2020 RAM 1500 vs 2021 RAM 1500

2020 RAM 1500
2020 RAM 1500
$28,200MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 RAM 1500
2021 RAM 1500
$29,490MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 RAM 1500
$28,200MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 RAM 1500
$29,490MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP
$28,200
$29,490
Average price
$36,989
$38,916
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews
4.7
4.5
Expert reviews

7.7 out of 10

Read full review

7.8 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Great safety ratings
Cons
  • Advanced safety features are not standard
Summary
A full redesign for the 2019 model year left a significant bit of tech on the table for the increasingly popular Ram 1500 pickup truck: the EcoDiesel 3.0-litre engine. Ram was once the only option for a half-ton diesel pickup, but emissions certification problems resulted in Ram pulling the diesel engine a few years ago. The engineers at Ram have been hard at work updating it ever since. Although the EcoDiesel wasn’t ready for 2019, it’s now available for any 2020 Ram 1500 trim, so it seems it was well worth the wait. With 80% new parts, the EcoDiesel's improvements to power, efficiency, and delivery all mean that Ram is fighting hard to change minds about North America’s least-loved engine type.

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.

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
Look and feel
2020 RAM 1500
8/10
2021 RAM 1500
7/10

The 2020 RAM 1500 was a standout in the truck market, known for its iconic design and impressive sales figures. Despite the presence of the older Ram 1500 Classic, the redesigned 2020 model managed to outsell competitors like the Chevrolet Silverado. The truck's design featured a large grille, a hallmark of the RAM brand since the '90s, setting a trend that others have only recently followed. The 2020 RAM 1500 offered a range of trims, starting with the Tradesman, which provided essential features for a tough work truck. As buyers moved up the trim levels, they could enjoy additional comforts and technologies, such as the Big Horn's fog lights and optional air suspension, or the Rebel's off-road capabilities. The Laramie and Longhorn trims added luxury touches, while the Limited trim offered top-tier features like a standard air suspension and advanced safety options.

In contrast, the 2021 RAM 1500 maintained the design introduced in 2019, with no significant cosmetic changes. The lineup continued to offer a mix of quad cab and crew cab models, with various bed lengths and drivetrain options. The most notable addition for 2021 was the TRX model, a performance-oriented truck inspired by off-road rally races. The TRX featured a commanding presence with its functional hood scoop, massive grille, and fender vents. It was designed for serious off-road adventures, with a crew cab-only configuration and a smaller bed. The TRX's interior combined durability and luxury, offering premium materials and advanced technology. Despite its larger exterior dimensions, the TRX shared the same interior space as other RAM 1500 models, providing ample room for passengers and storage.

Performance
2020 RAM 1500
7/10
2021 RAM 1500
9/10

The 2020 RAM 1500 offered a range of engine options, starting with a 3.6-litre V6 engine that delivered 305 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission and featured a mild-hybrid system called "eTorque," which provided an additional 90 lb-ft of torque during towing and takeoff. The V6 engine was known for its improved fuel efficiency, achieving 12.2 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 9.7 on the highway with 4WD. For those seeking more power, the 5.7-litre Hemi V8 engine was available, offering 395 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque. This engine also came with an eTorque option for certain trims, providing a maximum towing capacity of 5,783 kilograms with 2WD. The 3.0-litre EcoDiesel V6 engine was another option, delivering 260 hp and a class-leading 480 lb-ft of torque. However, the diesel engine's performance was sometimes hindered by turbo lag, affecting its responsiveness during quick maneuvers.

The 2021 RAM 1500 TRX took performance to a new level with its 6.2-litre supercharged Hemi V8 engine, producing an impressive 702 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a high-torque-capacity eight-speed automatic transmission, allowing the TRX to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds. The TRX's top speed was 190 km/h, and it had a maximum towing capacity of 3,674 kilograms. Despite its powerful performance, the TRX's fuel consumption was high, with ratings of 22.4 litres per 100 km in the city and 16.5 on the highway. The TRX offered eight on- and off-road drive modes, including a Baja mode for off-road adventures. During testing, the TRX demonstrated its capabilities on various terrains, from mountain highways to off-road tracks, showcasing its impressive handling and performance.

Form and function
2020 RAM 1500
8/10
2021 RAM 1500
8/10

The 2020 RAM 1500 was praised for its class-leading torque, towing capacity, and comfortable interior. The truck's spacious cabin provided ample room for passengers, with rear coil springs ensuring a smooth ride. Interior storage was a highlight, with over 151 litres of space, including a large centre console and hidden compartments. The rear seats in higher trims could recline, offering additional comfort for passengers. However, achieving the maximum towing capacity required specific configurations, limiting some of the truck's functionality. Additionally, some users found the cabin dials to be loosely calibrated, making precise adjustments challenging.

The 2021 RAM 1500 TRX focused on both performance and functionality. The truck offered full-length rock rails for added protection and a full-size spare tire with a matching wheel design. Despite its larger exterior dimensions, the TRX's interior dimensions were identical to other RAM 1500 models, providing generous headroom and legroom for passengers. The cabin featured numerous storage options, including a large centre storage bin. The TRX Level 2 package offered comfortable front seats and powered-adjustable pedals, enhancing the driving experience. Compared to its rivals, the RAM 1500 provided the most adjustable seating position, contributing to driver comfort on long journeys.

Technology
2020 RAM 1500
7/10
2021 RAM 1500
8/10

The 2020 RAM 1500 stood out with its tablet-style 12-inch touchscreen and Uconnect system, offering a user-friendly interface and easy smartphone integration. The system supported both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, providing seamless connectivity. The truck also featured push-button start and a wealth of USB and USB-C inputs, ensuring passengers had ample charging options. The engine technology, including the diesel and eTorque mild hybrid system, was a significant highlight, showcasing advancements that were expected to influence the industry.

The 2021 RAM 1500 continued to impress with its 12-inch touchscreen featuring the Uconnect 4C infotainment system. The display was customizable, allowing users to personalize their experience. However, the screen's glossy finish attracted fingerprints, and its positioning was not driver-centric. The TRX model included Performance Pages and Off-Road Pages, providing detailed vehicle calculations and accessory gauges. The Uconnect system offered wireless charging, Bluetooth connectivity, and a range of entertainment options, including a 10-speaker Alpine system and an available Harmon Kardon premium audio package. New for 2021 was a full-colour head-up display, providing real-time driving information.

Safety
2020 RAM 1500
9/10
2021 RAM 1500
9/10

The 2020 RAM 1500 received a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was the first full-size pickup to be named a Top Safety Pick Plus by the IIHS, provided it was equipped with the Crew Cab and active safety features. While most safety features were available across trims, none were standard, allowing buyers to choose only the features they wanted. The truck's hood design improved visibility, and braking performance was consistent, though stopping distances were average for the class.

The 2021 RAM 1500 TRX offered over 100 safety and security features, including forward collision warning and advanced driver-assistance systems. However, many of these features were optional and required additional packages. The Advanced Safety Group package included a 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise control, and pedestrian detection. The Technology Group offered a digital rear-view mirror and a brake-activated centre high-mount stop lamp. Other available features included adaptive headlights, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning. Passive safety features included an auto-reverse function for windows and sunroof, as well as an enhanced accident response system.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 RAM 1500 is 7.7 out of 10, while the 2021 RAM 1500 scores 7.8 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 RAM 1500 is the recommended choice, offering a slight edge in performance, technology, and safety features, particularly with the introduction of the TRX model.

CarGurus logo

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.

Popular vehicle comparisons

2022 RAM 1500 vs 2022 GMC Canyon2022 RAM 1500 vs 2022 Nissan Titan2022 RAM 1500 vs 2022 GMC Sierra 15002022 RAM 2500 vs 2023 RAM 15002022 Nissan Frontier vs 2022 RAM 15002022 Toyota Tundra vs 2023 RAM 15002022 Ford F-350 Super Duty vs 2022 RAM 15002022 GMC Sierra 2500HD vs 2022 RAM 15002022 Nissan Titan vs 2023 RAM 15002022 Toyota Tacoma vs 2023 RAM 15002022 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD vs 2022 RAM 15002022 RAM 1500 vs 2022 Toyota Tundra2022 Ford Ranger vs 2023 RAM 15002022 Ford F-250 Super Duty vs 2022 RAM 15002022 Ford F-350 Super Duty vs 2023 RAM 15002022 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD vs 2023 RAM 15002022 RAM 1500 vs 2022 Honda Ridgeline2022 Chevrolet Colorado vs 2023 RAM 15002021 GMC Canyon vs 2022 RAM 15002021 Toyota Tundra vs 2022 RAM 15002021 Ford Ranger vs 2022 RAM 15002021 Ford F-350 Super Duty vs 2022 RAM 15002021 GMC Sierra 1500 vs 2022 RAM 15002021 RAM 1500 vs 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD2021 RAM 1500 vs 2020 Nissan Frontier2021 RAM 1500 vs 2021 Ford Ranger2021 RAM 1500 vs 2022 RAM 15002021 Nissan Frontier vs 2022 RAM 15002021 Honda Ridgeline vs 2022 RAM 15002021 RAM 1500 vs 2021 GMC Sierra 3500HD2021 GMC Sierra 3500HD vs 2022 RAM 15002021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vs 2022 RAM 15002021 RAM 2500 vs 2022 RAM 15002021 Chevrolet Colorado vs 2021 RAM 15002021 RAM 1500 vs 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 15002020 RAM 1500 vs 2021 Ford F-1502020 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD vs 2021 RAM 15002020 RAM 1500 vs 2021 Toyota Tundra2020 RAM 1500 vs 2021 GMC Sierra 2500HD2020 RAM 1500 vs 2021 RAM 35002020 RAM 2500 vs 2021 RAM 15002020 RAM 1500 vs 2021 Nissan Titan2020 Honda Ridgeline vs 2021 RAM 15002020 GMC Sierra 2500HD vs 2021 RAM 15002020 GMC Sierra 3500HD vs 2021 RAM 15002020 RAM 1500 vs 2021 Nissan Frontier2020 RAM 1500 vs 2021 RAM 25002020 RAM 3500 vs 2021 RAM 15002020 GMC Canyon vs 2021 RAM 15002020 RAM 1500 vs 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 15002020 RAM 1500 vs 2021 Honda Ridgeline2020 RAM 1500 vs 2021 Chevrolet Colorado2020 RAM 1500 vs 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD2019 RAM 1500 vs 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD2019 RAM 3500 vs 2020 RAM 15002019 RAM 1500 vs 2019 RAM 35002019 RAM 1500 vs 2020 GMC Canyon2019 Toyota Tacoma vs 2020 RAM 15002019 GMC Canyon vs 2020 RAM 15002019 RAM 1500 vs 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD2019 RAM 1500 vs 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty2019 RAM 1500 vs 2019 Nissan Frontier2019 RAM 1500 vs 2019 Honda Ridgeline2019 GMC Sierra 1500 vs 2019 RAM 15002019 RAM 1500 vs 2019 GMC Sierra 2500HD2019 RAM 1500 vs 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD2019 RAM 1500 vs 2020 Toyota Tundra2019 RAM 1500 vs 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 15002019 RAM 1500 vs 2019 Ford F-1502019 RAM 1500 vs 2019 Chevrolet Colorado2019 RAM 1500 vs 2020 RAM 2500