Used 2021 RAM 1500 for Sale nearDes Moines, IA

Compare 2021 RAM 1500 Trims

The 2021 RAM 1500 offers a range of trims from budget-friendly options to fully loaded models, all featuring a robust V6 engine.

• Starting at $16,330
• 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.

Missing data displayed as "—".

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: $16,330 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 17 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 801 listings
• View Classic Tradesman RWD listings

Classic Express RWD — "Who It's For"

The Classic Express RWD is the pick for shoppers who want a solid truck with essential features without going for the fully loaded options.

• Avg. market price: $32,234 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 17 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 49 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• View Classic Express RWD listings

Classic SLT RWD — "Who It's For"

The Classic SLT RWD is the pick for shoppers who want a fully loaded truck with advanced technology and comfort features without stepping up to luxury models.

• Avg. market price: $32,234 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 17 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 367 listings
• View Classic SLT RWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — Classic Tradesman RWD

With 801 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 $16,330 avg market price — below the lineup median of $32,234 — it's the most accessible entry point.

Browse Classic Tradesman RWD listings

Best for Fuel Economy — Classic Tradesman RWD

The Classic Tradesman RWD offers the best fuel economy in the lineup with 17/25 MPG.

Browse Classic Tradesman RWD listings

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 17, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

How much does the 2021 RAM 1500 cost?

Prices have softened 7.18% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 9,656 listings available, which suggests solid inventory for comparison shopping.

Is the 2021 RAM 1500 a good car?

Yes — the 2021 RAM 1500 earns a 4.73/5 user rating, and our experts give it 7.83/10 overall. The model scores 9/10 across Performance and Safety.

Owners repeatedly praise the refined driving experience, smooth ride, high-quality interior, and strong infotainment system. The truck also gets credit for powerful engine performance and advanced technology, which fits its appeal as a more dramatic, capability-focused pickup than a typical workhorse.

The trade-offs are that the base engine is underwhelming and advanced safety features are not standard. That means you should think carefully about trim and options if you want the most complete feature set.

With 32.6% of listings marked as good or great deals, there is enough market activity to find a competitive example if you shop carefully.

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, while also highlighting powerful engine performance and advanced technology. That combination suggests the 2021 RAM 1500 is the kind of vehicle many owners feel confident living with day to day.

The expert drive notes also describe the truck as comfortable in city traffic and capable under hard use, which supports the idea that it can handle regular ownership demands well. For used buyers, the main long-term risk is making sure the specific truck you choose has been maintained properly and equipped with the features you want.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 77.6% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still run a history report on any truck you’re considering, even if the listing looks clean. A pre-purchase inspection matters here because the 2021 RAM 1500 can vary a lot by trim and equipment, and you’ll want to confirm the condition of the drivetrain, electronics, and any added safety tech. Focus on whether the truck has the features you expect, since some advanced safety equipment is optional rather than standard.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The lineup includes a wide spread of versions, from work-focused entry trims to the TRX performance model. The base truck is more utilitarian, while higher trims add more luxury, technology, and capability; the TRX stands apart with its purpose-built off-road personality and premium cabin touches.
• Powertrain: The standard lineup includes a 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi V8 in the TRX with an eight-speed automatic transmission, rated at 702 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. It also returns 10 mpg city, 14 highway, and 12 combined, so efficiency is not its strength.
• 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. Some safety features remain optional, so check carefully for package content.
• Infotainment: A 12-inch touchscreen with Uconnect 4C and navigation is standard, along with wireless charging, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, and over-the-air-style personalization features through the system’s configurable layout.
• Fuel efficiency: The TRX is rated at 10 mpg city, 14 highway, and 12 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, and it makes sense if you want the lowest-cost way into the lineup and plan to keep things simple. It is the trim to consider if your priority is basic truck utility rather than luxury or performance.
• TRX: This is the standout choice if you want the most dramatic performance and off-road capability in the lineup. It brings the supercharged V8, serious hardware, and the most attention-grabbing personality, but it is also the least practical choice for fuel economy and price.
• TRX Launch Edition: This is the collector-style version for buyers who want the TRX experience with added exclusivity. It suits you best if rarity matters and you’re willing to pay more for a limited-production truck.

The safety package note to keep in mind is that advanced driver-assistance features are not standard, so you should verify whether the truck has the package you want.

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

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, so you can shop with some leverage if you compare listings carefully.

• Deal availability: 32.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 9,656 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.18% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 77.6% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $30,500, 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 $30,500 sits slightly below last year's $32,858.

That price movement suggests the market has cooled enough to help you buy more favorably today, but it also means future resale gains may be more modest if prices continue to soften. If you buy at the right number now, you reduce the risk of overpaying and give yourself a better chance of holding value relative to your purchase price.

The truck’s broad appeal, strong owner satisfaction, and desirable feature set should help support demand when you eventually sell. Trucks with this kind of reputation tend to stay on shoppers’ short lists, especially when they’re well equipped and cleanly maintained.

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 comes with more than 100 safety and security features, but crash-test ratings from IIHS and NHTSA are not yet available.

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

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. A rear backup camera with dynamic guidelines is standard, while other features such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and front and rear park assistance with automatic braking are available.

One important caveat is that several advanced safety features cost extra, so you should not assume a used truck has them unless you verify the equipment list.

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:

• 32.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 77.6% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.18% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.73/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2021 adds the TRX, giving the lineup a high-performance off-road flagship.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $27,996, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $30,500 average.
• It brings back the EcoDiesel across the lineup.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $33,320, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $30,500 average.
• It emphasizes comfort, utility, and a more refined all-around driving character.

The bottom line: If you want the most interesting mix of performance, tech, and market value, the 2021 is the strongest all-around pick. If your priority is saving money, the 2020 is the better value path, while the 2022 makes sense if you want to spend more for a slightly newer-feeling ownership experience.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 22, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.