Capability
Regardless of which engine choice is under the hood, all Ram 1500 models utilize an eight-speed automatic transmission. Additionally, rear-wheel drive is standard in all 1500 models, and four-wheel drive is available. While rear-wheel drive is sufficient for most applications, drivers planning on using their Ram 1500 for recreational purposes will almost certainly want to utilize the four-wheel drive option.
The 3.6L V6
The standard engine under the hood of the Ram 1500 is a 3.6-liter V6 that generates 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque. This engine gets an EPA estimated fuel economy of 20 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway for rear-wheel drive models, and 19 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway for four-wheel drive models. These are impressive numbers for a powerful truck. This best-in-class V6 delivers power and is capable of towing 7,730 pounds, which is enough to get most jobs done.
The 3.0L V6 Diesel
There is an available 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 that boasts 260 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy for diesel engines is better than gas engines, and as such, the turbodiesel gets up to 22 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway with the rear-wheel drive model and slightly less with the four-wheel drive model. In addition to delivering fuel economy, the turbodiesel is a powerhouse and holds the ability to tow up to 12,560 pounds.
The 5.7L V8
There is also an available 5.7-liter V8 Hemi that is offered with or without the eTorque assistance. Whether you choose the 5.7-liter with or without the eTorque assistance, you enjoy 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque. As you might expect, you aren’t getting great fuel economy with a V8, but you are enjoying some serious horsepower; it’s a fair tradeoff. The 5.7-liter Hemi boasts a maximum towing capacity of 11,610 pounds without eTorque or 12,750 pounds with eTorque.
Features
Comfort and Convenience
The Ram 1500 Big Horn comes standard with several comfort and convenience features. Slide behind the wheel of the Ram 1500, and you will notice an overhead console with added storage. You can fire up the 1500 utilizing the keyless ignition, and adjust the tilt and telescoping steering wheel, buckle up and go.
You will discover the Ram 1500 handles rather nicely, thanks in part to the electric power steering. Take a firm grip of the leather and simulated alloy steering wheel, and you will notice that the transmission, cruise control, and audio controls are on the steering wheel right at your fingertips. The rearview camera makes backing out of your driveway a safer and easier task.
If you feel a little stuffy while cruising through the city, let in some fresh air utilizing the one-touch power windows. If it a particularly cold day with snow or ice, or if it is foggy out, you will still able to see behind you thanks to the heated mirrors. If the weather is hot and sticky, roll the window up and enjoy the single-zone front air conditioning.
Infotainment
Not everybody likes to drive in silence; the Ram 1500 comes standard with the Uconnect infotainment system featuring a standard 5.0-inch touchscreen or optional 8.4-inch touchscreen for entertainment and other purposes. For an even better driving experience, you can opt for the giant 12.0-inch HD touch display. Whichever display you choose, you get to enjoy easy operations and crisp graphics, which will impress even the most hardcore techies. There is also a USB with external media control so you can utilize your smartphone.
Safety
There are multiple standard safety features in the Ram 1500. You will feel safe knowing that your Ram truck comes with traction control, front and rear head airbags, emergency braking assist, and dusk-sensing headlamps. Other standard safety features include daytime running lights, dual front side-mounted airbags, and child seat anchors.
There are also several advanced safety features available for the Ram 1500. Feel confident behind the wheel of your Ram with features like Lane Keep Assist, Pedestrian Emergency Braking, and Forward Collision Warning, which is constantly scanning the road in front of you to determine if there is an obstacle that needs to be avoided.
Design
Interior Comfort
The 2021 Ram 1500 Big Horn is a workhorse, to be sure, but this does not mean you can’t enjoy the interior comforts and styling you get in a luxury sedan. The Ram offers premium finishes like an optional leather-wrapped steering wheel, a power driver’s seat, and the massive 12-inch touchscreen with Navigation so you can get to your destination without hassle. There are four interior color choices that include black/diesel gray, black/light mountain brown, black/light frost beige, and black/black.
There are several standard storage bins inside the Ram 1500 and an optional Ram-Bins In-Floor Storage System with enough space to store all of your work or recreational gear. This in-floor storage system keeps your cargo safe and sound. The available reconfigurable center console is big enough to store a 15-inch laptop, file folders, and several cell phones. It also features a high-speed USB charging port to ensure your electronic gadgets are always fully charged and ready to go. For those utilizing their Ram truck for work purposes, you will appreciate these tech features that keep you connected, charged, and work-ready at all times.
Exterior Styling
The 2021 Ram 1500 Big Horn comes standard with 18-inch painted aluminum wheels. But there are other options that will dramatically change the look of your truck. The Ram also offers 20-inch black-painted aluminum wheels with the Night Edition and 20-inch premium chrome-clad aluminum wheels. Whether you are using your Ram 1500 for work or recreational purposes, the available Multifunction Tailgate is worth looking into. The Multifunction Tailgate is actually two doors that swing open and offer easier access to the bed. This tailgate is also designed to allow access to the tailgate even if you are towing.
The Big Horn trim also features a chrome grille, chrome bumpers in front and in the rear, and chrome door handles. There is also a Night Edition package that drastically changes the look of the exterior and includes black bumpers, black dual-exhaust tips, black headlight bezels, black exterior badging, and the 20-inch black wheels we mentioned earlier. The Night Edition package is proof that not everybody is a big fan of chrome features.
There is also a Built-To-Serve Edition of the Big Horn that includes an eight-way power driver seat, a nine-speaker sound system with a subwoofer, the Technology Group, and the Premium Lighting Group. The Technology Group includes a Head-Up Display and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. The Premium Lighting Group includes front LED fog lights, LED tail lights, and LED reflector headlights.
