How much does the 2021 RAM 1500 cost?

Prices have softened 5.16% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 9,694 listings available, which suggests you have a healthy amount of inventory to compare.

If you find a listing below $30,741.71, 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 — 4.73/5 from owners, which points to strong overall satisfaction. The expert rating is 7.83/10.

The model scores 9/10 across Performance and Safety.

Owners consistently praise the smooth ride, refined driving experience, and high-quality interior. They also highlight the powerful engine performance and advanced technology, especially the infotainment system.

The main trade-offs are engine noise and the absence of some features like heated seats or sunroofs. That matters most if you want a quieter cabin or expect more standard comfort equipment.

For you, that means the 2021 RAM 1500 makes the most sense if you want a full-size truck that leans more toward comfort and tech than bare-bones utility. Good and great deals account for 31.7% of listings, so there is still room to shop selectively.

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 dependable, trouble-free, and easy to count on over time. The expert evaluation also emphasizes that it delivers without drama in everyday driving, which supports the impression of solid day-to-day durability.

You also get a useful ownership perk in the form of a first scheduled maintenance visit included on the house.

For used buyers, 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 78.8% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still run a history report on every candidate, even if the listing looks clean. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection if you are considering a higher-mileage truck or one with off-road or towing use. Focus on cabin condition, feature operation, and signs of hard use, since those are the areas most likely to separate a well-kept truck from a neglected one.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The lineup includes a wide spread of configurations, from work-focused setups to the TRX. Base versions are more utilitarian, while higher trims add more luxury and visual polish.
• Powertrain: The standout engine is the 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi V8 with 702 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic. It is brutally quick, but fuel economy is only 10 mpg city, 14 highway, 12 combined.
• Safety package: The available 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. Some of these features are not standard.
• Infotainment: A 12-inch touchscreen with Uconnect 4C, navigation, wireless charging, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and OTA capability is part of the tech story. The display is customizable and can be split-screen.
• Fuel efficiency: The TRX returns 10 mpg city, 14 highway, 12 combined, and it requires premium fuel.

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:

• Base trim: The entry-level Tradesman is the budget-first choice, but it is the most stripped-down starting point in the lineup.
• Premium/top trim: The TRX is the headline option if you want maximum performance, the most dramatic styling, and the most advanced tech presence.
• Off-road trim: The TRX is the one to choose if you want serious off-road hardware and can live with its high fuel use and premium pricing.

Close with any safety-package trim note from Safety content.

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

This is a moderate buyer’s market, so you can shop selectively without expecting deep distress pricing across the board.

• Deal availability: 31.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 9,694 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 5.16% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 78.8% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $30,741.71, 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 $31,450 sits slightly below last year's $33,161.

That price movement suggests the market has already adjusted downward, which can help you buy at a more favorable point in the cycle. If you plan to sell later, the current softness may limit near-term upside, but it also means you are less likely to overpay today.

Strong demand for the truck’s comfort, ride quality, and tech should help support future interest. 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 several of the most useful driver-assistance items are bundled into optional packages rather than made standard. 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 also get a standard rear backup camera with dynamic guidelines, plus available features such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, trailer sway control, and front and rear park assistance with automatic braking.

The main caveat is that advanced safety features are not standard, so you need to check carefully 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:

• 31.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 78.8% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 5.16% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.73/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The TRX brings a 702-horsepower supercharged V8 and standout off-road performance.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $28,834, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $31,450 average.
• It adds EcoDiesel availability across all trims for better efficiency and range.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $34,160, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $31,450 average.
• It adds Uconnect 5 with faster response and wireless smartphone integration.

The bottom line: If you want the strongest mix of value, owner satisfaction, and available inventory, the 2021 is the best starting point. If your priority is lower purchase price, the 2020 is the smarter budget play. If you want newer infotainment and can spend more, the 2022 is worth a look.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 7, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.