Used 2021 RAM 1500 for Sale near South Dakota

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 $15,748
• 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.

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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 the most popular trim in the lineup.

• Avg. market price: $15,748 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 17 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 782 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 standard features without stepping up to a higher price point.

• Avg. market price: $32,543 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 17 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 54 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 without going for the highest trim.

• Avg. market price: $32,543 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 17 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 346 listings
• View Classic SLT RWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — Classic Tradesman RWD

With 782 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 $15,748 avg market price — below the lineup median of $32,543 — 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/MPGe.

Browse Classic Tradesman RWD listings

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 2, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

How much does the 2021 RAM 1500 cost?

Prices have softened 6.45% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 9,512 listings available, which suggests you have meaningful inventory to compare across trims and conditions.

If you find a listing below $30,684.58, 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 repeatedly 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 emphasis on comfort, technology, and standout performance, especially if you want a truck that feels more polished than a typical workhorse pickup.

The trade-offs are clear: the base engine is underwhelming, and advanced safety features are not standard. Even so, the truck’s strong deal share of 32.5% means you can still shop selectively without feeling rushed.

Is the 2021 RAM 1500 reliable?

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

The owner summary points to a truck that feels refined, smooth, and high-quality, while also highlighting powerful engine performance and impressive technology. That kind of feedback usually matters most when you’re trying to judge whether a used truck will feel dependable after the novelty wears off.

The expert drive notes also reinforce that sense of confidence, describing the truck as comfortable in city driving and capable when pushed. If you’re buying used, the main long-term risk is less about the truck’s core appeal and more about how well a specific example was maintained and equipped.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 77.6% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the history report carefully, because a clean listing percentage does not replace a vehicle-by-vehicle review. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if you’re considering a higher-mileage truck or one with more complex equipment. Focus on overall condition, feature operation, and signs of hard use, since this model’s appeal depends heavily on how well it has been kept.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The lineup spans a wide range, from work-focused setups to the TRX, and the base configuration is the least compelling if you want the truck’s best comfort and tech experience.
• Powertrain: The standout option is the 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi V8 with an eight-speed automatic, which delivers extreme performance but also very poor fuel economy.
• Safety package: The truck offers more than 100 safety and security features, but the Advanced Safety Group is required for the 360-degree camera, 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 Uconnect 4C touchscreen with navigation, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, wireless charging, and over-the-air-style convenience through a highly customizable interface.
• Fuel efficiency: The TRX returns 10 mpg city, 14 highway, 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, but it does not deliver the same upscale feel or standout performance that define the rest of the lineup.
• TRX: This is the headline trim if you want the most extreme performance, with the supercharged V8, aggressive off-road hardware, and the most attention-grabbing personality in the range.
• TRX Launch Edition: This is the limited-run version for buyers who want the TRX formula with added exclusivity, but it is the most expensive path and best suited to shoppers who care about rarity as much as capability.

The safety package note to keep in mind is that advanced driver-assistance features are not standard, and the most useful systems are bundled into optional packages.

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 carefully and still find worthwhile listings.

• Deal availability: 32.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 9,512 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.45% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 77.6% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $30,684.58, 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 $30,867 sits slightly below last year's $32,996.

That price movement suggests the market has cooled enough to give you more negotiating room today than a year ago. For a future seller, that means resale value may face some pressure if the broader market keeps softening. On the other hand, a truck with strong demand, broad appeal, and desirable equipment should still be easier to move than a less popular configuration.

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 truck is offered with more than 100 safety and security features, but many of the most advanced systems cost extra. Standard equipment includes a rear backup camera with dynamic guidelines, while 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.

You can also get 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. One important caveat is that advanced safety features are not standard, so you should verify exactly which package a used truck has before you buy.

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:

• 32.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 77.6% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.45% 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 halo and a more distinctive personality.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $28,464, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $30,867 average.
• It brings back the EcoDiesel for buyers who want diesel efficiency and capability.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $33,650, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $30,867 average.
• It leans even more into comfort, refinement, and upscale everyday usability.

The bottom line: If you want the most distinctive version of this truck and value the TRX’s performance edge, the 2021 is the strongest pick. If your priority is lower purchase price, the 2020 is the better value path. If you want a more polished all-around truck and can spend more, the 2022 is worth a look.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 4, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.