How much does the 2021 RAM 1500 cost?

Prices have softened 5.46% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 9,663 listings available, which suggests solid inventory for shoppers comparing prices and trims.

If you find a listing below $30,755.95, 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. They also highlight the powerful engine performance and impressive infotainment system, which makes this truck feel especially well-rounded for daily use and longer drives.

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 shop carefully if you want the strongest mix of comfort, capability, and equipment.

The 2021 RAM 1500 fits buyers who want a versatile full-size truck with luxury-leaning comfort and strong tech appeal. With 32.0% of listings marked as good or great deals, there’s enough market activity to keep shopping options interesting.

Is the 2021 RAM 1500 reliable?

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

User feedback points to a truck that feels refined, smooth, and high-quality over time, with owners often describing the driving experience as dependable and trouble-free. The strong performance and advanced technology also reinforce the sense that this is a truck you can count on for everyday use.

The expert drive notes that the truck delivers comfortable road manners and no trouble during hard acceleration, which supports the impression of solid day-to-day dependability. It also benefits from a broad set of available safety and security features, though many of them cost extra.

For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is not a lack of appeal but the possibility of paying more for the equipment you want, especially if you expect advanced safety content to come standard.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 78.7% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the history report carefully, because accident-free status is only one part of the picture. Prioritize a thorough inspection of the truck’s condition, especially if you’re considering a higher-trim or heavily optioned example. Focus on how the cabin, tech, and safety equipment were used and maintained, since those are major parts of the RAM 1500’s appeal.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The lineup includes a wide range of configurations, and the base setup is light on advanced safety equipment. Higher trims add more luxury and technology, so you should compare feature content closely before deciding.
• Powertrain: The standout setup is the supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi V8 paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It delivers 702 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque, but fuel economy is only 10 mpg city, 14 highway, and 12 combined.
• Safety package: 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. Some of these features are not standard.
• Infotainment: The truck uses a 12-inch touchscreen with Uconnect 4C, navigation, wireless charging, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, and over-the-air-style convenience through connected features. The display is customizable and can be split-screen.
• Fuel efficiency: The TRX returns 10 mpg city, 14 highway, and 12 combined, so fuel costs can be a major factor if you drive often.

Which 2021 RAM 1500 trim should I buy?

The 2021 RAM 1500 is offered in 10 trim levels: Ram Tradesman, Ram TRX, Ram TRX Launch Edition, Ram Limited Longhorn 10th Anniversary Edition, Ram Rebel, Ram Laramie, Ram Big Horn, Ram Lone Star, Ram Laramie Longhorn, Ram Limited.

Here's the short version:

• Base trim: The entry-level Ram Tradesman is the budget starting point, but it lacks the richer comfort and safety content that make the RAM 1500 stand out.
• Sweet-spot trim: Ram Laramie is the best value for many shoppers because it balances upscale feel, strong tech, and broader everyday appeal without jumping to the most expensive variants.
• Premium/top trim: Ram Limited is the best fit if you want the most luxury-oriented version of the truck, with the richest cabin presentation and the strongest premium feel.
• Off-road trim: Ram TRX is the clear choice if you want extreme performance and off-road capability, but its fuel economy and pricing make it a poor fit for most daily drivers.

The safety package note to keep in mind is that advanced safety features are available, but they are not standard across the lineup.

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

The market looks moderately favorable if you’re a selective buyer.

• Deal availability: 32.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 9,663 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 5.46% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 78.7% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $30,755.95, 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 $31,409 sits slightly below last year's $33,222.

That softer pricing can help you buy more truck for the money today, but it also means future resale gains may be more limited if the market stays soft. If you buy at a strong price now, you may reduce the risk of taking a bigger hit later. Well-equipped examples with desirable features should hold buyer interest better than stripped-down trucks.

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 items are optional rather than standard. The available Advanced Safety Group includes 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 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. A rear backup camera with dynamic guidelines is standard.

One important caveat is that crash-test ratings from IIHS and NHTSA are not yet available in the source data, so you should lean more heavily on the equipment list and the truck’s available driver-assistance content when evaluating safety.

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:

• 32.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 78.7% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 5.46% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.73/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2021 adds the TRX, a 702-horsepower off-road performance flagship.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $28,874, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $31,409 average.
• It adds EcoDiesel availability across all trims.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $34,280, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $31,409 average.
• It brings Uconnect 5 with faster response and wireless smartphone integration.

The bottom line: You should buy the 2021 if you want the strongest mix of performance, comfort, and tech, especially if the TRX or a well-equipped trim is on your shortlist. If price matters most, the 2020 is the value play, while the 2022 makes sense if you want newer infotainment and are willing to pay more.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from July 31, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.