2021 Ram 1500 Classic — Full Specifications
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The 2021 Ram 1500 Classic is a pickup offered with 2 engines (3.6L 6-cyl, 5.7L 8-cyl). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 24 mpg (UK) / 20 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 20–24 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a Ram 1500 Classic workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Related listing: see also the 2021 Ram 1500 page for the base 1500 listing, which may cover additional engines and body styles.
Compared with the 2020 Ram 1500 Classic: Fuel economy is essentially unchanged at around 24 mpg (UK) combined. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged. It carries the same 4★ overall NHTSA rating.
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 3.6L 6-cyl |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 3.6L 6-cyl · 5.7L 8-cyl |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Automatic 8-spd |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | Pickup |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 24 combined / 20 urban / 30 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 20 combined / 17 city / 25 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 280 g/km |
| EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | 3 / 10 (10 = lowest emissions) |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $3,350 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 4 configurations for the 2021 Ram 1500 Classic across 2 engines (3.6L 6-cyl, 5.7L 8-cyl). Combined fuel economy ranges from 17 to 20 mpg (US), or 20 to 24 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 23 | 19 (16/23) | 295 | $3,550 |
| 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 24 | 20 (17/25) | 280 | $3,350 |
| 5.7L 8-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 20 | 17 (15/21) | 327 | $4,450 |
| 5.7L 8-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 | 17 (15/22) | 319 | $4,450 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
Owner Essentials for the 2021 Ram 1500 Classic
Running Costs: 2021 Ram 1500 Classic
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2021 Ram 1500 Classic at 24 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,515 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $3,350 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2021 Ram 1500 Classic Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 15 safety recall campaigns that include the 2021 Ram 1500 Classic (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Back over prevention (4), Air bags (3), Service brakes (2). 1 campaign carried a “do not drive” or “park outside” advisory. A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Seat belts — campaign 26V495000, reported 30 July 2026. Risk: An improperly installed seat belt buckle anchor may fail to properly restrain occupants, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
- Air bags — campaign 25V765000, reported 6 November 2025. Risk: A driver's side air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.
- Air bags — campaign 25V298000, reported 8 May 2025. Risk: A driver's side air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.
- Visibility — campaign 24V754000, reported 10 October 2024. Risk: Detached mirror glass can reduce driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Showing the 4 most recent of 15 campaigns.
Owners have filed 680 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Ram 1500 Classic. The most-reported areas are Engine (276), Electrical system (197), Unspecified (103). Complaints include 27 reported crashes, 4 reported fires, 23 reported injuries. That is close to the median of 634 complaints across the 5 Ram 1500 Classic model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2021 Ram 1500 Classic
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Engine (276 owner complaints) — Listen for unusual noise on a cold start, check for warning lights and ask for the service records.
- Electrical system (197 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
- Transmission & drivetrain (98 owner complaints) — On the test drive, watch for hesitation, jerking or slipping between gears and ask for transmission service history.
- Air bags (3 recall campaigns) — Confirm any air bag inflator or module recalls were completed — enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
How does the Ram 1500 Classic compare to similar pickups? Pickups in our database average around 25 mpg (UK) combined — this model sits close to that average, within 1 mpg. This comparison is based on 264 pickups in our dataset.
Ram models in our database average about 26 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2021 Ram 1500 Classic's 24 mpg is 2 mpg below that make average.
Of the 6 Ram 1500 Classic model years we cover, the 2021 ranks 2nd for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (24 mpg UK combined, against a high of 28 mpg). See every Ram 1500 Classic year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2021 Ram 1500 Classic
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2021 Ram 1500 Classic have?
EPA lists 2 engines for the 2021 Ram 1500 Classic: 3.6L 6-cyl, 5.7L 8-cyl. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 3.6L 6-cyl with a automatic 8-spd.
What is the fuel economy of the 2021 Ram 1500 Classic?
The most efficient configuration returns around 24 mpg (UK) combined, or 20 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 20 to 24 mpg.
How much does the 2021 Ram 1500 Classic cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $3,350 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2021 Ram 1500 Classic have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 4 stars, with 4 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2021 Ram 1500 Classic have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 15 safety recall campaigns that include the 2021 Ram 1500 Classic (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Back over prevention (4), Air bags (3), Service brakes (2). 1 campaign carried a “do not drive” or “park outside” advisory. A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2021 Ram 1500 Classic?
Among the 680 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Engine (276 complaints), Electrical system (197 complaints), Unspecified (103 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
Is the Ram 1500 Classic's fuel economy good for a pickup?
It returns around 24 mpg (UK) combined, against a same-body-style average of roughly 25 mpg among the pickups we track.