Used 2021 RAM 1500 for Sale near South Carolina

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 $15,248
• 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: $15,248 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 17 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 807 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 stepping up to a higher price point.

• Avg. market price: $32,353 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 17 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 46 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.

• Avg. market price: $32,353 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 17 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 367 listings
• View Classic SLT RWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — Classic Tradesman RWD

With 807 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 $15,248 avg market price — below the lineup median of $32,353 — 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 12, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

How much does the 2021 RAM 1500 cost?

Prices have softened 6.63% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 9,554 listings available, which suggests you should have a healthy set of options to compare.

Is the 2021 RAM 1500 a good car?

Yes — the 2021 RAM 1500 earns a 4.73/5 user rating, and the expert test drive 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 strong infotainment system. The truck’s powerful engine performance and advanced technology also come through as recurring strengths.

The trade-offs are that the base engine is underwhelming and advanced safety features are not standard. That means you may want to shop carefully if you care most about everyday refinement and a well-equipped cabin rather than the headline-grabbing TRX personality.

The 2021 RAM 1500 is especially appealing if you want a full-size pickup with a more dramatic, performance-focused edge than the typical workhorse. Good and great deals account for 31.6% of listings, so there is still room to find a competitive price.

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 people feel good about living with over time, especially because it is described as refined, smooth-riding, and high-quality inside. That kind of praise usually lines up with a vehicle you can count on for daily use and longer ownership.

The expert drive notes also emphasize that the truck feels comfortable and composed in regular driving, which supports the impression of dependable day-to-day behavior. If you are buying used, the main long-term risk is making sure the truck was maintained well and not abused, especially on higher-output versions.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 76.9% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still run a history report on every candidate, even if the listing looks clean at first glance. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if you are considering a higher-performance or heavily optioned truck. Focus on overall condition, maintenance records, and signs of hard use.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The lineup includes a mix of cab, bed, and drivetrain combinations, and the TRX stands out as the most dramatic performance-oriented version. Base-trim shoppers should pay close attention to equipment gaps, since advanced safety features are not standard.
• 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 a clear trade-off at 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.
• Infotainment: You get a 12-inch touchscreen with Uconnect 4C, navigation, wireless charging, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, and USB-A and USB-C ports. The system also supports a customizable layout and split-screen display.
• 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, so it makes sense if you want the lowest starting price and plan to keep the truck focused on basic utility. It is the value play for buyers who care more about getting into a Ram 1500 than loading up on extras.
• TRX: This is the standout choice if you want the full performance-truck experience, with the supercharged V8, aggressive off-road hardware, and the most attention-grabbing personality in the lineup.
• TRX Launch Edition: This is the special-edition version for buyers who want the most exclusive take on the TRX formula and are willing to pay for it.

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

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 with some leverage if you are patient.

• Deal availability: 31.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 9,554 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.63% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 76.9% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $30,676, 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 $30,776 sits slightly below last year's $32,962.

That softer pricing suggests the market has already adjusted downward, which can help you buy at a more favorable point. For a future seller, that also means resale value may depend more on condition, mileage, and trim desirability than on broad market momentum.

If you own a well-kept example, especially one with strong equipment and clean history, you should be in a better position when it is time to sell. 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 does not yet have IIHS or NHTSA crash-test ratings listed here.

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

The safety setup starts with a standard rear backup camera with dynamic guidelines. If you want more coverage, 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 safety and driver-assistance features include a digital rear-view mirror, 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. The main caveat is that many of these features cost extra rather than coming standard.

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:

• 31.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 76.9% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.63% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.73/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2021 adds the TRX, giving the lineup a rare high-performance off-road flagship.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $28,301, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $30,776 average.
• It brings back the EcoDiesel across the lineup.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $33,546, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $30,776 average.
• It leans harder into comfort, space, and refined everyday usability.

The bottom line: If you want the most distinctive version of this truck and like the idea of a performance-focused flagship, the 2021 is the one to target. If price matters more than novelty, the 2020 is the smarter value path, while the 2022 makes sense if you are willing to pay more for a slightly more polished ownership experience.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 11, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.