2021 RAM 1500

The 2021 RAM 1500 is a powerful light-duty pickup truck offered in seven trim levels. These include Tradesman, Big Horn (or Lone Star in Texas), Rebel, Laramie, Long Horn, Limited, and TRX. With the base Tradesman trim level, exterior features include 18-inch steel wheels, automatic halogen headlights, and heated side mirrors. As you move through the higher trim levels, you can get additional exterior features, such as fog lights, LED lighting, larger alloy wheels, side steps, a spray-in bedliner, and in-bed lighting.

The Rebel trim is off-road-oriented, featuring more aggressive styling, underbody skid plates, upgraded shocks, an electronic locking rear axle, and larger all-terrain tires. With the all-new TRX, additional features include a 2-inch suspension lift, upgraded adaptive dampers, an additional skid plate, and upgraded brakes.

The RAM 1500 is available with four different engine options, two of which include RAM's eTorque mild hybrid system that improves the smoothness of the engine stop-start functionality and fuel economy. The base engine is a 3.6-liter V-6 unit, which makes 305 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque. Next on the list is a 5.7-liter V-8 engine, rated at 395 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque and offered with or without the eTorque system.

If you want diesel power, the 3.0-liter turbocharged diesel V-6 engine is an appealing choice. It puts out 260 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque. The final option is new for 2021 and offered exclusively on the top TRX trim. This 6.2-liter supercharged V-8 pumps out an impressive 702 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. All four engines pair with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

On the performance side, the 2021 RAM 1500 is extremely capable of towing and hauling heavy loads. When properly equipped, the truck can tow up to 12,750 pounds. The payload capacity tops out at 2,320 pounds. If a comfortable ride is high on your priority list, this pickup truck won't disappoint. The optional air suspension system puts more control in your hands, ensuring comfort around every curve. Rear-wheel drive is standard on most 1500 truck models, although nearly every model is offered with four-wheel drive as an option.

The cabin of the base model boasts manual climate control, cloth upholstery, a six-speaker sound system with a 5-inch touch screen, and a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel. The Big Horn/Lone Star trim adds an upgraded rear seat, while a larger 8.4-inch or 12-inch touch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available as options. The higher trims also add plush options like leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, reclining rear seats, navigation, satellite radio, wireless device charging, and a premium sound system.

Every RAM 1500 includes a rearview camera, while options on the higher trims include forward collision mitigation, front and rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Advanced Safety Group package bundles adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a surround-view camera system.