2021 Ram 1500 HFE — Full Specifications
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The 2021 Ram 1500 HFE is a pickup offered with 2 engines (3L 6-cyl turbo, 3.6L 6-cyl). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 31 mpg (UK) / 26 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 28–31 mpg (UK) across all configurations. A hybrid version is also listed by EPA (3.6L 6-cyl), returning around 28 mpg (UK) combined. Owners often keep a Ram 1500 HFE 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 HFE: Fuel economy improves from 28 to 31 mpg (UK) combined on the most efficient configuration. EPA lists new engine options for 2021: 3L 6-cyl turbo. It carries the same 5★ overall NHTSA rating.
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 3L 6-cyl turbo |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 3L 6-cyl turbo · 3.6L 6-cyl |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Automatic 8-spd |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Powertrain | Hybrid |
| Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | Pickup |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 31 combined / 28 urban / 40 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 26 combined / 23 city / 33 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 239 g/km |
| EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | 5 / 10 (10 = lowest emissions) |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $3,700 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 2 configurations for the 2021 Ram 1500 HFE across 2 engines (3L 6-cyl turbo, 3.6L 6-cyl). Combined fuel economy ranges from 23 to 26 mpg (US), or 28 to 31 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 31 | 26 (23/33) | 239 | $3,700 |
| 3.6L 6-cyl (Hybrid) | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 28 | 23 (20/26) | 245 | $2,900 |
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 HFE
Running Costs: 2021 Ram 1500 HFE
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2021 Ram 1500 HFE at 31 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,173 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $3,700 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 HFE Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 15 safety recall campaigns that include the 2021 Ram 1500 HFE (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 HFE. 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 well below the median of 1452 complaints across the 7 Ram 1500 HFE model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2021 Ram 1500 HFE
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 HFE compare to similar pickups? For context, pickups in our database average around 25 mpg (UK) combined — this model's 31 mpg figure is 6 mpg better than that average. Its 239 g/km CO₂ figure is 44 g/km lower than the 283 g/km average for pickups on this site. 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 HFE's 31 mpg is 5 mpg above that make average. Its 239 g/km CO₂ figure is 37 g/km lower than the 276 g/km Ram average.
Of the 11 Ram 1500 HFE model years we cover, the 2021 is the most economical on its best configuration (31 mpg UK combined). See every Ram 1500 HFE 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 HFE
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2021 Ram 1500 HFE have?
EPA lists 2 engines for the 2021 Ram 1500 HFE: 3L 6-cyl turbo, 3.6L 6-cyl. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 3L 6-cyl turbo with a automatic 8-spd.
What is the fuel economy of the 2021 Ram 1500 HFE?
The most efficient configuration returns around 31 mpg (UK) combined, or 26 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 28 to 31 mpg. The hybrid version returns around 28 mpg (UK) combined.
How much does the 2021 Ram 1500 HFE cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $3,700 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 HFE have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 5 stars, with 4 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2021 Ram 1500 HFE have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 15 safety recall campaigns that include the 2021 Ram 1500 HFE (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 HFE?
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 HFE's fuel economy good for a pickup?
Yes — it returns around 31 mpg (UK) combined, against a same-body-style average of roughly 25 mpg among the pickups we track, making it one of the more efficient options in its class.