Used 2021 RAM 1500 for Sale nearKnoxville, TN

Compare 2021 RAM 1500 Trims in Knoxville, TN

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 $30,942
• 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: $30,942 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 17 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 89 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 blend of style and comfort without stepping up to a higher price point.

• Avg. market price: $30,942 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 17 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 7 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 premium features without going for the highest trim.

• Avg. market price: $30,942 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 17 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 25 listings
• View Classic SLT RWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — Classic Tradesman RWD

With 89 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 $30,942 avg market price — below the lineup median of $30,942 — 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 at 17/25 MPG.

Browse Classic Tradesman RWD listings

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 29, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

How much does the 2021 RAM 1500 cost?

Prices have softened 7.73% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 9,840 listings available, which suggests you have a healthy amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2021 RAM 1500 a good car?

Yes — the 2021 RAM 1500 earns a 4.7/5 user rating and a 7.8/10 expert rating. The model scores 9/10 across Performance and Safety.

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

The main trade-offs are the underwhelming base engine and the fact that advanced safety features are not standard. That means you may need to move up the trim ladder or shop carefully if you want more driver-assistance equipment.

For you, that makes the 2021 RAM 1500 a strong fit if you want a full-size pickup that feels polished, comfortable, and tech-forward rather than purely utilitarian. Good and great deals account for 35.0% of listings, which gives you some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2021 RAM 1500 reliable?

Owners rate it 4.7/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

User feedback points to a truck that feels refined, smooth, and high-quality over time, with many owners also highlighting its advanced technology and strong performance. That combination suggests you’re looking at a model that many drivers feel confident living with day to day.

The expert review also emphasizes the truck’s comfort and overall refinement, which supports the idea that it’s built to be easy to live with. The first scheduled maintenance visit is on the house.

For used buyers, the main long-term risk is less about basic appeal and more about how the truck was equipped and maintained, especially if you want more features than the base setup provides.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 77% — 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. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection so you can check for wear, feature operation, and signs of hard use. Focus especially on condition, because this truck’s appeal depends heavily on how well it has been kept.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The lineup includes a mix of cab and bed configurations, and the TRX stands out as the most extreme version with a commanding presence, functional off-road styling, and a luxury-leaning cabin. Base-trim shoppers should pay close attention to equipment gaps, especially if they want more than the essentials.
• Powertrain: The TRX uses a 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi V8 with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and it delivers 702 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. It also returns 10 mpg city, 14 highway, and 12 combined.
• Safety package: A rear backup camera with dynamic guidelines is standard. 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 advanced safety features cost extra.
• Infotainment: You get a 12-inch touchscreen with Uconnect 4C, navigation, wireless charging, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, AUX, USB-A, and USB-C connectivity. The system also supports a customizable display layout and available HD Radio and 4G LTE WiFi hotspot capability.
• 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, TRX Launch Edition, and Limited Longhorn 10th Anniversary Edition.

Here's the short version:

• Tradesman: This is the entry point, so it makes sense if you want the lowest starting price and a straightforward work-truck setup. It’s the trim to consider if value matters most and you don’t need the more upscale or specialized equipment found higher up the range.
• TRX: This is the standout choice if you want the most extreme performance and off-road capability in the lineup, along with the most attention-grabbing presence. It’s also the trim that best showcases the truck’s technology and capability, but it sits at the top of the price range.
• TRX Launch Edition: Choose this if you want the TRX formula with added exclusivity, since it is limited to 702 units. It’s for buyers who care about rarity as much as performance.
• Limited Longhorn 10th Anniversary Edition: This is the luxury-leaning choice, with a Stetson-inspired presentation and a more upscale feel. It suits you best if you want the Ram’s style and comfort to matter as much as its capability.

Advanced safety features are not standard, so check equipment carefully on any trim you’re considering.

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

This is a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop with some leverage if you’re patient.

• Deal availability: 35.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 9,840 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.73% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 77.0% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $29,844, 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 $29,844 sits slightly below last year's $32,345.

That price movement suggests the truck has already absorbed some depreciation, which can help future resale stability if you buy at the right price. If you purchase near the current average or below it, you may have a better chance of limiting your loss when it’s time to sell.

The market also appears reasonably active, which matters because trucks with steady shopper interest tend to hold value better than slower-moving vehicles. Strong condition and desirable equipment should matter a lot when you eventually list it.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.7/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2021 RAM 1500 safe?

The 2021 RAM 1500 is offered with more than 100 safety and security features, but crash-test ratings are not yet available.

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

The standard safety setup includes a rear backup camera with dynamic guidelines. The available 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.

You should also note that some advanced safety features are not standard, so you may need to shop carefully if driver assistance is a priority. That makes trim and package selection especially important for safety-minded used buyers.

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:

• 35.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 77% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.73% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.7/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2021 adds the TRX, bringing extreme performance and off-road capability to the lineup.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $27,368, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $29,844 average.
• It brings back the EcoDiesel engine across the lineup.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $32,487, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $29,844 average.
• It offers a more well-rounded blend of comfort, utility, and technology.

The bottom line: If you want the strongest mix of price, satisfaction, and standout capability, the 2021 is the best starting point. If you’re more price-sensitive, the 2020 is worth a look for its lower average price and diesel availability.

How does the 2021 RAM 1500 compare to the 2021 Ford F-150?

Expert Pros & Cons (per CarGurus review team)

2021 RAM 1500:

• Pros: Great ride quality, Stylish design, Impressive technology.
• Cons: Underwhelming base engine, Advanced safety features are not standard.

2021 Ford F-150:

• Pros: Multiple body styles, Multiple powertrain options, Impressive technology.
• Cons: Underwhelming base engine, Interior materials feel cheap, Advanced safety features are not standard.

Our experts score the 2021 RAM 1500 7.8/10 and the 2021 Ford F-150 7.8/10. The RAM leans more heavily into ride quality and style, while the Ford gives you more body-style and powertrain variety. Both trucks share the same base-engine and safety-equipment drawbacks, so your choice comes down to whether you value comfort and design or flexibility and configuration breadth.

Read our full side-by-side expert comparison here.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 27, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.