2021 Ram 1500 Review

　　

2021 Ram 1500 Review

byTravis LangnessReviews Editor

　　Travis Langness has worked in the automotive industry since 2011. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career.

　　The Ram 1500 truck has been our top-rated light-duty pickup since this latest generation debuted for 2019. It has set the bar for the class in terms of technology integration, interior materials quality and ride comfort while providing stout towing and hauling capabilities. For 2021, however, the competition is significantly tougher: The 2021 Ford F-150 has been fully redesigned.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Ram 1500 Tradesman 4dr Quad Cab SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$171/mo  for 1500 Tradesman

　　1500 Tradesman

　　Tradesman 4dr Quad Cab SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $32,795 MSRPTradesman 4dr Crew Cab 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $35,645 MSRPTradesman 4dr Crew Cab 6.3 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $35,945 MSRPTradesman 4dr Quad Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $36,295 MSRPTradesman 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $39,145 MSRPTradesman 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.3 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $39,445 MSRPHFE 4dr Quad Cab SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $34,645 MSRPHFE 4dr Crew Cab SB (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 8A) - $42,240 MSRPBig Horn 4dr Quad Cab SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $37,290 MSRPBig Horn 4dr Crew Cab 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $39,965 MSRPBig Horn 4dr Crew Cab 6.3 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $40,265 MSRPBig Horn 4dr Quad Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $40,790 MSRPBig Horn 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) (Most Popular) - $43,465 MSRPBig Horn 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.3 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $43,765 MSRPLone Star 4dr Quad Cab SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $37,290 MSRPLone Star 4dr Crew Cab 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $39,965 MSRPLone Star 4dr Crew Cab 6.3 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $40,265 MSRPLone Star 4dr Quad Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $40,790 MSRPLone Star 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $43,465 MSRPLone Star 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.3 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $43,765 MSRPLaramie 4dr Quad Cab SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $41,980 MSRPLaramie 4dr Crew Cab 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $45,005 MSRPLaramie 4dr Crew Cab 6.3 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $45,305 MSRPLaramie 4dr Quad Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $45,480 MSRPLaramie 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $48,505 MSRPLaramie 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.3 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $48,805 MSRPRebel 4dr Crew Cab 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $46,295 MSRPRebel 4dr Quad Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $46,670 MSRPRebel 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $49,620 MSRPLonghorn 4dr Crew Cab 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $52,280 MSRPLonghorn 4dr Crew Cab 6.3 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $52,580 MSRPLonghorn 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $55,780 MSRPLonghorn 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.3 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $56,080 MSRPLimited 4dr Crew Cab 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A) - $56,950 MSRPLimited 4dr Crew Cab 5.6 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A) - $57,150 MSRPLimited 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.6 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A) - $60,650 MSRPLimited 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A) - $60,950 MSRPTRX 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.2L 8cyl S/C 8A) - $70,325 MSRP

　　vs

　　$233/mo

　　Avg. Large Truck

　　Ram isn't just giving up its crown without a fight. This year's 1500 gets new optional tech features such as a driver head-up display, an available digital rearview mirror, new performance and off-road readouts via the 12-inch touchscreen, and a trailer reverse control system that steers the truck for you as you direct your trailer into your parking spot.

　　Small potatoes, you say? OK, how about the all-new Ram 1500 TRX? It features a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 thumping out 702 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. That's a lot of russets. Ram says the TRX can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds — an astonishing figure for a beefy pickup truck like this. But that's not all. The TRX also gets wide-body fenders, 35-inch tires, a specialized suspension, a reinforced frame and a 2-inch chassis lift, all for enhanced off-road high-speed performance.

　　With a potential price tag approaching $100,000, a fully loaded TRX certainly isn't for everyone. Then again, that's the beauty of a full-size truck — there's a version to pretty much match every need, want and budget. Want to know more? Check out our Expert Rating below to get our team's full evaluation of the 2021 Ram 1500's performance, comfort, towing capability and more.

　　

What's it like to live with?

zzdcar purchased a Ram 1500 and drove it for two years and nearly 50,000 miles. To learn more about our experiences, read our Ram 1500 long-term test. We cover everything from seat comfort to real-world fuel economy and durability. Note that we tested a 2019 Ram 1500 but it and the 2021 truck are of the same generation, so most of our observations still apply.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Great

　　8.4

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.5/10

　　How does the 1500 drive? Our test truck had the V8 engine and the eight-speed transmission. They work so well together that we could recommend this truck on that basis alone. It's strong, and it's easy to drive in just about every situation. The same can largely be said for the newly reintroduced EcoDiesel powertrain — especially if you appreciate the pulling power of diesel torque.

　　But there's much more to the Ram than solid powertrain choices. We've tested many Ram configurations, and they all impress us with their steady steering, confident braking and secure handling. Ram's decade-old decision to walk away from leaf springs and switch to a coil-spring rear suspension continues to pay dividends. We're surprised no one has followed its lead.

　　

Comfort

8.5/10

　　How comfortable is the 1500? Wind and road noise is minimal, particularly in higher trim levels. Even the rumbling V8 provides only a soothing soundtrack unless you decide to open it up. The Ram 1500 expertly soaks up varying road imperfections and does it without the rough ride you'd normally expect from a light-duty pickup.

　　The front seats are nicely shaped to provide comfort and support over long distances, and that's even true of the entry-level Tradesman. Even the rear bench has an agreeable backrest angle, and it reclines a surprising amount in higher trims. We also like the Ram 1500's effective climate control system, which offers rear center A/C vents even if you get three-across front seating.

　　

Interior

8.5/10

　　How’s the interior? The Ram 1500 crew cab's interior is a pleasing place to spend time. The doors open wide to make it easy to get in, and all four doors have their own chunky and well-positioned grab handles. For the driver, there are easy-to-reach controls and a commanding view of the road.

　　Passengers in any seat will find plenty of headroom, legroom and shoulder room. The cabin is spacious, and the Ram has more rear legroom and foot clearance than competing trucks. Although the rearview mirror is a bit small, the Ram's large windows and clever hood design help with outward visibility overall.

　　

Technology

8.5/10

　　How’s the tech? The optional 12-inch touchscreen is a dazzling addition to any vehicle, let alone a pickup truck. It offers a huge map and sharp graphics. The 8.4-inch Uconnect infotainment system is also impressive and offers navigation. Both get multiple USB and USB-C ports, plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone compatibility. Meanwhile, the 5-inch screen in the Tradesman has the basics down pat.

　　Ram unfortunately does not include any driver assist features as standard equipment. Only the Laramie model and above offer parking assistance sensors, forward collision and lane departure mitigation. When it's equipped, adaptive cruise control does a good job of bringing the truck down to a complete stop. Automated parking assistance is available, and it works admirably.

　　

Towing and Storage

9.0/10

　　How are the towing and storage? Tow ratings, particularly for the diesel, are stout for this class. With the V8 or the diesel engine, most of the Ram 1500's common configurations can pull more than 11,000 pounds, and some exceed 12,000 pounds. The optional RamBox locking bins built into the side of the bed are useful for storing tools or towing equipment. There's also an optional two-way tailgate that can open downward or outward like doors.

　　Interior storage space is another area where the truck shines. Its center console is enormous and highly configurable. The Ram can be ordered with hidden compartment spaces in the rear floor, underneath the rear seats or in the back cushions themselves. The rear seat folds up as one piece or in a 60/40 split on higher trims.

　　

Fuel Economy

8.0/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? The Ram's combined city/highway fuel economy ranges, for the most part, from the high teens to the low 20s depending on the engine and whether you get rear- or four-wheel drive. But the EcoDiesel V6 is the mpg star here. With rear-wheel drive, it posts an EPA-estimated 26 mpg combined. With the optional 33-gallon tank, it can go about 1,000 highway miles on a fillup. Our 4WD test truck with the diesel returned a 24.2 mpg average over 923 mixed-driving test miles.

　　

Value

7.5/10

　　Is the 1500 a good value? The Ram 1500's build quality, at first, feels and looks great, especially in the more upscale trim levels such as Big Horn, Laramie and beyond. However, after spending some extended time in a long-term test truck, we experienced a few part failures, revealing lesser quality than we originally perceived. Ram pricing remains pretty competitive, though.

　　Ram's engine choices are largely independent of trim, so you're not forced to spend more for a big engine if you want an economical V6 in a nicely trimmed truck. On the flip side, you can also buy the top-tier diesel in something like a Tradesman work truck, a unique move that makes it a diesel bargain compared to the competition. You won't find anything more than the usual warranty coverage, but that's no bad thing.

　　

Wildcard

8.5/10

　　The Ram 1500 is a smart and civilized truck that doesn't drive like anything else in its class. Much of that is attributable to its independent rear suspension, which makes it pleasing to drive and gives it an uncommonly smooth ride. Opting for the Rebel off-road version will get you more off-road potential with no real loss in comfort.

　　Once known for big-rig styling, the Ram 1500 is now more stylish and aerodynamic. It doesn't hit you over the head with a tough-truck theme. This aesthetic carries over inside, where the Ram impresses with a handsome look that is logically laid out and oozes quality. And the 12-inch screen and reclining rear seat never get old.

　　

Which 1500 does zzdcar recommend?

While we'd love to recommend the fully bonkers off-road TRX model to all Ram 1500 buyers, we know it's not the practical pickup that most buyers will need. Instead, the Laramie should work out well for most Ram buyers. It comes with some desirable standard equipment such as an 8.4-inch touchscreen and heated and ventilated front seats. It also gives you access to optional tech and safety features that aren't available on the Tradesman or the Big Horn.

　　

2021 Ram 1500 models

The Ram 1500 comes in seven trims: the base Tradesman, Big Horn (also called the Lone Star in Texas), the beefed-up Rebel, followed by the Laramie, Long Horn and Limited. Finally, new for 2021 is the TRX, an off-road-focused version with many exclusive features.

　　You can get the Ram 1500 in a quad-cab or crew-cab configuration. They're both crew cabs, but the quad cab has less rear legroom. The quad cab comes with a long bed (6 feet 4 inches), while the crew cab can be had with the long bed or a short bed (5 feet 7 inches).

　　The Ram 1500 can be had with one of four engines, with availability depending on the trim level and configuration. They include:

　　A 3.6-liter V6 engine (305 hp, 269 lb-ft). It comes with Ram's eTorque system, which is a mild hybrid system that slightly improves fuel economy and engine stop-start smoothness. A 5.7-liter V8 (395 hp, 410 lb-ft) with or without eTorque A diesel-powered turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 (260 hp, 480 lb-ft) Exclusive to the new TRX is a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 (702 hp, 650 lb-ft)All Ram 1500s come with an eight-speed automatic transmission. For most 1500s, rear-wheel drive is standard and four-wheel drive is optional.

　　The entry-level Tradesman comes with:

　　18-inch steel wheels 5-inch touchscreen and six-speaker stereo Air conditioning Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel Trailer sway damping (adjusts vehicle brakes to help control trailer movement if a trailer begins to sway)Moving up to the Big Horn or its Lone Star variant adds:

　　18-inch aluminum wheels Foglights 60/40-split folding rear seatThe real leap with the Big Horn and Lone Star comes in the way of available options, which include:

　　8.4-inch or 12-inch touchscreen Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integrationIf you value off-road capability, the Rebel builds on the Big Horn equipment with:

　　More aggressive styling LED exterior lighting Upgraded shocks and suspension tuning and larger all-terrain tires Hill descent control and four underbody skid plates Electronic locking rear axleRam takes a sharp turn toward luxury with the Laramie trim. Standard equipment builds on the Big Horn and adds:

　　8.4-inch touchscreen Power mirrors and power rear window Leather upholstery Heated and ventilated front seats Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)Meanwhile, the Longhorn steps up the luxury quotient with:

　　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 lightingThe luxurious Limited gets the 5.7-liter V8 as standard, and it adds all sorts of posh equipment and fittings including:

　　12-inch touchscreen Four-corner air suspension (can raise or lower the ride height of the vehicle) Wireless charging pad Premium-leather bucket seats Power-deployable running boards Blind-spot monitoring (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot) and rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle behind you is about to cross your vehicle's path while in reverse)Right at the top of the heap comes the all-new TRX. While the Rebel is adapted for off-roading, the TRX seems to have mud flowing through its veins. It builds on the Limited and standard equipment includes the supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine, along with:

　　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 real-time access to performance data via the 12-inch screenMany features on the higher trims are available on the lower trims as options. Other key optional features include:

　　Reverse steering control (use of a dashboard-mounted knob controls the truck's steering wheel in a direction that will guide a trailer into a desired spot) 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 systemFinally, the Advanced Safety Group option package gets you:

　　Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the Ram 1500 and the car in front) Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the Ram 1500 and its surroundings for tight parking situations) Lane keeping assist (steers the Ram 1500 back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)

　　

2021 1500 Highlights

Type: Crew CabTRXQuad CabDieselCrew Cab

　　Trim: TradesmanLone StarBig HornHFELaramieRebelLonghornLimitedTRXTradesman

　　

Base MSRP	$35,645
Engine Type	Mild hybrid
Combined MPG	22 MPG
Cost to Drive	$171/month
Seating	6 seats
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Max Towing Capacity	11,540 lbs.
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles