2021 Ram 1500: Smooth as silk

The 2021 Ram 1500 is the 15th generation of the full-size pick up truck.

A 3.6-liter V6 engine with 305 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque with eTorque is standard.

eTorque is a 48-volt mild hybrid system that can keep the battery charged, quickly restart the engine when start/stop is used, and can store juice generated from regen braking. The system can also add a boost of torque on launch.

A 5.7-liter Hemi V8 is available with 395 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque. The eTorque system is optional on the V8.

The off-road specific Rebel now comes with a electronic locking rear differential.

Also on tap for the Rebel are 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler tires wrapped around 18-inch wheels, a 1-inch lift and specially tuned Bilstein shocks.

Standard on the top-of-the-line Limited trim and optional on Laramie and Laramie Longhorn trims is a gigantic 12-inch vertically oriented screen. How very modern of you, Ram.

Mid trims get an 8.4-inch screen while lower trims have to live with a 5-inch screen.

A flat floor in the rear and a hidden storage compartment under the seats allow for easy loading of gear.

The 2021 Ram 1500, overall, looks the same, but added tech keeps things fresh.