You don’t have to look at the truck market very long to realize there are a lot of different full-size pickups available, with even more on the way. This is definitely a good time to be a truck fan, and everyone seems to have their own preferences for different brands and manufacturers. Among these groups, Ram supporters are some that I can identify with – when you compare something like the 2021 Ram 1500 vs 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500, it’s easy to see why so many people prefer what Ram has to offer.
All you have to do is sit inside the Ram 1500 to appreciate the level of style, luxury, and sophistication that it brings to the table. There’s nothing else on the road quite like it – you feel the power that the truck has to offer, but there’s not a moment that you fail to appreciate its comfort and great overall design. Today, I thought it would be fun to take a look at the Ram 1500 and go over some of the reasons you should be happy you have one. Not that you need me to remind you. If you haven’t decided on your next truck yet, then you’ll see why the Ram pickup is a great choice.
#1 – The eTorque Engine Options
Several of the reasons that I think you should be pleased that you chose (or you’re going to choose) the 2021 Ram 1500 are based on the engine options you have available with this truck. For starters, something you’ll find with Ram that you really don’t find on a lot of other full-size trucks is the eTorque mild hybrid system. This is exactly what it sounds like: a mild hybrid powertrain that features a powerful gasoline engine and a small electric motor to provide improved torque and overall performance.
Don’t get scared off by the word “hybrid” and think that this is some kind of power downgrade in the name of fuel efficiency because it’s anything but that. In fact, the eTorque system boosts power and performance for the engine while also making it more efficient, giving you a better overall driving experience. The eTorque system is available for both the standard 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine and the 5.7L HEMI V8 engine. If you like a powerful HEMI, but you want to see it made even better, then choosing a model with eTorque is the way to go.
#2 – The EcoDiesel Engine
I know that diesel engines aren’t for everyone, but there are plenty of truck fans out there who swear by them, and I don’t blame you if you’re one of them. A diesel engine can deliver incredible power and excellent fuel economy. Plus, it will generally outlast any gasoline engine. If you’re a diesel fan, then I probably don’t need to tell you about the impressive EcoDiesel engine on the 2021 Ram 1500, but I’m going to anyway.
This available 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 engine is an absolute beast, providing you with 260 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque. It also delivers estimated fuel efficiency of 22 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. This kind of performance is unsurpassed by other diesel engines on full-size trucks, even the impressive diesel option for the 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500. In fact, while Chevy’s diesel delivers pretty comparable fuel efficiency, it falls well short of the kind of towing power the Ram EcoDiesel offers.
If you go with the Ram and its diesel engine, then you’ll be able to tow up to 12,560 lbs when your truck is properly equipped for it. By comparison, the best the Silverado with its diesel engine can manage is up to 9,500 lbs of towing capacity. So if you wanted a diesel engine and tremendous towing power, then you should definitely be glad you picked the Ram 1500.
#3 – The Supercharged HEMI V8 Engine
That’s right; I’m not done talking about the engine options for the Ram 1500 just yet, because there’s something here that you really won’t find anywhere else. Plenty of other truck manufacturers brag about impressive diesel engines and hard-working V8 engines; those things are pretty much industry standard. But where the Ram 1500 surpasses everyone else is with its available TRX trim and the insane engine that comes with it.
For perspective, the most powerful engine for the Chevy Silverado 1500 is a 6.2L V8 that offers 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. That’s very impressive and really showcases what Chevy can do. But once you look at the Ram 1500 TRX, things change. The TRX features a 6.2L Supercharged HEMI V8 engine that delivers 702 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque – no, really, that wasn’t a typo. It’s an absolute beast and gives the Ram 1500 a top speed of 118 mph and the ability to go from 0 to 60 in just 4.5 seconds.
#4 – The Luxurious Interior Options
Ram has become an industry leader in terms of luxury truck interiors, and the 2021 Ram 1500 is the perfect example of this. If you chose this Ram pickup, then you certainly know what I’m talking about, and I’m sure you’re reminded every time you get into your truck. From the available 10 square foot panoramic sunroof that provides a gorgeous view of the sky overhead to the best-in-class rear legroom that lets your passengers in the backseat enjoy more than 45 inches to stretch out, the Ram 1500 is built for comfort as well as performance.
Then there are the available Natura Plus leather seats found in the Ram 1500 Limited, which look and feel absolutely amazing. When you combine this with the Limited’s chrome touches, solid wood details, and open-pore wood accents throughout the interior, you end up with a truck that you look forward to driving every day. The available power running boards make it easy to get into and out of the Ram 1500, while the luxurious and comfortable seating puts most other trucks on the road to shame.
#5 – Amazing Technology
Speaking of the interior, I’d be remiss not to mention the impressive technology that’s been packed into the interior of the Ram 1500. You’ll find all of the things you would expect, like connectivity through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, numerous USB ports and power outlets, and available navigation. Where things really go to the next level, however, is when you start looking at the options that are available or standard on higher trims.
For example, there’s a gorgeous 12-inch infotainment display that’s available for the Ram 1500 – when you compare that to the available 8-inch display in something like the Silverado 1500, it’s not even close. Combine that with the available 7-inch driver information cluster display that features full-color 3D graphics, and you have something truly special. This is the kind of technology that wows you at first, but you get used to it and come to rely on it almost without thinking about it. Then you get into a friend’s Silverado and immediately notice that everything just feels lacking compared to your Ram.
The available 19-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system, head-up display projected onto the windshield, and so much more really take the interior technology to the next level. It’s a stunning example of things done properly, and if you have these features in your Ram 1500, then you already know what I mean. On the other hand, if you’re shopping for a truck, then keep these in mind when you look at what’s out there because you won’t find better.
