The Ram 1500 Almost Took Home Luxury Car of the Year Again (2024)

We don’t often picture pickup trucks when imagining luxurious cars, but the Ram 1500 is here to change that. In 2020 this truck took home the Cars.com award for Luxury Car of the Year, and it was a close runner-up for 2021.

How luxurious is the Ram 1500?

The Ram 1500 surprised many people when it was named Luxury Car of the Year in 2020. According to Cars.com, in order to win the award, the vehicle needs to meet several major criteria: It must demonstrate “general excellence,” be particularly luxurious for its class, and display “above-average usability and drivability” in addition to its luxuriousness.

A significant point here is the fact that vehicles are compared to others in its class, not to every car as a whole. This is what enabled the Ram 1500 to win this award despite being up against many luxurious brands.

Specifically, it was the Laramie Longhorn and Limited trim levels that caught the eye of Cars.com in 2020. Although they acknowledged that some might see their choice as “scandalous,” reviewers raved over these trims, particularly noting the gorgeous interiors.

Genuine leather and wood cover much of the cabin’s surface, and you are able to choose unique color combinations that are unavailable in many other pickup trucks.

Cars.com also praised the intuitive technology, as well as the quiet cabin environment. Down to the tiniest details, reviewers absolutely loved this vehicle.

A close call for 2021

Unfortunately, the Ram 1500 didn’t quite make the cut for 2021’s Luxury Car of the Year award. This year, it went to the 2021 Cadillac Escalade. Although the 2021 Ram didn’t win, Cars.com did list it as a nominee.

Reviewers state that “the Ram 1500 continues to impress across all of its trim levels.” That being said, it is once again the Laramie Longhorn and Limited trims that were considered for this award.

As with the 2020 model, reviewers this year praise the material quality within the truck’s cabin. Minimal amounts of road noise combined with a stellar ride quality also mean that the 2021 Ram 1500 is able to “rival more traditional luxury vehicles.”

Additionally, a new head-up display and rearview camera mirror are added to the already excellent array of technology available on this vehicle.

Cars.com also praises the truck’s safety ratings. The 2021 Ram 1500 has been named a top safety pick the IIHS.

What to expect from the Ram 1500

The Ram 1500 Longhorn trim features a 3.6-liter V6 engine that makes 305 hp and gets a combined fuel economy of approximately 22 miles per gallon. The slightly more powerful Limited trim has a 5.7-liter V8 engine and makes 395 hp. This trim has a combined fuel economy of 17 miles per gallon.

For the Longhorn trim, prices start at $52,530. Standard safety features include remote activated perimeter lights, remote keyless entry, and brake assist. Other features include a heated steering wheel, memory seats, automatic climate control, and remote engine start.

New luxury editions are also available for 2021. These include the Limited Longhorn 10th Anniversary Edition and the Limited Night Edition. The latter has a blacked-out interior in keeping with current trends.

The Ram 1500 is a truly impressive vehicle, particularly in its luxury trim levels. From its gorgeous cabin materials to its smooth ride and quiet interior, this truck absolutely stands out in its segment. While the 2021 Ram 1500 didn’t manage to win against the 2021 Cadillac Escalade, it is highly impressive that it made it onto this list two years in a row.