The new year is here and so is the latest Ram truck lineup. And with every new model year, you can count on awesome changes that improve upon this already incredible pickup. Here’s a comparison of 2020 and 2021 models, so you can see exactly what Ram changed and what that means for you.
Available Trims
The Ram 1500 hasn’t changed its base package of six trims. The Laramie, Bighorn, Rebel, Tradesman, Limited, and Limited Longhorn are all continuing the Ram legacy. The Built To Serve and the Nightshade are two special edition trims that will see big changes in 2021. The Nightshade is gone, while the Built To Serve has expanded.
The 2020 Ram 1500 features two Built To Serve trims, Commitment To Courage and Lead The Way. The Lead The Way trim comes in two unique color options, Gator Green and Diamond Black. It comes with a custom interior of contrasting Graystone seat color with a light frost stitching. Available exterior colors on the Commitment To Courage are Ceramic Gray and Patriot Blue. A custom interior features contrasting blue seating with light ambassador blue stitching.
For 2021, Ram has added the Driven For Excellence and Forever Faithful trims to their Built To Serve special edition lineup. The Forever Faithful trim comes in Tank or Flame Red colors with a stylish Medium Graystone interior stitching. Driven For Excellence offers Anvil and Billet Silver colors with interior contrasting Graystone colored seats with Light Diesel Gray stitching.
Also new in 2021 is the Ram 1500 TRX trim, a rugged truck designed for off-road performance. This four-wheel-drive platform is equipped with a 6.2-liter HEMI V-8 engine, making it the most powerful street-legal half-ton pickup truck ever built.
Power Upgrades
In 2020, the Ram 1500 featured four engines. Standard was a 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine with eTorque, which carries over as the standard engine for 2021 models. In fact, all four engines carry over to 2021 with horsepower, torque, and towing capacity remaining the same. New for 2021 is a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V-8, standard on the TRX trim and available on the others. This engine puts out a monstrous 702 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque.
Towing Features
While the towing capacity remains the same for 2021, at 12,750 pounds, the technology dedicated to towing has vastly improved. Trailer monitoring is now possible with new trailer tire pressure monitoring, trailer light checks, and power-folding trailer tow mirrors. Also new is the 360-degree surround-view camera that gives you multiple vantage points to view your trailer while towing. An available trailer reverse steering control helps to guide your Ram 1500’s hitch to the tongue or back up your trailer with the twist of a knob. Simply turn the knob in the direction you want the trailer to move and the system does the steering.
Ram has also updated the suspension system with electronic stability control that includes trailer sway control and electronic roll mitigation systems. These systems monitor your Ram 1500 and your trailer to identify when your truck and trailer aren’t moving in the intended direction. It automatically adjusts engine torque and braking on both the truck and trailer to keep them stable and moving on the right path.
Another handy new feature that helps with towing is hill start assist. This system keeps the brakes engaged for up to two seconds while your foot moves from the brake pedal to the accelerator, eliminating any backward roll and giving you a smooth start every time.
Technology Additions
A new head-up display has been added to the 2021 Ram 1500. To help you keep your your eyes on the road, all of your critical driving data will be projected onto the windshield just above the steering wheel. It’s totally configurable, so you can put up the information you need to see when you’re driving. Your speed, incoming calls and messages, any navigation instructions, the gear you’re in, and more are all displayed where you can quickly and easily glance at them.
Also new for 2021 is the digital rearview mirror. It functions as a normal mirror or, when activated, turns into an LCD monitor that streams real-time video from a camera in the rear. Not only does it broaden your view of the road behind you, but it also provides a clear view when backing up to your trailer. The 2021 Ram 1500 also includes a great variety of safety features.
Interior Comfort
The Longhorn 10th Anniversary Edition is a new edition for Ram in 2021. This special edition features signature badging, a center console, and even an animated digital information cluster graphic. These go along nicely with sophisticated touches like the exclusive Dipped Mountain Brown interior color scheme.
The Limited Longhorn trim drops the Dipped Mountain Brown Natura Plus leather in favor of a stylish new Natura Plus leather Black and Cattle Tan two-tone design. Even the steering wheel and dashboard receive color treatments to match in leather and real wood appliques. It all serves to elevate the refined look and feel.
Wheel Options
Ram has always provided plenty of stylish wheel options. The 2020 Ram 1500 offered 10 wheel varieties to choose from. The 2021 Ram 1500 ups the wheel game with 15 different wheel options in select sizes and styles.
Tried and True Convenience
It should be mentioned that if it isn’t broken, you shouldn’t fix it. Ram took that to heart with a number of features that carry over from 2020, like the Multi-Function tailgate. This creative design allows for easy access to the bed through 60/40-split tailgate doors that swing open up to 88 degrees. No longer do you have to reach over the traditional drop-down tailgate to grasp at cargo. Now, you can sidle right up to the bed floor for easier reach. It also maintains the center step in the rear bumper that helps you step into the bed with ease.
At Huffines Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram we have one of the largest selections of Ram trucks in Texas. We are conveniently located on West Plano Parkway in Plano, Texas. You can visit us any time or contact us online. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff is ready to assist you by answering any questions you may have and taking you for a test drive.