How much does the 2021 RAM 1500 cost?

Prices have softened 4.87% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 9,566 listings available, which gives you a solid pool to compare trims, mileage, and condition. If you find a listing below $30,731.39, 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 — 4.73/5 is a strong user rating for the 2021 RAM 1500, and the expert score is 7.83/10. The model scores 9/10 across Performance and Safety.

Owners consistently praise the refined driving experience, smooth ride, high-quality interior, and advanced technology. The truck also stands out for its powerful engine performance and impressive infotainment system.

The main trade-offs are engine noise and the absence of some features like heated seats or sunroofs. In practical terms, that means you’re getting a truck that feels upscale and capable, but you should still check the exact equipment on the listing you’re considering.

With 32.2% of listings marked as good or great deals, there’s enough market activity to reward careful comparison shopping.

Is the 2021 RAM 1500 reliable?

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

User feedback points to a truck that feels dependable, trouble-free, and easy to count on over time, especially when you value a refined ride and strong everyday usability. The expert drive notes also describe it as comfortable in city driving and capable when asked to work hard.

The truck’s performance-oriented setup is built to handle demanding use, and the available maintenance perk helps reduce early ownership friction. For used buyers, the main long-term risk is making sure a hard-used example hasn’t been neglected or modified in ways that could affect durability.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 78.7% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still run a history report on any truck you’re serious about, even if the listing looks clean. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if the truck has towing, off-road, or performance use in its past. Focus on condition, equipment, and signs of wear that match how the truck was actually driven.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The lineup includes a wide spread of configurations, from work-focused setups to luxury-leaning and performance-oriented versions. Base versions are more stripped down, while higher trims add more comfort and visual polish.
• Powertrain: The standout setup is a 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi V8 paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It delivers 702 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque, but fuel economy is only 10 mpg city, 14 highway, and 12 combined.
• Safety package: The available 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. Some advanced safety features are not standard.
• Infotainment: A 12-inch touchscreen with Uconnect 4C and navigation is standard. It supports wireless charging, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and over-the-air-style connectivity features through the system’s broader tech suite.
• Fuel efficiency: The performance setup returns 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:

• Base trim: The entry-level Tradesman is the most work-focused choice, but it lacks the upscale feel and advanced safety content that make higher trims more appealing.
• Premium/top trim: The TRX is the headline option if you want maximum performance, with a supercharged V8, aggressive hardware, and the most dramatic presence in the lineup.
• Off-road trim: The TRX is also the one to avoid if you want a calm daily driver, since its performance focus and fuel use make it a niche choice for everyday commuting.

The Advanced Safety Group is the key safety-package note to watch for, since several desirable driver-assistance features are bundled rather than standard.

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

The market looks moderately favorable if you’re a selective buyer.

• Deal availability: 32.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 9,566 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 4.87% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 78.7% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $30,731.39, 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 $31,399 sits slightly below last year's $33,007.

That softer pricing suggests the market has cooled a bit, which can help you buy more selectively now. For a future seller, it also means you should pay close attention to trim, condition, and equipment, since well-kept trucks tend to hold buyer interest better than average examples.

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.

The available Advanced Safety Group includes adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, pedestrian detection with emergency braking, and a 360-degree camera system. A digital rear-view mirror and brake-activated center high-mount stop lamp are also part of the available safety and tech equipment.

One important caveat is that advanced safety features are not standard, so you should confirm exactly which package a used truck has before you buy. For a truck this capable, that equipment gap matters more than it might on a simpler vehicle.

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:

• 32.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 78.7% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 4.87% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.73/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2021 adds the TRX, bringing a 702-horsepower performance flagship to the lineup.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $28,765, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $31,399 average.
• It adds EcoDiesel availability across all trims for stronger efficiency and torque.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $34,068, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $31,399 average.
• It brings the faster Uconnect 5 system with wireless smartphone integration.

The bottom line: You should buy the 2021 if you want the best mix of price, strong owner satisfaction, and standout performance hardware. If your priority is saving money, the 2020 is the smarter value play; if you want newer infotainment, the 2022 is worth the stretch.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 14, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.