Pulse Reviews and Analysis
Best Ram 1500 Model Years (Ranked)
Curated by Kory White · Fractional CRO, CRO SyndicateBest Ram 1500 Model Years (Ranked)
The Ram 1500 transformed from an also-ran into arguably the most refined full-size half-ton pickup on the market, winning praise for its coil-spring (and optional air-spring) rear suspension, plush interiors, and the smooth 5.7L HEMI V8. But across its model years, some stand out for bulletproof reliability and value while others carry well-known weak spots — early air-suspension failures, eTorque quirks, or the discontinued 3.0L EcoDiesel emissions headaches.
Picking the right year is the difference between a comfortable, capable truck that runs past 200,000 miles and a money pit of compressor and emissions repairs. This ranking sorts the best Ram 1500 model years by reliability, drivetrain durability, ride and interior quality, towing, and used-market value, with real engine specs and tow ratings for each year so a shopper knows exactly what to chase.
Direct Answer
The Best Overall Ram 1500 model year is the 2021 Ram 1500 (DT generation), a well-sorted year of the acclaimed fifth-generation truck, pairing the proven 5.7L HEMI V8 (395 hp) with optional eTorque mild hybrid, the segment-best coil-spring ride, a class-leading interior, and the available 12-inch Uconnect touchscreen, with towing up to about 12,750 lb.
The Best Value pick is the 2015 Ram 1500 (DS generation), a mature year of the fourth-gen truck that now sells cheaply while offering the same dependable HEMI V8 and comfortable coil-spring rear. This list spans the fourth-generation DS (2009–2018), the overlapping Classic, and the fifth-generation DT (2019–present), ranked on reliability, ride, interior, and value.
1. 2021 Ram 1500 (DT) 🏆 BEST OVERALL
Engines: 3.6L V6 (305 hp), 5.7L HEMI V8 (395 hp), 3.0L EcoDiesel (260 hp) | Best for: Buyers wanting the most refined half-ton
The 2021 Ram 1500 is the standout of the fifth-generation DT platform, after early-build issues settled. The 5.7L HEMI V8 makes 395 hp and 410 lb-ft, optionally with the eTorque mild-hybrid system for smoother stop-start and a small economy gain. The coil-spring rear (or available air suspension) gives the best ride in the class, soaking up rough pavement that leaves leaf-sprung rivals bouncing.
The cabin — especially in Limited and Longhorn trims — is genuinely luxurious, with real wood, leather, and the available 12-inch portrait touchscreen that no competitor matched at the time. Towing tops out near 12,750 lb when properly configured, and payload runs past 2,300 lb.
It nails refinement, capability, and improved reliability, which is why clean examples hold their value strongly on the used market.
Verdict: The best all-around Ram — class-leading ride and interior with the proven HEMI.
2. 2022 Ram 1500 (DT)
Engines: 3.6L V6, 5.7L HEMI V8, 3.0L EcoDiesel | Best for: Latest features of the proven DT
The 2022 Ram 1500 carries the same strengths as the 2021 with more standard tech and trim content. The 395-hp HEMI V8 with optional eTorque remains the heart of the lineup, and the TRX (separate halo) offered a 702-hp supercharged 6.2L for off-road buyers wanting a Raptor rival.
The standard truck keeps the best-in-class coil ride and upscale cabin, towing near 12,750 lb. It's nearly identical to the 2021 but newer, so it costs a bit more on the used market while delivering the same comfort and capability.
Verdict: The newest sorted DT — pick it over 2021 if budget allows for newer.
3. 2015 Ram 1500 (DS) 💎 BEST VALUE
Engines: 3.6L V6, 5.7L HEMI V8 (395 hp), 3.0L EcoDiesel | Best for: Maximum value on a comfortable, capable truck
The 2015 Ram 1500 is a mature, well-sorted year of the fourth-generation DS and the strongest value pick. It introduced and refined the comfortable coil-spring rear that set Ram apart from every leaf-sprung rival, offered the dependable 5.7L HEMI V8 (395 hp and 410 lb-ft) with an 8-speed automatic, and now sells for thousands less than any DT.
Avoid the troublesome early EcoDiesel; the HEMI examples are the smart buy and routinely cross 200,000 miles with maintenance. Towing reaches about 10,650 lb, plenty for most boats and trailers, and the cabin still feels modern enough to live with daily.
Verdict: The value champion — a comfortable, capable HEMI truck for far less money.
4. 2017 Ram 1500 (DS, late)
Engines: 3.6L V6, 5.7L HEMI V8, 3.0L EcoDiesel | Best for: A late, refined fourth-gen DS
The 2017 Ram 1500 is among the most-sorted DS years, with mature mechanicals and the comfortable coil-spring ride. The 5.7L HEMI V8 makes 395 hp and 410 lb-ft with the smooth 8-speed automatic, towing around 10,640 lb. Interiors aged well, the Uconnect system of this era remains one of the most intuitive ever made, and the Laramie Longhorn offered real luxury for the era with Filson-grade materials.
A clean HEMI example is a dependable used buy that costs far less than a comparable DT.
Verdict: A polished late DS — great choice for a dependable, comfortable used half-ton.
5. 2023 Ram 1500 (DT)
Engines: 3.6L V6, 5.7L HEMI V8, 3.0L EcoDiesel | Best for: Newest features and broad lineup
The 2023 Ram 1500 continues the DT with refreshed trims and added tech, keeping the best-in-class coil ride and upscale cabin. The 395-hp HEMI V8 with optional eTorque anchors the range, towing near 12,750 lb. As a newer truck it commands a premium and long-term reliability is still being established, but it's the most feature-rich pre-redesign DT, with the latest driver-assist suite and the biggest available touchscreen.
Verdict: The newest DT pick — most features, but pay up and accept newer-truck risk.
6. 2020 Ram 1500 (DT)
Engines: 3.6L V6, 5.7L HEMI V8, 3.0L EcoDiesel | Best for: Early DT at a relative discount
The 2020 Ram 1500 is a strong early DT year that added the 3.0L EcoDiesel (260 hp, 480 lb-ft) to the new platform, the smoothest and most efficient diesel half-ton of its time at roughly 26 mpg highway. It has the same refined ride and excellent interior as the 2021, towing near 12,560 lb.
A few early infotainment and air-suspension complaints exist, so favor HEMI examples with documented service. It often prices below the 2021–2022 while delivering nearly identical comfort and capability.
Verdict: A discounted early DT — great if you want fifth-gen refinement for less.
7. 2018 Ram 1500 (DS / Classic transition)
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Engines: 3.6L V6, 5.7L HEMI V8, 3.0L EcoDiesel | Best for: Final fourth-gen value
The 2018 Ram 1500 was the last full DS year (sold alongside the early DT and continued as the Classic). It offers the proven 5.7L HEMI V8 and comfortable coil ride, towing around 10,640 lb. It's a dependable used pick, often priced attractively as the bridge between generations, and benefits from years of refinement on the DS platform.
Stick with the HEMI and verify any air-suspension equipped truck cycles properly.
Verdict: The final DS value — a comfortable, proven HEMI truck at a friendly price.
8. 2013 Ram 1500 (DS refresh)
Engines: 3.6L V6 (305 hp), 5.7L HEMI V8, 3.0L EcoDiesel (2014+) | Best for: Budget buyers wanting a comfortable older Ram
The 2013 Ram 1500 brought the new 3.6L Pentastar V6, 8-speed automatic, rotary shifter, and air-suspension option to the DS, modernizing the truck significantly. The 5.7L HEMI V8 makes 395 hp, towing near 10,450 lb. These are old and higher-mileage now, but a clean HEMI example offers the signature coil-spring comfort cheaply, and the Pentastar V6 is a frugal, dependable choice for light-duty buyers who don't need V8 grunt.
Verdict: A comfortable budget pick — older but rides better than rivals of its era.
9. 2019 Ram 1500 Classic
Engines: 3.6L V6, 5.7L HEMI V8 | Best for: A cheaper new-ish truck with proven mechanicals
The 2019 Ram 1500 Classic is the carryover fourth-gen DS sold alongside the new DT as a budget option. It uses the dependable 5.7L HEMI V8 and simple, proven mechanicals, towing around 10,600 lb, but lacks the DT's modern interior and tech. It's a sensible buy for someone who wants a newer truck without paying DT money, and fleets bought them in volume so used examples are plentiful and cheap.
Verdict: The budget new-ish pick — proven HEMI mechanicals, but an old cabin.
10. 2014 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel (avoid)
Engines: 3.6L V6, 5.7L HEMI V8, 3.0L EcoDiesel (240 hp) | Best for: Best avoided — EcoDiesel troubles
The 2014 Ram 1500, especially with the first-year 3.0L EcoDiesel, is the configuration to avoid. The early EcoDiesel was tied to emissions-system failures, EGR cooler issues, and a costly settlement, making used examples risky and expensive to service — a single emissions repair can run thousands.
The HEMI versions are fine, but the diesel reputation drags this year down, and many EcoDiesel trucks were bought back or extensively repaired. Choose carefully and favor a documented HEMI if you want this year.
Verdict: The year to avoid (EcoDiesel) — emissions headaches; only the HEMI is safe here.
Buyer Decision Tree
How to Choose
- Engine — The 5.7L HEMI V8 (395 hp) is the dependable all-rounder; the 3.6L Pentastar V6 is fine for light duty; be cautious with any EcoDiesel, especially 2014–2016.
- Suspension — Ram's coil-spring rear rides better than leaf-spring rivals; air suspension adds load leveling but is a long-term failure point — check it works before buying.
- Generation — The fifth-gen DT (2019+) has the best interior and tech; the fourth-gen DS offers comfort and value at a much lower price.
- Reliability — Favor HEMI examples with documented maintenance; watch for eTorque and air-suspension issues on early DTs, and MDS lifter wear on neglected V8s.
- Value — The 2015 DS offers the most comfort-per-dollar; the early 2014 EcoDiesel is best avoided.
FAQ
What is the most reliable Ram 1500 model year? The 2021 Ram 1500 is widely considered the best of the modern era, combining the proven 5.7L HEMI V8, the class-best ride, and a more sorted DT platform. Among older trucks, the 2015 and 2017 DS HEMI years are very dependable and far cheaper.
Which Ram 1500 year should I avoid? Avoid the early 2014–2016 EcoDiesel trucks, which were tied to emissions-system failures and a costly settlement. The HEMI versions of those years are far safer and cheaper to maintain.
Is the Ram 1500 HEMI reliable? Yes — the 5.7L HEMI V8 is one of the more durable full-size truck engines, though some have lifter/MDS concerns. Documented maintenance is key, and well-kept HEMI Rams routinely exceed 200,000 miles.
Is the air suspension on the Ram 1500 a problem? The air suspension rides beautifully but is a known long-term expense; failed compressors and bags are costly. On used trucks, confirm it cycles and levels properly, or choose a coil-spring example to avoid the risk entirely.
Bottom Line
The 2021 Ram 1500 is our Best Overall pick — the most refined half-ton you can buy, with the proven 395-hp HEMI V8, class-best ride, a luxurious cabin, and towing near 12,750 lb. The 2015 Ram 1500 is our Best Value, offering the same HEMI comfort for thousands less.
Buyers wanting fifth-gen refinement for less should target the 2020 DT, while everyone should steer clear of the early 2014 EcoDiesel.
Sources
- Car and Driver — Ram 1500 reviews
- Edmunds — Ram 1500 model history and pricing
- Kelley Blue Book (KBB) — Ram 1500 used values
- MotorTrend — Ram 1500 reviews and specs
- Consumer Reports — Ram 1500 reliability
- Wikipedia — Ram pickup generations and specifications
- EPA — Ram 1500 fuel economy ratings
*Ram 1500 review — Ram 1500 reviews, rating, best Ram 1500 model years, and a review of the top Ram 1500 years for buyers.*