-Coat

  • Maximum Steel Metallic

  • Olive Green

  • Patriot Blue Pearl

  • Two-tone Billet Silver Metallic

  • Two-tone Diamond Black Crystal Pearl

  • Two-tone RV Match Walnut Brown Metallic

Interior details

  • 10-speaker sound system (standard on Laramie and higher trims)

  • Leather upholstery (standard on Laramie and higher trims)

  • Spray-in bed liner (standard on Longhorn and Limited trims; optional in others)

  • Available dual-pane power-operated sunroof (Big Horn and higher trims with Crew Cab only)

  • Available in-floor storage (Tradesman and Big Horn trims only)

NHTSA Safety Ratings

The 2021 Ram 1500 Crew cab with 2WD and 4WD received an overall 5/5 rating by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Find out more about this rating and how NHTSA’s 5-Star Safety Ratings program evaluates the crash protection and rollover safety of new vehicles.

Keep in mind that certain vehicles may have unrepaired safety recalls. Click here to look up a specific vehicle.

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