2021 RAM 1500 vs 2022 RAM 1500
Overview | |
MSRP$29,490 | MSRP$29,650 |
Listings4971 | Listings8521 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.8 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.7 out of 10 |
Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
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2021 RAM 1500 Reviews SummaryAlways the bridesmaid but never the bride, the Ram 1500 enters the fray of high-performance off-road vehicles with cocksure confidence. Second place in truck sales last year, Ram earns the first-place podium in superpowers with its new SRT Hellcat-powered TRX trim level as it looks to make moves to climb the sales charts. Or, maybe, just literally drive over its competition. | |
2022 RAM 1500 Reviews SummaryIn 2021, the Ram pickup line overtook the Chevrolet Silverado as the second-best-selling truck in America. That’s the headline. The nuance is that sales figures include the previous-generation version, now sold as the Ram 1500 Classic, which remains in production four years after its should have died. Also, General Motors suffered significant production disruptions due to the ongoing chip shortage. Nevertheless, and especially in light of the redesigned Toyota Tundra arriving in the market, we thought it would be good to revisit the most popular of the Ram trucks, the 2022 Ram 1500. | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine3.6L 305 hp V6 | Engine3.6L 305 hp V6 |
Drive Train4X2 | Drive Train4X2 |
Seating Capacity3 | Seating Capacity3 |
Horsepower305 hp @ 6400 rpm | Horsepower305 hp @ 6400 rpm |
MPG City17 | MPG City17 |
MPG Highway25 | MPG Highway25 |
Engine | |
Engine Name3.6L 305 hp V6 | Engine Name3.6L 305 hp V6 |
Torque269 lb-ft @ 4175 rpm | Torque269 lb-ft @ 4175 rpm |
Horsepower305 hp @ 6400 rpm | Horsepower305 hp @ 6400 rpm |
Drivetrain4X2 | Drivetrain4X2 |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City17 | MPG City17 |
MPG Highway25 | MPG Highway25 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity3 | Seating Capacity3 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall4 | Front Crash Overall4 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Bed Length98.3 in | Bed Length76.3 in |
Curb Weight4693 lbs | Curb Weight4516 lbs |
Height74.4 in | Height74.6 in |
Length231.0 in | Length209.0 in |
Width79.4 in | Width79.4 in |
Wheelbase140.5 in | Wheelbase120.5 in |
Maximum Payload1910 lbs | Maximum Payload1510 lbs |
Number of doors2 | Number of doors2 |
Maximum Towing Capacity10610 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity9210 lbs |
Standard Towing Capacity4720 lbs | Standard Towing Capacity4950 lbs |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $29,490 | $29,650 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 7.8 out of 10Read full review | 7.7 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
Summary | Always the bridesmaid but never the bride, the Ram 1500 enters the fray of high-performance off-road vehicles with cocksure confidence. Second place in truck sales last year, Ram earns the first-place podium in superpowers with its new SRT Hellcat-powered TRX trim level as it looks to make moves to climb the sales charts. Or, maybe, just literally drive over its competition. | In 2021, the Ram pickup line overtook the Chevrolet Silverado as the second-best-selling truck in America. That’s the headline. The nuance is that sales figures include the previous-generation version, now sold as the Ram 1500 Classic, which remains in production four years after its should have died. Also, General Motors suffered significant production disruptions due to the ongoing chip shortage. Nevertheless, and especially in light of the redesigned Toyota Tundra arriving in the market, we thought it would be good to revisit the most popular of the Ram trucks, the 2022 Ram 1500. |
Video | ||
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 3.6L 305 hp V6 | 3.6L 305 hp V6 |
Drive Train | 4X2 | 4X2 |
Seating Capacity | 3 | 3 |
Horsepower | 305 hp @ 6400 rpm | 305 hp @ 6400 rpm |
MPG City | 17 | 17 |
MPG Highway | 25 | 25 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 3.6L 305 hp V6 | 3.6L 305 hp V6 |
Torque | 269 lb-ft @ 4175 rpm | 269 lb-ft @ 4175 rpm |
Horsepower | 305 hp @ 6400 rpm | 305 hp @ 6400 rpm |
Drivetrain | 4X2 | 4X2 |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 17 | 17 |
MPG Highway | 25 | 25 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 3 | 3 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 4 | 4 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Bed Length | 98.3 in | 76.3 in |
Curb Weight | 4693 lbs | 4516 lbs |
Height | 74.4 in | 74.6 in |
Length | 231.0 in | 209.0 in |
Width | 79.4 in | 79.4 in |
Wheelbase | 140.5 in | 120.5 in |
Maximum Payload | 1910 lbs | 1510 lbs |
Number of doors | 2 | 2 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 10610 lbs | 9210 lbs |
Standard Towing Capacity | 4720 lbs | 4950 lbs |
The 2021 RAM 1500 continued the design aesthetics of its predecessors, largely unchanged since the 2019 model. It retained its selection between quad or crew cab models, offering similar bed choices that catered to various needs without adding any significant cosmetic updates. However, the real standout was the RAM 1500 TRX edition, which was not just a trim level but an emphatic off-road statement that brought a blend of ruggedness and luxury. Its formidable presence was complemented by functionalities like a massive grille and fender vents aimed clearly at the off-road enthusiast.
Conversely, the 2022 RAM 1500, while subtly enhanced with newer trim levels and the addition of a clean air system standard across all trims, leaned heavily on technology enhancements to assert its newness. The exterior retained a sleek, less imposing presence that veered towards contemporary rather than rugged, providing a contrast to the more aggressively styled TRX.















In 2021, the RAM 1500 TRX brought the awe with its 702 horsepower supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi V8 engine, a zenith of power which catapulted it to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds. This model was engineered as much for speed as for handling challenging terrains, supported by a robust all-terrain tire setup and adaptive off-road settings, including a newly calibrated Baja mode for enthusiasts.
The 2022 RAM 1500's performance spectrum was broader yet less extreme. Standard offerings started with a 3.6-liter V6 and extended to the optional 5.7-liter V8. The introduction of the EcoDiesel V6 represented a balance between power and efficiency, particularly appealing to those eyeing long-term savings on fuel, despite the higher initial cost compared to some competitors.
Both model years maintained a spacious cabin environment with sophisticated storage solutions. The TRX model of 2021 did well to combine functionality with luxury, sporting ample storage spaces and a strategically designed interior that made long rides comfortable and practical.
The 2022 iteration refined this practicality with enhanced comfort features such as heated and ventilated seats standard on higher trims and innovative storage solutions integrated within the cabin. Both models offered competitive towing and payload capacity, though the 2021 TRX leaned heavily towards power, and the 2022 diesel variant prioritized efficient utility.
The 2021 RAM 1500 came well-equipped with a Uconnect 4C system on a 12-inch touchscreen, which was praised for its customizability but critiqued for its non-driver-centric positioning. On the other hand, the 2022 model included the new Uconnect 5 system, presenting a quicker and more feature-rich interface that proved a solid upgrade.
CarGurus highlights

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 RAM 1500 is 7.8 out of 10, while the 2022 RAM 1500 scores 7.7 out of 10. Given these ratings, the 2021 RAM 1500 edges out slightly over its successor, mainly due to its unparalleled power and the off-road capabilities provided by the TRX version. Buyers looking for maximum performance and capability will find the 2021 model a more compelling choice, whereas those who value technology and efficiency might lean towards the 2022 model for its subtle improvements and expanded accessibility of advanced features.
Choose the 2021 RAM 1500 if:
- You crave raw power and extreme off-road capabilities.
- You appreciate a truck that balances rugged functionality with high-end interior luxury.
- You desire advanced technology tailored towards performance and off-road readiness.
Choose the 2022 RAM 1500 if:
- You value up-to-date infotainment technology and cleaner cabin air quality.
- You prioritize fuel efficiency and long-term operational savings with the EcoDiesel engine.
- You prefer a more contemporary look without sacrificing the robust performance RAM is known for.
CarGurus highlights

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 RAM 1500 is 7.8 out of 10, while the 2022 RAM 1500 scores 7.7 out of 10. Given these ratings, the 2021 RAM 1500 edges out slightly over its successor, mainly due to its unparalleled power and the off-road capabilities provided by the TRX version. Buyers looking for maximum performance and capability will find the 2021 model a more compelling choice, whereas those who value technology and efficiency might lean towards the 2022 model for its subtle improvements and expanded accessibility of advanced features.
Choose the 2021 RAM 1500 if:
Shop Now- You crave raw power and extreme off-road capabilities.
- You appreciate a truck that balances rugged functionality with high-end interior luxury.
- You desire advanced technology tailored towards performance and off-road readiness.
Choose the 2022 RAM 1500 if:
Shop Now- You value up-to-date infotainment technology and cleaner cabin air quality.
- You prioritize fuel efficiency and long-term operational savings with the EcoDiesel engine.
- You prefer a more contemporary look without sacrificing the robust performance RAM is known for.

By: CarGurus + AI
At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.








































