“I like the reliability, the styling, the comfort, and I especially like the fuel mileage on my new Ram 1500 Diesel.”
2021 Ram 1500 Classic: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2021 Ram 1500 Classic is mostly a carryover, with a standard 5-inch touchscreen and Bluetooth replacing the basic radio in Tradesman and Express. Flexible-fuel powertrain options also leave the lineup.
About the 2021 Ram 1500 Classic
4th-generation Ram 1500 (DS platform, 2009-2024); 2021 is a late-run Ram 1500 Classic year sold alongside the newer 5th-generation Ram 1500.
Ram positions the 1500 Classic as the straightforward, proven full-size pickup in the lineup. Official Ram material leans on rugged capability, V6 or HEMI V8 power, towing strength, and a truck that fits both jobsite and everyday-duty use. Compared with the newer Ram 1500, the Classic’s appeal is its familiar design, simpler equipment approach, many cab-and-bed combinations, and dependable work-truck character rather than flashy new technology.
The 2021 lineup ranges from the work-focused Tradesman to the polished Express and chrome-trimmed SLT. Warlock is the boldest version, with black bumpers, a black RAM-letter grille, 20-inch black wheels, rear parking sensors, and distinctive lighting. Every trim uses an eight-speed automatic, paired with either the standard 3.6-liter V6 or the 5.7-liter HEMI V8.
What changed, by category
Tech
Tradesman and Express gain a standard 5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, replacing the simpler base radio used in 2020.
Powertrain
Flexible-fuel powertrain options are dropped from Express, SLT, Tradesman, and Warlock. The regular gasoline 3.6-liter V6 and 5.7-liter HEMI V8 continue with an eight-speed automatic.
2021 Ram 1500 Classic specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8, HEMI, 5.7 Liter / V6, 3.6 Liter | V8, HEMI, 5.7 Liter / V6, 3.6 Liter | V8, HEMI, 5.7 Liter / V6, 3.6 Liter | V8, HEMI, 5.7 Liter / V6, 3.6 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd |
| Drivetrain | 2WD / 4WD | 2WD / 4WD | 4WD / 2WD | 4WD / 2WD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 15–17 mpg | 15–17 mpg | 15–17 mpg | 15–17 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 21–25 mpg | 21–25 mpg | 21–25 mpg | 21–25 mpg |
| Horsepower | 305–395 hp | 305–395 hp | 305–395 hp | 305–395 hp |
| Torque | 269–410 lb-ft | 269–410 lb-ft | 269–410 lb-ft | 269–410 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 9180–10650 lb | 9160–10260 lb | 10190–10260 lb | 9160–10410 lb |
| Rear Legroom | 34.7–40.3 in | 34.7–40.3 in | 34.7–40.3 in | 34.7–40.3 in |
| Seats | 3–6 | 3–6 | 6 | 3–6 |
| Doors | 2–4 | 2–4 | 4 | 2–4 |
| Alarm System | ||||
| Rear Parking Sensors | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Power Mirrors | ||||
| Privacy Glass | ||||
| Tow Hooks | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| SD Card Slot | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| Subwoofer | ||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||
| USB Ports | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||
| Power Locks | ||||
| Power Windows | ||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
| Remote Keyless Entry | ||||
| Tilt Wheel | ||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2021 Ram 1500 Classic?
The biggest change is a standard 5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth in the 2021 Tradesman and Express. It replaces the simpler base radio fitted to those trims in 2020.
Was the 2021 Ram 1500 Classic redesigned?
No, the 2021 Ram 1500 Classic was not redesigned. It keeps the previous-generation body, chassis, cab and bed combinations, and rear coil-spring suspension.
Did the 2021 Ram 1500 Classic get a new engine?
No, the 2021 Ram 1500 Classic did not get a new engine. Its regular gasoline lineup continues with a standard 3.6-liter V6 and a 5.7-liter HEMI V8, both paired with an eight-speed automatic, while the flexible-fuel options are dropped.
Which 2021 Ram 1500 Classic trims have the 5-inch touchscreen?
All four 2021 Ram 1500 Classic trims covered here have a 5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth: Tradesman, Express, SLT, and Warlock. The change for 2021 is that this system becomes standard on Tradesman and Express.
What distinguishes the 2021 Ram 1500 Classic Warlock?
The 2021 Warlock is the lineup’s blacked-out appearance trim. It has black bumpers, a black RAM-letter grille, black-bezel projector headlights, LED taillights, 20-inch black wheels, and rear parking sensors.
2021 Ram 1500 Classic Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 Ram 1500 Classic.
4.1
2021 Ram 1500 Classic
(101 reviews)
“A good ecological choice in a versatile working vehicle. Well appointed, comfortable and reliable.”
“My 2021 Dodge Ram 1500 has the V6 engine which helps with mpg and still has get up and go.”