Used 2021 RAM 1500 for Sale near South Dakota

How much does the 2021 RAM 1500 cost?

Prices have softened 5.51% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 9,568 listings available, which suggests you have meaningful inventory to compare across trims and conditions.

If you find a listing below $30,704.63, 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 2021 RAM 1500 earns a 4.73/5 user rating and a 7.83/10 expert rating. The model scores 9/10 across Performance and Safety.

Owners consistently praise the refined driving experience, smooth ride, and high-quality interior, and they also call out the powerful engine performance and impressive infotainment system. That lines up with the overview’s focus on comfort, technology, and standout performance, especially if you want a pickup that feels more upscale and distinctive than a typical work truck.

The trade-offs are clear: the base engine is underwhelming, and advanced safety features are not standard. Even so, the 2021 RAM 1500 makes the most sense if you value a comfortable, tech-forward full-size pickup with real personality rather than the most basic setup.

With 29.2% of listings marked as good or great deals, you have enough market choice 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, and it also highlights powerful engine performance and impressive technology. That combination usually matters in the real world because a truck that feels well built and easy to live with tends to inspire confidence over the long haul.

The expert evaluation also emphasizes the Ram’s comfortable, composed driving character, which supports the impression that it is built to be lived with every day. The first scheduled maintenance visit is on the house, which is a nice ownership perk if you’re comparing running costs.

For used buyers, the main long-term risk is not a lack of appeal but the possibility that a heavily optioned truck may have been used hard or maintained inconsistently, so condition and service history matter a lot.

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.

Start with the history report so you can separate clean trucks from repaired ones, then prioritize a pre-purchase inspection if the truck has towing, off-road, or performance equipment. You should also focus on wear items, cabin condition, and whether the truck’s features match the trim level you’re paying for.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The lineup spans a wide range, from work-focused setups to the TRX, and the base truck does not bring the same luxury or performance character as the higher-end versions.
• Powertrain: The standard setup centers on a 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi V8 with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the performance story is all about huge output and quick acceleration rather than efficiency.
• 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, while those features are not standard.
• Infotainment: You get a 12-inch touchscreen with Uconnect 4C, navigation, wireless charging, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and over-the-air-style personalization through customizable display layouts.
• Fuel efficiency: EPA-tested fuel economy is 10 mpg city, 14 highway, and 12 combined mpg.

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 a straightforward work-truck setup, but you should expect fewer comfort and convenience features than the higher trims.
• TRX: This is the standout choice if you want the full performance experience, with the supercharged V8, aggressive off-road hardware, and the most dramatic personality in the lineup. It is the best-value pick if your priority is capability and excitement rather than basic transportation.
• TRX Launch Edition: This is the most exclusive version, limited in production and aimed at buyers who want the TRX formula with added collectability and a more special-spec feel.

Advanced safety features are not standard, so if driver assistance matters to you, check the equipment list carefully before you buy.

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’re patient and compare listings carefully.

• Deal availability: 29.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 9,568 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 5.51% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 77.9% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $30,704.63, 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 $31,016 sits slightly below last year's $32,826.

That price movement suggests the market has already adjusted downward, which can help you buy more confidently now but may also limit upside if you plan to resell soon. If you’re a future seller, the key is to buy well and keep the truck in strong condition so you’re not fighting both depreciation and wear.

The good news is that demand should stay supported by the truck’s strong reputation for comfort, technology, and performance. 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 safety content says crash-test ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were not yet available at launch, so there is no official crash-test lead to cite here. What you do get is a long list of available driver-assistance and protection features, including a rear backup camera with dynamic guidelines as standard.

If you want the fuller safety suite, 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. Other available 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 the most desirable safety features cost extra, so you should verify exactly which package a used truck has before you commit.

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:

• 29.2% 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 5.51% 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 edge and a more aggressive personality.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $28,617, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $31,016 average.
• It brings back the EcoDiesel across the lineup for buyers who want diesel efficiency and capability.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $33,801, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $31,016 average.
• It leans into comfort, technology, and a more polished everyday driving experience.

The bottom line: If you want the most distinctive version of this truck and you value performance, comfort, and tech, the 2021 is the one to target. If price matters most, the 2020 is the smarter value play, while the 2022 makes sense if you want a slightly more refined-feeling alternative and are willing to pay more.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 28, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.