As one of the most popular and high-rated pickup trucks for the 2021 model year, there’s plenty to like about the Ram 1500. With all those reasons to buy one, what are some reasons not to buy the 2021 Ram 1500? The pickup truck received some of the highest ratings in its class for 2021. However, there are a few reasons why the 2021 Ram 1500 isn’t up-to-snuff.

A reason not to buy the 2021 Ram 1500: unresponsive touchscreen

According to Car and Driver, the 2021 Ram 1500 pickup truck’s touchscreen can be unresponsive and glitchy. Ram trucks have some of their class’s best infotainment systems and connectivity features. Moreover, the 2021 model year has an 8.4-inch or optional 12.0-inch touchscreen. CAD noted experiencing a lot of glitches with the more prominent display during its 40,000-mile long-term test. Fortunately, it also includes physical knobs and buttons, so the unresponsive touchscreen isn’t always necessary.

However, with features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a mobile hotspot, and more, you’ll be using it all the time. If you go for the smaller of the two touchscreens, not as many problems are present. It is a massive downside to paying for a premium infotainment system when the larger touchscreen fails you. Especially when driving, a touchscreen not working or bugging out can be annoying and distracting.

Common driver assist features are limited to high trims

As noted by Edmunds, typical driver assist features only come with higher trimmed 2021 Ram 1500 models. That means to get all the safe and helpful driver assistance available; you’ll have to pay a premium price. It doesn’t include any driver-assist features as standard equipment. You’ll need to purchase the $43,675 Laramie trim or higher to get your hands on these convenient items.

Driver-assist features include parking assistance sensors, forward collision warning, and lane departure mitigation. Next, adaptive cruise control and automated parking assistance are also available options. These highly-touted features are great to have, but the Tradesman, Express, Lone Star, Big Horn, and SLT trims can’t have them. Keeping the price tag under $40,000 means you’ll sacrifice all this equipment.

The 2021 Ram 1500 is more expensive than other full-size pickup trucks

Although the starting price of the 2021 Ram 1500 is relatively affordable, it’s more expensive than other options. When considering that reviewers like Car and Driver recommend the seventh-highest Rebel trim at $47,815, it gets even more costly. For example, the base Tradesman model costs $31,305 with destination fees. Competition like the Ford F-150 and Chevy Silverado starts at $30,985 and $28,995, respectively.

Not only is the 2021 Ram 1500 expensive, but the higher trims are the most costly as well. Even the new TRX model that competes with the F-150 Raptor can push the $100,000 mark. The Ram 1500 Limited starts at $58,645 with destination fees, while the Silverado High Country barely eclipses $55,000. Ram offers a lot in its pickup trucks, but is it enough to warrant the high price?

In conclusion, the 2021 Ram 1500 is an excellent pickup truck. It’s one of, if not the best in its class. Many reviewers love most of what the truck offers. However, an unresponsive touchscreen, limited driver-assist features, and a high price might make it the wrong choice for some buyers. Make sure to weigh every option, and keep in mind that many new models and improvements are coming soon to the pickup truck segment.