The Ram 1500 has a lot going for it. It’s capable, powerful, and surprisingly luxurious. But, unfortunately, the Ram 1500 isn’t the perfect truck for anyone. For those that aren’t sold on this year’s model, you might want to consider these alternatives to the Ram 1500 instead.

The Ford F-150 is a cheaper alternative to the Ram 1500

There’s no denying that the Ram 1500 is an expensive truck. Opt for a base model Ram 1500, and you’ll be spending at least $32,595 on this year’s model. Upgrade to the Big Horn, and you’ll still be spending upwards of $37,140 on the 2021 Ram 1500. This year’s model only gets more expensive from there too. Choose the range-topping Ram 1500 Limited, and your wallet is going to take a $56,600 hit.

For a cheaper alternative to the Ram 1500, consider the Ford F-150. This year’s model boasts a base price of $28,940, which is significantly lower than the Ram 1500’s base price. Upgrading to the XLT will only have you spending $35,050 too. That being said, the F-150 Platinum and Limited models will cost you more than the Ram 1500 Limited but, even still, the F-150 offers multiple cheaper trim levels to choose from.

Choose the Chevy Silverado for a stronger alternative to the Ram 1500

Say price doesn’t make much of a difference to you. Maybe, what’s most important, is how much a specific pickup truck can tow. In that case, it’s important to note that when it comes to the 2021 Ram 1500, you can expect it to 7,730-pounds when equipped with a 3.6-liter V6. Upgrade to a Ram 1500 equipped with the truck’s available 5.7-liter HEMI V8 with eTorque, and this year’s model can tow up to 12,750-pounds when properly equipped.

If the Ram 1500 doesn’t offer quite enough towing power for you, you might want to consider the Chevy Silverado as an alternative. When equipped with its available 6.2-liter EcoTec3 V8, the new Chevy Silverado can tow a maximum of 13,300-pounds. Fortunately, this engine is available on multiple trim levels too, including the High Country, LTZ, LT Trail Boss, RST, and the Custom Trail Boss. 

The Toyota Tundra is a reliable alternative to the Ram 1500

Unfortunately for the Ram 1500, it’s not the most reliable truck out there. In fact, according to Consumer Reports, the 2021 model earned itself a disappointing two out of five predicted reliability rating. Such a low score isn’t all that new for the Ram 1500, either. More often than not, Consumer Reports’ data shows that the Ram 1500 has struggled to earn anything above a three out of five reliability rating.

The good news is that there are more reliable alternatives to the Ram 1500 out there. Take, for example, the Toyota Tundra. According to Consumer Reports, the 2021 model earned a four out of five predicted reliability rating. Consumer Reports also gave the 2019 and the 2020 Toyota Tundra models a five out of five predicted reliability rating, making the Tundra a significantly more reliable pickup than the Tundra. That is, at least, according to Consumer Reports’ data.

Choosing the best pickup for your needs is going to take a test drive

Unfortunately, choosing your next pickup truck will not be as easy as doing some online reading. The good news is that there is an easy way to determine which pickup is the best fit for your needs. So before deciding on the ideal alternative to the Ram 1500 for you? You’re going to want to get behind the wheel for a few test drives.