Used 2021 RAM 1500 for Sale nearChicago, IL

Compare 2021 RAM 1500 Trims in Chicago, IL

The 2021 RAM 1500 offers a solid blend of capability and comfort, with trims that cater to both budget-conscious buyers and those seeking more features.

• Starting at $35,238
• Best MPG/MPGe: 17 city / 25 hwy
• Most Popular: Classic Tradesman RWD

Trim Overview

Prices updated weekly from CarGurus listings.

Quick Compare Table

Listing prices sourced from CarGurus — updated weekly. OEM specs from manufacturer data.

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Trim Deep Dives

Classic Tradesman RWD — "Who It's For"

The Classic Tradesman RWD is the pick for shoppers who want a reliable truck without paying for extra features. It's also the most popular trim in the lineup.

• Avg. market price: $35,238 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 17 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 77 listings
• View Classic Tradesman RWD listings

Classic SLT RWD — "Who It's For"

The Classic SLT RWD is the choice for buyers seeking a well-equipped truck with advanced technology and comfort features.

• Avg. market price: $35,238 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 17 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 27 listings
• View Classic SLT RWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — Classic Tradesman RWD

With 77 active listings, the Classic Tradesman RWD is the clear volume leader in the lineup.

Browse Classic Tradesman RWD listings

Best Budget Option — Classic Tradesman RWD

At $35,238 avg market price — below the lineup median of $35,238 — it's the most accessible entry point.

Browse Classic Tradesman RWD listings

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 8, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

How much does the 2021 RAM 1500 cost?

Prices have softened 7.58% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 9,742 listings available, which suggests solid inventory for shoppers comparing prices and equipment.

Is the 2021 RAM 1500 a good car?

Yes — the 2021 RAM 1500 earns 4.73/5 from owners and 7.83/10 from our experts. The model scores 9/10 across Performance and Safety.

Owners consistently praise the refined driving experience, smooth ride, high-quality interior, powerful engine performance, and advanced technology, including the infotainment system. In practical terms, that lines up well with the truck’s use-case appeal: it is aimed at buyers who want a full-size pickup that feels more polished than a basic workhorse.

The main trade-offs are the underwhelming base engine and the fact that advanced safety features are not standard. Even so, the truck’s strong ride quality and modern tech help it stand out if you want capability with a more upscale feel.

Good and great deals account for 34.7% of listings, so there is still room to shop selectively.

Is the 2021 RAM 1500 reliable?

Owners rate it 4.73/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The owner feedback points to a truck that feels refined, smooth, and high-quality over time, with repeated praise for the driving experience and the technology. That kind of language usually matters most when you are trying to judge whether a used truck will feel dependable after the first owner has put miles on it.

The expert evaluation also emphasizes the truck’s overall refinement and strong day-to-day drivability, which supports the idea that it is built to be lived with rather than just admired. The available maintenance perk language is not present in the data, but the truck’s broad feature set and strong owner sentiment still point to a reassuring ownership profile.

For used buyers, the main long-term risk is choosing a poorly equipped or heavily used example that has not been maintained carefully.

What should I look for when buying a used 2021 RAM 1500?

Accident-free inventory is solid at 77.3% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still run a history report on any truck you are considering, even if the listing looks clean. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection that checks the suspension, brakes, tires, and cabin electronics, since those are the kinds of systems that can separate a great used truck from an expensive one. Focus on condition and equipment level, because the truck’s appeal depends heavily on how well it was optioned and cared for.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The lineup spans 10 trim levels, and the biggest differentiators are the mix of cab and bed configurations, plus the TRX’s purpose-built off-road hardware and more aggressive stance. The base truck is more work-focused, while higher trims add more luxury and capability, so you should pay close attention to feature gaps if you want more than the essentials.
• Powertrain: The standout powertrain is the 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi V8 paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission in the TRX, with 702 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. It is built for extreme performance, while the standard lineup is described as having a base engine that is underwhelming.
• Safety package: The Advanced Safety Group adds a 360-degree camera system, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, and pedestrian detection with emergency braking. Standard equipment includes a rear backup camera with dynamic guidelines, but many advanced driver-assistance features cost extra.
• Infotainment: The truck uses a 12-inch touchscreen with Uconnect 4C, navigation, wireless charging, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, and USB-A/USB-C connectivity. It also supports a customizable display layout and offers over-the-air-style convenience through connected features, though the screen’s glossy finish can attract fingerprints.
• Fuel efficiency: The TRX is rated at 10 mpg city, 14 mpg highway, and 12 mpg combined.

Which 2021 RAM 1500 trim should I buy?

The 2021 RAM 1500 is offered in 10 trim levels: Tradesman, TRX, and TRX Launch Edition.

Here's the short version:

• Tradesman: This is the entry point if you want the lowest starting price and a straightforward work-truck setup. It makes sense if you care most about value and basic utility, but you should expect fewer comfort and convenience features than the higher trims.
• TRX: This is the standout choice if you want the most extreme performance and off-road capability in the lineup. It brings the supercharged V8, serious hardware, and the most dramatic personality, but it is also the most expensive mainstream path in the range.
• TRX Launch Edition: This is the collector-style version for buyers who want the TRX experience with added exclusivity. It is the most special-feeling option in the lineup, but the premium pricing makes it a niche buy rather than the best-value pick.

The Advanced Safety Group is not standard, so if safety tech matters to you, make sure the trim you choose is equipped accordingly.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2021 RAM 1500?

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop patiently but should move quickly on the right truck.

• Deal availability: 34.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 9,742 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.58% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 77.3% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $30,268, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2021 RAM 1500's resale value?

The current average of $30,270 sits slightly below last year's $32,752.

That price movement suggests the truck has already absorbed some depreciation, which can help future resale if you buy at the right price. If you shop near the lower end of the current range, you reduce the chance of taking the steepest early hit.

The truck’s strong owner satisfaction and broad appeal should help support demand when you eventually sell. Well-equipped examples with clean history and desirable features should be easier to move than stripped-down trucks with weaker equipment.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.73/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2021 RAM 1500 safe?

The 2021 Ram 1500 TRX is built to handle tough terrain and unpredictable conditions, but crash-test ratings from IIHS and NHTSA are not yet available.

It earns a 9/10 safety score from our experts.

The safety suite includes a rear backup camera with dynamic guidelines as standard, while the Advanced Safety Group adds a 360-degree camera system, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, and pedestrian detection with emergency braking. Other available features include adaptive headlights, hill-start assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, trailer sway control, lane-departure warning, and front and rear park assistance with automatic braking.

A key caveat is that many of the advanced safety features cost extra, so you should verify exactly what is installed on any used truck you are considering.

Should I buy a 2021 RAM 1500 or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2021 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2021 if:

• 34.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 77.3% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.58% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.73/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2021 brings the TRX’s extreme performance focus and a modern tech-heavy cabin.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $27,794, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $30,270 average.
• It brings back EcoDiesel availability across the lineup.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $33,049, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $30,270 average.
• It broadens the truck’s well-rounded comfort-and-capability appeal.

The 2021 is the right pick if you want the most distinctive mix of personality, tech, and performance in this group. If price is your top priority, the 2020 is the better value play; if you want a slightly more polished all-around package and do not mind paying more, the 2022 is worth a look.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 6, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.