2021 RAM 1500 vs 2021 Ford Ranger

The 2021 RAM 1500 was largely a carryover model, having undergone a complete redesign in 2019. This meant that there were no significant cosmetic changes to either the interior or exterior. The configuration options remained a mix of quad or crew cab, with the crew cab offering a choice between a five-foot, seven-inch bed or a six-foot, four-inch bed. The two-door option was available solely with the longer bed. Regardless of the door configuration, buyers had the option of rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD).

The most eye-catching addition for 2021 was the Ram 1500 TRX, purpose-built and inspired by off-road rally races like the Baja series. This model, unmistakably aggressive, featured a functioning hood scoop, massive grille, fender vents, and large 325/65R18 35-inch all-terrain tires. It also sported a widely-spaced "R-A-M" badging on the grille and tailgate, an all-black surround for the LED headlamps, composite fender flares, and an exclusive Ignition Orange paint. The TRX’s significant presence was amplified due to its dimension differences compared to standard Rams, measuring 80.9 inches in height and 88 inches in width, significantly larger than the standard models.

The interior of the TRX was designed to reflect first-class comfort and technology. It took cues from the Ram Rebel but enhanced both durability and luxury. The cabin featured black premium cloth and vinyl upholstery with available leather and suede materials. Red and gray contrast stitching, carbon fiber, and graphite metal finishes were available for an upscale feel. It also had a signature flat-bottom performance steering wheel, leather-wrapped and optionally finished with suede and carbon fiber. The 12-inch Uconnect infotainment display stood prominently in the center console.

In contrast, the 2021 Ford Ranger came in SuperCab (extended cab) and SuperCrew (crew cab) styles. The extended cab models featured a six-foot cargo bed, while the crew cabs offered a shorter five-foot bed. The trim levels included XL, XLT, and Lariat. Every Ranger was powered by the same turbo four-cylinder engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, available in RWD or 4WD.

For a commanding presence, the Tremor Off-Road Package added a subtle increase in stance, unique 17-inch dark gray wheels, 32-inch all-terrain tires, red grille accents, front and rear tow hooks, and off-road hoop-style side steps. The Tremor graphics added to the truck’s off-road capabilities and gave it a purposeful look that was higher and wider than a typical Ranger.

The 2021 RAM 1500 TRX boasted an extraordinary performance profile, powered by a 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi V8 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain was akin to what FCA used in its SRT vehicles, resulting in an exhilarating 702 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. With a payload capacity of 1,310 pounds and a towing capability of 8,100 pounds, the TRX was a veritable powerhouse.

The RAM TRX accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds, reaching 100 mph in 10.5 seconds, and completed a quarter-mile in 12.9 seconds at 108 mph. Its top speed was capped at 118 mph. Despite its raw power, the TRX managed only 10 mpg in the city, 14 mpg on the highway, and 12 mpg combined, fueled by a 33-gallon tank. However, no one bought this truck for its fuel economy.

A daylong test drive covered various terrains—from the ski villages in the Sierra Nevada range to the challenging off-road tracks at the Wild West Motorsports Park in Sparks, Nevada. The TRX excelled in all driving scenarios, whether it was slow city commutes, mountain highways, or off-road loops. The eight on- and off-road drive modes, including a newly calibrated Baja mode, proved essential for its versatile performance. It showcased stellar capabilities on dirt tracks and rock hill climbs, benefiting from features like launch control and Selec-Speed Control.

The 2021 Ford Ranger, on the other hand, was powered by a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, delivering 270 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 310 pound-feet of torque at 3,000 rpm. Despite being a smaller engine, it provided impressive power and a distinctive muffled engine note.

Equipped with 4WD, the Ranger allowed drivers to switch from 2-Hi to 4-Hi or 4-Lo using a rotary dial on the center console. It featured a Terrain Management System with settings like Normal, Sand, Mud/Ruts, and Grass/Gravel/Snow, along with an electronic locking rear differential. The Trail Control function acted as a low-speed off-road cruise control, allowing the driver to focus on steering while navigating tough terrains.

With the Tremor Off-Road Package, the Ranger’s suspension was enhanced with revised springs and Fox off-road performance shocks, offering 9.7 inches of ground clearance and improved approach, breakover, and departure angles. A front bash plate and underbody skid plates protected the truck’s mechanicals. The Ranger could tow up to 7,500 pounds and haul a payload of up to 1,860 pounds. However, the Tremor’s off-road modifications reduced its payload capacity to 1,430 pounds. Fuel economy ratings dropped slightly to 19 mpg combined, with an observed average of 18.5 mpg during testing. The Ranger demonstrated refined and swift acceleration and maintained comfortable on-road and off-road driving characteristics.

The functionality of the 2021 RAM 1500 TRX was as thoughtful as its performance. Full-length rock rails offered an additional step and extra body protection on rough terrains. LED headlights and taillights ensured crisp illumination, with optional auto high beams. The interior dimensions of the TRX were identical to the standard Ram, offering ample headroom and legroom—40.9 inches in the front and 39.8 inches/45.2 inches in the rear respectively.

The RAM’s interior provided plenty of storage options, including a large center storage bin. The seats in the TRX Level 2 package were balanced between cushy and firm, with powered adjustable pedals ensuring a comfortable driving position. The RAM 1500 excelled in seat adjustability, surpassing competitors like the GM twins and Ford.

Conversely, the 2021 Ford Ranger Tremor included individual hoop-style step bars, though their utility was limited due to their high mounting. SecuriCode provided keyless entry via a passcode, allowing adventurers to leave their key in the truck.

The Ranger's front seats were supportive yet soft, featuring eight-way power adjustments for the driver and six-way for the passenger. However, the limited seat track travel could be a drawback for taller individuals. The rear-seat space was accommodating, except for the lack of rear air conditioning vents and a manual sliding rear window.

The Ranger offered decent storage options despite its hand-operated parking brake on the center console. The rear-seat cushion lifted as a single piece for storage bin access, which was inconvenient. The tailgate was undampened but light, making it easy to operate. The cargo bed offered 43.3 cubic feet for SuperCrew models and 51.8 cubic feet for SuperCabs. Compared to the RAM 1500, the Ranger’s towing capacity (7,500 pounds) and payload (up to 1,860 pounds) were commendable for its class.

The 2021 RAM 1500 featured a standard 12-inch touchscreen with the Uconnect 4C infotainment system, including navigation. The display was customizable, allowing owners to drag and drop frequently used controls and settings. However, the screen lacked haptic feedback and was a fingerprint magnet. Positioned aimed at the rear seats, the display didn’t offer a driver-centric orientation, which was unexpected for a performance model like the TRX.

Tech-savvy features like Performance Pages and Off-Road Pages provided real-time vehicle data. The Uconnect system supported wireless charging, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth connectivity, and various ports. Entertainment options included HD Radio, 4G LTE WiFi, and a six-month SiriusXM Radio trial. Standard audio came from a 10-speaker Alpine system, with an optional 19-speaker Harmon Kardon upgrade.

A new HUD offered customizable driving information, such as navigation, speed, and advanced driver-assistance settings. However, the GPS-based speed limit notifications were sometimes inaccurate.

Ford equipped the Ranger Tremor with the Sync 3 infotainment system and an 8-inch touchscreen. The system included features like voice recognition, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD Radio, SiriusXM, AppLink with Waze and Ford + Alexa, and FordPass Connect with a 4G WiFi hotspot. Navigation and a Bang & Olufsen premium sound system were also included.

Despite Ford transitioning to the newer Sync 4 system, Sync 3 remained competitive. During testing, the voice recognition technology had mixed results, sometimes misinterpreting commands or failing to locate destinations. The climate system was integrated with Sync 3, allowing voice control for temperature adjustments.

The 2021 RAM 1500 TRX came equipped with over 100 safety and security features, though crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were unavailable at launch. Standard safety features included a rear backup camera with dynamic guidelines. The Advanced Safety Group package offered additional features like a 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, and pedestrian detection with emergency braking. A digital rear-view mirror and a brake-activated center high-mount stop lamp were part of the Advanced Tech Group.

Other available ADAS features included adaptive headlights, hill-start assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, trailer sway control, lane-departure warning, and front/rear park assistance with automatic braking. Passive safety included auto-reverse windows and sunroof, and an enhanced accident response system activated by airbag deployment.

The 2021 Ford Ranger offered the Co-Pilot360 suite of driver-assist features as standard or optional equipment. Key features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. The lane warnings provided subtle vibrations through the steering wheel.

A blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic warning, including trailer coverage, was also part of the package. The Lariat trim included adaptive cruise control, though it lacked full-stop functionality. The Ranger ensured maximum visibility with reversing cameras, rain-sensing wipers, and wiper-activated headlights.

Crashworthiness scores from NHTSA gave the truck an overall rating of four stars due to a three-star rollover resistance rating. The IIHS provided top scores aside from an "Acceptable" rating for front-passenger protection in the small-overlap frontal-impact test and a "Marginal" rating for the headlights.