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 $18,815
• 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 essential features without paying for extras. It's also the most popular trim in the lineup.

• Avg. market price: $18,815 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 17 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 866 listings
• View Classic Tradesman RWD listings

Classic Express RWD — "Who It's For"

The Classic Express RWD is the choice for buyers seeking a balance of features and price without going fully loaded.

• Avg. market price: $24,950 (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 ideal for those wanting a fully loaded truck with premium features and comfort without stepping up to luxury models.

• Avg. market price: $31,619 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 17 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 345 listings
• View Classic SLT RWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — Classic Tradesman RWD

With 866 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 $18,815 avg market price — below the lineup median of $24,950 — 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 22, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

How much does the 2021 RAM 1500 cost?

Prices have softened 7.56% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 9,805 listings available, which suggests solid inventory for shoppers comparing trims and conditions.

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 refined driving experience, smooth ride, high-quality interior, and impressive infotainment system. The truck also fits shoppers who want a full-size pickup with strong presence and modern technology rather than a purely utilitarian work truck.

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 add equipment if you want more driver-assistance content.

Good and great deals account for 32.3% of listings, so there is still 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 reliable, dependable truck that many owners feel good about keeping for the long haul. The review summary also emphasizes the refined driving experience and high-quality interior, which usually supports confidence in everyday ownership.

The expert review reinforces that sense of durability by describing the truck as comfortable and composed in both city driving and harder use. It also highlights the truck’s overall refinement, which matters when you want a pickup that can feel settled over time.

If you buy used, the biggest long-term risk is choosing a poorly maintained example with missing equipment or signs of hard use.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 77.3% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the history report carefully, because accident-free status does not replace a full inspection. Focus on wear items, signs of heavy towing or off-road use, and whether the truck’s equipment matches the listing. A pre-purchase inspection is especially useful if you are considering a higher-mileage truck or one with added features.

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 extreme version with a crew cab-only 4x4 setup and a smaller bed. Base-trim buyers should pay attention to equipment gaps, especially if they want more luxury or driver-assistance content.
• Powertrain: The standard truck is described as having an underwhelming base engine, while the TRX uses a 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi V8 with 702 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. The TRX also returns 10 mpg city, 14 highway, and 12 combined.
• Safety package: The truck offers more than 100 safety and security features, but many are extra-cost items. Standard equipment includes a rear backup camera with dynamic guidelines, while 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: A 12-inch touchscreen with Uconnect 4C and navigation is standard, along with wireless charging, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, HD Radio, and 4G LTE WiFi hotspot capability. The system also supports a customizable display layout and available premium audio.
• Fuel efficiency: The TRX 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:

• Tradesman: This is the entry point, and it makes sense if you want the lowest starting price and a straightforward work-truck setup. It is the trim to consider if you care most about value and can live without the richer equipment and performance upgrades found higher up.
• TRX: This is the standout for buyers who want the most extreme performance and off-road capability in the lineup. It brings the supercharged V8, aggressive hardware, and the most dramatic personality, but it is far from the budget choice.
• TRX Launch Edition: This is the limited-production version for shoppers who want the TRX experience with added exclusivity. It suits buyers who care about collectability and are willing to pay for it.

Advanced safety features are not standard, so check carefully for the packages you want on any trim.

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

This is a moderate market, so selective buyers can still find worthwhile opportunities.

• Deal availability: 32.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 9,805 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.56% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 77.3% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $29,991, 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 $29,991 sits slightly below last year's $32,443.

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 the market continues to favor well-equipped, well-kept examples, a clean truck with desirable features should remain easier to move later.

For a future seller, condition and equipment will matter a lot. Trucks with strong presentation, clean history, and the right feature mix should hold buyer interest better than stripped or heavily worn examples.

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 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 are not standard. Standard equipment includes a rear backup camera with dynamic guidelines, while 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.

A digital rear-view mirror is part of the Advanced Tech Group, and other available features include 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.

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:

• 32.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 77.3% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.56% 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 $27,473, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $29,991 average.
• It brings back the EcoDiesel across the lineup.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $32,590, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $29,991 average.
• It feels more balanced, with comfort, utility, and technology working together.

The bottom line: If you want the strongest mix of value, satisfaction, and current-market availability, the 2021 is the smart default. If price is your top priority, the 2020 can save you money, while the 2022 makes sense if you want a slightly more polished all-around package and are willing to pay more.

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 stands out more for ride quality and styling, while the Ford offers more body styles and more powertrain variety. Both trucks share the same core drawback of an underwhelming base engine and the lack of standard advanced safety features.

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

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 21, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.