The 2021 Ram 1500 lasts around 250,000 miles with some minor emergency brake and serpentine belt issues reported. At $33,990 to $94,987, it can get expensive for the high-performance model, but is a decent value for a large truck.
Is the 2021 Ram 1500 a Good Used Truck?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2021 is a great year for the Ram 1500 since it offers tons of power along with an upscale cabin. Owner reviews praise the improved reliability, easy-to-use stereo system along with the strong V8 engines.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are nicer than other large trucks, the seats are extremely comfortable, there are also two bed lengths available.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no serious problems reported on the 2021 Ram 1500. Avoid models from 2012–2015 since they have engine problems, models from 2016–2022 are much more dependable options.
- Performance 9/10 – The base engines are similar to other trucks, while the TRX model is the most powerful full size truck on the market.
- Safety 7/10 – The 2021 Ram 1500 is safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. It comes standard with a rearview camera. Optional upgrades include adaptive cruise control along with automatic emergency braking.
- Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is okay at up to 24 MPG, giving 792 miles of range from the 33 gallon tank. Gas costs are $43 cheaper than average at $276 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2021 Ram 1500 is similar in price to many other large trucks with a slow depreciation rate, making it a decent value for shoppers.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Ram 1500?
- Consumer Reports says the 2021 Ram 1500 is a gentler pickup truck compared to many competitors, with good owner satisfaction scores as it ages.
- Edmunds rates the Ram 1500 at 3.2/5, praising the very spacious cabin, but doesn’t like the driver assistance features only being offered on higher trims.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Ram 1500 a 4.4/5, enjoying the very smooth available air suspension, but owners don’t like the high costs for the higher-end models.
What Common Problems Does the 2021 Ram 1500 Have?
Common problems found on the 2021 Ram 1500 include the emergency brake engaging while driving, torn serpentine belts, along with excessive noise from the passenger seat. Overall, these problems are similar to some other full size trucks on the market, leading to average repair bills as the Ram 1500 ages.
The emergency brake engaging while driving is the most widespread complaint on the 2021 Ram 1500, showing up in the first 10,000 miles. The problem is usually caused by a software glitch which causes the electronic emergency brake to engage. There are software updates for the system which improve its reliability and function which dealers will install for free.
Torn serpentine belts have also been reported by some 2021 Ram 1500 owners in the first 20,000 miles. There are aftermarket belts available which are stronger and can be installed for around $150 since some of the original belts do not seem to hold up well, especially in hot and dry climates.
Excessive noise from the front passenger seat is another issue mentioned by some Ram 1500 owners at around 500 miles. The problem is usually caused by loose components in the seat, or a loose connection to the seat rails. Tightening the seat is usually covered under warranty when the truck is still relatively new.
There are ten recalls on the 2021 Ram 1500, which is worse than other trucks from the same year. The most serious recall is for the powertrain control module software, which can cause the engine to stall while driving. Ram will update the software for free on affected models. Other recalls cover the fuel pump, along with the rearview camera.
How Long Will the 2021 Ram 1500 Last?
A well-maintained 2021 Ram 1500 can last around 250,000 miles, which is slightly shorter than the long-lasting Toyota Tundra. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to other full size trucks according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $651 per year.
As a used 2021 Ram 1500 reaches 100,000 miles and depending on the vehicle history owners should be prepared to replace the HVAC air door actuator for $115, a power steering hose costing $300, along with the air bag clock spring which costs $575.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is basic in the entry-level Ram 1500 with a simple 5-inch touchscreen. Optional upgrades include larger 8.4-inch or 12-inch touchscreens, which have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Standard safety technology is also simple for a full size truck, as it only comes with a rearview camera.
Optional advanced driver assistance features include:
- Head-up display
- Forward collision warning
- Pedestrian detection
- Lane departure warning
- Surround-view parking camera system
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Automatic high-beam headlights
- Adaptive cruise control
- Automatic emergency braking
- Blind spot monitoring
- Lane keep assist
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Parallel and perpendicular park assist
Is the 2021 Ram 1500 a Good Value?
Yes, the 2021 Ram 1500 series is a good value since it offers a lot of advanced technology features for the money. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $33,990 to $94,987, making it similar in price to the GMC Sierra 1500 and the Nissan Titan. When new, the price range was $29,510 to $70,325. In current market conditions it’s gained value, but in normal times we expect it to lose about 5% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Ram 1500?
There are eight models of the 2021 Ram 1500 offered, from the base Tradesman all the way through to the more luxurious Limited, and the powerful TRX. The Ram 1500 comes standard with rear-wheel drive, while four-wheel drive is available as an optional upgrade.
Tradesman is the entry-level model with:
- 18-inch steel wheels
- 5-inch touchscreen and six-speaker stereo
- Air conditioning
- Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel
- Trailer sway damping
Big Horn and Lone Star are a step up, adding:
- 18-inch aluminum wheels
- Fog Lights
- 60/40-split folding rear seat
- Optional 8.4-inch or 12-inch touchscreen
Rebel is a more off-road focused model which has:
- Aggressive styling
- LED exterior lighting
- Upgraded shocks, suspension tuning, and larger all-terrain tires
- Hill descent control and four underbody skid plates
- Electronic locking rear axle
Laramie offers more luxury with:
- 4-inch touchscreen
- Power mirrors and power rear window
- Leather upholstery
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Forward collision mitigation
- Longhorn is a very popular choice which offers:
- Side steps
- Reclining heated rear seats and rear underseat storage
- Navigation and satellite radio
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Spray-in bedliner and in-bed lighting
Limited is the most luxurious model with:
- 12-inch touchscreen
- Four-corner air suspension
- Wireless charging pad
- Premium-leather bucket seats
- Power-deployable running boards
- Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
TRX is the high-performance version which has:
- Supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine
- Bilstein adaptive dampers with remote reservoirs
- 2-inch suspension lift
- 35-inch all-terrain tires
- Upgraded brakes
- Dana 60 solid rear axle
- Electronic locking differential
- Five underbody skid plates
- Launch control and performance data access via the 12-inch screen
Key Optional Features:
- Reverse steering control
- Digital rearview mirror
- Head-up display
- Wireless device charging
- RamBox cargo storage
- Dual-pane panoramic sunroof
- 33-gallon fuel tank
- 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system
What Engines Come In the Ram 1500?
- The base engine is an average 3.6L V6 which makes 305 horsepower and 269 lb.-ft. of torque at up to 22 MPG. It comes standard with an 8-speed automatic transmission and can tow up to 7,750 pounds.
- An available upgrade is the stronger 5.7L V8, which produces 395 horsepower and 410 lb.-ft. of torque while getting up to 17 MPG. This engine also has an eight-speed automatic transmission. The towing capacity is higher at up to 12,750 pounds.
- There’s the efficient 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 which generates 260 horsepower and 480 lb.-ft. of torque at up to 24 MPG. It also features the eight-speed automatic transmission and can tow up to 12,560 pounds.
- The TRX model comes standard with a very powerful 6.2L supercharged V8 which makes 702 horsepower and 650 lb.-ft. of torque and gets up to 12 MPG. Performance is great, taking only 4.5 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Ram 1500 Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Ram 1500?
The 2021 Ram 1500 is renowned for its exceptional comfort and luxury, setting a high standard for full-size pickup trucks. The cabin boasts a spacious and well-appointed interior, with ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. This provides a comfortable ride even on long trips or during extended periods of driving. The seats are supportive and well-cushioned, with available options such as leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and power-adjustable driver and passenger seats that cater to individual preferences.
The Ram 1500’s refined ride quality is another aspect contributing to its overall comfort. Its coil-spring rear suspension and optional air suspension system effectively absorb road imperfections, providing a smooth and composed ride that rivals many luxury SUVs. The truck’s cabin is well-insulated from outside noise, providing a quiet and serene driving experience.
How Much Storage Space Does the Ram 1500 Have?
The 2021 Ram 1500 offers versatile storage options, combining both interior and exterior spaces to accommodate various items. There are two bed lengths available for the Ram 1500: the 5’7″ short bed, or the 6’4″ longer bed. These bed lengths provide ample space for hauling items such as furniture, bicycles, ATVs, and even small boats, depending on the bed length and configuration.
The truck’s bed can be further customized with the RamBox Cargo Management System, which includes lockable, drainable storage bins integrated into the side rails, providing additional secure storage space for tools, gear, or other smaller items. The Ram 1500 also features an available multifunction tailgate that can be opened both vertically and swing open horizontally, making loading and unloading more accessible.
Inside the cabin, the Ram 1500 offers various storage solutions, including under-seat storage, a configurable center console, and door pockets. These interior storage spaces can accommodate items such as laptops, tablets, smartphones, and other small personal belongings.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The fifth generation of the Ram 1500 was introduced for the 2019 model year.
2015: Sportier R/T model introduced.
2016: New exterior color choices available, upgraded center console added.
2017: Outdoorsman model and the six-speed automatic transmission removed from the lineup.
2018: Standard rearview camera across the lineup, updated 8.4-inch touchscreen, along with the new Tungsten model.
2019: Fully redesigned for the fifth generation with new engines, interior, exterior styling, along with a higher towing capacity.
2020: Optional 3.0L EcoDiesel engine available, Night Edition package available.
2021: New high-performance TRX model introduced, optional head-up display offered.
How Does the Ram 1500 Compare to the Competition?
The 2021 Ram 1500 is a very nice full size truck, offering more luxury and technology features than many competitors, although you trade some long-term reliability for those items.
The Chevy Silverado 1500 is another full size truck available for about $2,000 more. The Silverado offers a higher towing capacity with its larger V8 engine, while the Ram 1500 has a more comfortable and luxurious cabin. We recommend the Ram 1500, although both are very similar to each other, for the 2021 model year.
The Toyota Tundra is a popular competitor which costs around $3,500 more. Ownership costs are much lower in the Toyota Tundra, while the Ram has better optional technology features. We recommend the Toyota Tundra since it’s rated as the longest-lasting full size truck from 2021.
