2021 Ram 1500 Classic

Ram builds the 1500 Classic in three primary trim levels: Tradesman, Express, and Warlock. Despite its low starting price and aging platform, the truck comes well equipped. All trim levels are available in Quad Cab and Crew Cab four-door body styles; the Tradesman and Express also come as a Regular Cab two-door. Depending on the trim and cab size, shoppers have access to short, standard, or long cargo boxes. Pricing starts around $28,500 for the Tradesman, a rugged truck with few frills that's an excellent choice for buyers looking for a work truck. It has mechanical features like a 3.6-liter V6 engine, automatic transmission, heavy-duty shock absorbers, four-wheel disc brakes, 17-inch steel wheels, and a full-size spare tire. The Tradesman comes with safety technology like traction control, stability control, automatic on/off headlamps, side and curtain airbags, a tire pressure monitor, and a backup camera. Other notable features are variable intermittent wipers, black bumpers and mirror caps, vinyl seats, manual air conditioning, cruise control, and a Uconnect 3 infotainment system with a 5.0-inch touchscreen. The Express trim upgrades the body styling, adding body-color bumpers and a body-color grille that gives the 1500 Classic a sportier appeal. Ram also includes fog lamps and 17-inch painted aluminum wheels for about $30,000. Those wanting a streetwise attitude and more available features can choose the Warlock for around $37,000. Ram gives it a black exterior treatment, with a unique grille shape and powder-coated bumpers. The Warlock also comes with sleek 20-inch semi-gloss black aluminum wheels, rear parking sensors, and bifunctional halogen headlamps. There are several options available for the 1500 Classic. An optional Trailer Tow Group significantly improves the truck's towing capacity, providing it with a Class IV receiver-hitch, trailering mirrors, and a trailer brake controller. Perhaps the most notable optional extra is the 8.4-inch touchscreen. It comes with newer infotainment software, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for easy smartphone connection, dual USB inputs, a separate 7.0-inch TFT color display in the gauge cluster, and satellite radio.

The 1500 Classic comes standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 305 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque. EPA estimates for gas mileage are 17/25/20 mpg. The V6 is matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel-drive. Ram offers an optional anti-spin rear differential. Shoppers can add four-wheel-drive for additional rugged strength in bad weather and off-road conditions. A Hemi 5.7-liter V8 engine is available for about $1,500 producing 395 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque. Though fuel economy is lower than with the V6, the Hemi's silky-smooth power makes it an excellent choice for towing jobs.

The Ram 1500 Classic's cabin has not changed much in the last few years, but for a few small changes. The interior is spacious and functional with handsome style and user-friendly features. The standard 40/20/40 front bench seat comes trimmed in vinyl, and the seats are quite comfortable. Flipping down the center backrest reveals a large center console, complete with three cupholders and a storage bin. There are other useful storage cubbies, like on top of the dashboard and in a recess above the glove compartment. Thanks to a tall ride height and square-jawed body styling, the 1500 Classic has excellent outward visibility. Unlike the new Ram 1500 with its high-end leather upholstery and cutting-edge infotainment technology, the 1500 Classic has a straightforward feature set. A 5.0-inch touchscreen comes standard. Its slow operation and small size make it feel a bit outdated compared to newer systems. There is good sound quality from the audio speakers. Stepping up to the 8.4-inch display and its more recent software is a welcome upgrade, with standard Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. The front seats have excellent headroom and legroom, especially in four-door models. Taller rear passengers in the Quad Cab won't have much extra leg space. The Crew Cab solves this problem, providing roughly six extra inches to stretch one's legs.