How much does the 2021 RAM 1500 cost?

Prices have softened 5.19% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 9,621 listings available, which suggests healthy inventory for shoppers comparing prices and trims.

If you find a listing below $30,709.17, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

Is the 2021 RAM 1500 a good car?

Yes — the 4.73/5 user rating points to strong owner satisfaction, and the expert rating is 7.83/10. The model scores 9/10 across Performance and Safety.

Owners consistently praise the refined driving experience, smooth ride, and high-quality interior. They also highlight the powerful engine performance and impressive infotainment system, which fit the truck’s more modern, upscale personality.

The trade-offs are clear: the base engine is underwhelming, and advanced safety features are not standard. That matters if you want a truck that feels strong and well-equipped without moving up the trim ladder.

For you, that means the 2021 RAM 1500 makes the most sense if you want comfort, technology, and standout performance in a full-size pickup. With 32.7% of listings marked as good or great deals, there’s enough market activity 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 praise centered on the driving experience and interior execution. That kind of feedback usually lines up with a vehicle people feel comfortable living with day after day.

The expert drive notes also reinforce that sense of confidence, describing the truck as comfortable in city driving and capable without drama when pushed. The maintenance perk language in the test-drive material is not present here, but the overall ownership picture still leans positive.

For used buyers, the main long-term risk is not broad reliability panic so much as making sure the specific truck you choose has been cared for properly and equipped the way you want.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 77.9% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still run a history report on every truck you consider, even if the listing looks clean. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially on higher-mileage examples or trucks with off-road or towing use. Focus on condition, equipment, and signs of wear rather than assuming every example will feel the same.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The lineup includes a wide spread of equipment, and the base setup leaves out some of the more desirable comfort and safety content. Higher trims add more luxury and convenience, while the TRX stands apart as the performance-focused outlier.
• Powertrain: The standard setup uses a 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi V8 with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering 702 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. It is extremely quick, but fuel economy is only 10 mpg city, 14 highway, 12 combined mpg.
• Safety package: The Advanced Safety Group adds a 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, and pedestrian detection with emergency braking. Those features are not standard, 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, and over-the-air-style connectivity features through the system’s broader tech suite.
• Fuel efficiency: The TRX returns 10 mpg city, 14 highway, 12 combined mpg, so fuel costs can be a major ownership factor if you drive a lot.

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:

• Base trim: The Tradesman is the entry point, but it is the least compelling choice if you want the truck’s richer comfort and safety content.
• Premium/top trim: The TRX is the standout if you want the most dramatic performance, the most aggressive personality, and the most attention-grabbing hardware.
• Off-road trim: The TRX is a serious daily-driver compromise if you do not plan to use its extreme capability, since its performance focus and fuel use are overkill for many shoppers.

The safety package note to keep in mind is that advanced safety features are available, but they are not standard.

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

This is a moderate buyer’s market, so you can shop selectively without expecting every listing to be a bargain.

• Deal availability: 32.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 9,621 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 5.19% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 77.9% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $30,709.17, 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 $31,182 sits slightly below last year's $32,890.

That price movement suggests the market has eased, which can help you buy more carefully now but may also limit upside if you plan to resell soon. If you purchase at a strong price and keep the truck in good condition, you should be in a better position than someone who buys at the top of the range.

The truck’s strong owner satisfaction helps support demand, especially among shoppers who value comfort, tech, and performance. That kind of appeal tends to keep resale interest healthy over time.

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?

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

At launch, crash-test ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were not yet available. Even so, the truck is offered with more than 100 safety and security features, and the available driver-assistance content is substantial.

The Advanced Safety Group adds a 360-degree camera with forward-facing view, 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.

One important caveat is that several of the most useful safety features cost extra, so you need to check the exact truck and package content before you buy. The standard rear backup camera is helpful, but the broader suite is where this truck becomes much more compelling.

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:

• 32.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 77.9% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 5.19% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.73/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The TRX brings a new high-performance edge and standout personality to the lineup.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $28,677, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $31,182 average.
• It brings back the EcoDiesel engine across the lineup.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $33,947, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $31,182 average.
• It adds a more polished all-around mix of comfort, utility, and upscale feel.

The bottom line: If you want the most distinctive version of this truck and value performance, the 2021 is the one to target. If your priority is lower purchase price, the 2020 is the better budget path. If you want a slightly more refined all-around experience and can spend more, the 2022 is worth a look.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 21, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.