2013 Dodge Ram 1500 Review and Prices
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Price: $23,000 - $45,000
MPG: 16 / 22 / 18
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Table of Contents
Past and Future Reviews
Also Consider
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Calculators
2013 Dodge Ram 1500 Buying Advice
The 2013 Dodge Ram 1500 is the best pickup for you if you want a half-ton with bold styling, class-topping ride and handling -- and likely a new fuel-efficient V-6 that could be a viable alternative to a V-8.
The 2013 Dodge Ram 1500 is expected to receive a modest makeover that would include subtle styling revisions and powertrain updates. The latter should include a new V-6, almost certainly a version of parent-company Chrysler’s 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6. One or both of the Ram 1500’s V-8 engines will probably remain in the lineup with six-speed automatic transmissions. Added connectivity for gadget lovers and assorted tweaks to trim levels and equipment packaging also are likely for the 2013 Ram 1500. (Note that this pickup’s manufacturer, Chrysler Group, markets Ram as a separate brand, though many buyers will continue to associate it with the Dodge division.)
Should you wait for the 2013 Dodge Ram 1500 or buy a 2012 Dodge Ram 1500? Wait for the 2013 Ram 1500 if you’re interested in the new styling touches, the possible new V-6, and don’t find the 2012 model’s wide range of infotainment gizmos quite wide enough. Buy a 2012 Ram 1500 if styling details and electronics take a backseat to V-8 muscle. The 2012 Ram 1500 will still deliver this pickup’s core values of roomy comfort and class-leading handling. It’ll still look bold enough. And it won’t be subject to almost-inevitable model-year price inflation.
2013 Dodge Ram 1500 Changes back to top
Styling: The 2013 Dodge Ram 1500 is expected to receive assorted exterior and interior styling updates none should be revolutionary. Spy photos of prototypes suggest the 2013 Ram 1500 will feature a new but still in-your-face grille, plus a revised front bumper and reshaped headlamps. The basic design and dimensions should remain unchanged and the 2013 Ram 1500 will retain broad-shouldered fenders.
The 2013 Dodge Ram 1500 should continue to offer a sufficient range of cab and cargo bed configurations to suit most every truck-buyers’ need. It’ll likely repeat three cab configurations: a two-door regular cab, an extended Quad Cab with small rear-hinged back doors for access to a rear seating area, and a Crew Cab with four conventional doors and a full three-passenger rear bench seat.
Expect the 2013 Dodge Ram regular-cab to continue with a choice of a 6-foot-4-inch cargo bed on a 120.5-inch wheelbase or an 8-foot bed on a 140.5-inch wheelbase.
All remaining variations of the 2013 Ram 1500 would again use the 140.5-inch wheelbase and consist of the Quad Cab with the 6-foot-4-inch bed and the Crew Cab with a 5-foot-7-inch box.
There’s an outside chance that Ram’s designers could stretch those bed lengths a bit for competitive reasons, or even mix and match to, say, offer a long-bed Quad Cab to better line up with the 2013 Ford F-150, 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500 rivals.
As with other recently freshened models from the Chrysler Group’s Dodge, Chrysler, and Jeep divisions, the 2013 Dodge Ram 1500 should get a revamped interior that features higher quality materials for a richer overall look and feel. Storage cubbies, pockets, and cup holders should again be plentiful. As before, Crew Cab models will probably include handy in-floor bins behind the front seat that feature removable liners and can be used as hidden storage or beverage coolers.
The 2013 Dodge Ram 1500 will return in multiple trim levels to meet myriad functions and budgets. Content details and even model names might be adjusted, but the basic 2013 Ram 1500 roster would still include frill-free work-truck versions, which for model-year 2012 were designated ST and Tradesman.
Expect a well-equipped SLT model or its equivalent to satisfy the widest number of buyers. A Sport model would again appeal to rakish types. And the Laramie and Laramie Longhorn Edition luxury trucks would likely be back with leather interiors and a full assortment of comfort and convenience features. Other trim levels could include variations on the model-year 2012 Outdoorsman, Big Horn and Lone Star models, plus a return of the performance-tuned R/T Package.
As before, the 2013 Ram 1500 will be a “half ton” pickup, a traditional categorization that loosely expresses a truck’s payload capacity. By contrast, the Ram 2500 is a three-quarter-ton truck and the Ram 3500 is a one-ton. Those are heavier- duty models that we don’t review here. They feature beefier construction for commercial users and, unlike half-ton pickups, are available with diesel engines.
Mechanical: Expect the 2013 Dodge Ram 1500 to continue with a choice of V-6 and V-8 engines, though the only sure repeat would be the iconic 5.7-liter Hemi V-8.
The V-6 choice will likely be a version of a 3.6-liter from Chrysler’s Pentastar engine line. Named after Chrysler’s five-sided logo, this engine would help the 2013 Ram 1500 stay competitive with the six-cylinder engines in rival pickups. Rated at some 290 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, it would replace an aged 3.7-liter that, with 215 horsepower and 235 pound-feet of torque, struggled to move this heavy rig. (Torque, a measure of an engine’s ability to get a vehicle moving, takes precedence over horsepower in full-size pickups).
Additional power with no additional fuel consumption would make the Pentastar V-6 more suitable than the 3.7-liter V-6 for duty in a wider range of 2013 Ram 1500 models. And reports indicate it could come mated to Chrysler’s recently introduced eight-speed automatic transmission, though some sources speculate it may debut with a six-speed automatic and transition to the eight-speed for model-year 2014.
While it could be dropped from the lineup in favor of the Pentastar, we expect a 4.7-liter V-8 to remain in the 2013 Dodge Ram powertrain lineup. It would likely return with 310 horsepower – not a monumental gap over the Pentastar -- but its 330 pound-feet of torque would be a significant upgrade from the V-6. With the 4.7 V-8, a 2013 Ram 1500 could tow trailers of around 7,500 pounds compared with the V-6’s likely limit of around 4.000 pounds.
The top engine choice for the 2013 Dodge Ram 1500 should again be the popular and powerful 5.7-liter Hemi V-8. Expect it to return with around 390 horsepower and 407 pound-feet of torque and again help the Ram 1500 tow up to 10,450 pounds or so. The Hemi will likely continue with technology that saves gas by automatically shutting down four cylinders while idling and at cruising speeds.
The transmission used in V-8-equipped 2013 Ram 1500s should again be a six-speed automatic.
The 2013 Ram 1500 will again offer a choice of rear-wheel drive (2wd) or a choice of two four-wheel-drive (4wd) systems, depending on the model. Both 4wd systems would again include low-range gearing for rugged off-roading or to help traverse deep mud ruts or snow drifts.
The basic 4wd system would be an elementary part-time setup not intended for use on dry pavement. A more sophisticated full-time 4wd system that can be left engaged on dry pavement would be alternatively offered. This would again be Chrysler’s Active Transfer Case and Front-axle Disconnect system. It automatically switches between 2wd and 4wd to sustain best traction and is designed to disconnect the front axle when 4wd isn’t engaged to help fuel economy.
Heretofore, Ram 1500s with V-6 engines have been available only with 2wd. Whether possible introduction of the stronger Pentastar would allow six-cylinder Ram 1500s to become available with 4wd is an open issue.
Some reports suggest Dodge might swap the Ram 1500’s superior rear coil springs for traditional leaf springs as a cost-saving measure. We expect the 2013 Dodge Ram 1500 to retain the more-sophisticated coil-spring setup. That would help it defend its standing as the best-mannered full-size pickup, retaining responsive handling and a smooth ride that handily soaks up bumps and broken pavement without unduly jarring passengers. Reverting to buckboard-style leaf springs would be a step backward that would not go unnoticed by the automotive media and Ram loyalists.
Expect the 2013 Ram 1500 line to continue standard with four-wheel disc brakes with antilock technology to improve control in emergency stops. Now mandated by federal safety rules, electronic stability control would also be standard to help prevent fishtailing in sudden or extreme handling situations. A trailer-sway control function for secure towing should also return.
Features: The 2013 Ram 1500 will continue tradition with a long list of features to satisfy both work-truck buyers and those who want what amounts to a luxury car with a pickup bed.
Among newly available features should be Chrysler’s Uconnect Touch multimedia control center. Introduced for model-year 2011 in the Dodge Journey crossover SUV, Unconnect Touch is similar to Ford’s MyTouch system. It features customizable touch screens on a dashboard mounted video display to control various systems, including audio, navigation, and climate control. It should also offer full integration with smartphones and other portable devices.
On the safety front, the standard equipment list will likely add a set of seat-mounted chest protecting side airbags for the driver and front passenger, and should continue to include head-protecting curtain side airbags for all outboard seating positions.
Also standard across the line should be air conditioning, a tilt steering wheel, and a CD audio system. Other items that will be optional or included, depending on the trim level, should include a rear parking warning system, power seats, a remote starter, garage-door opener, and leather upholstery.
An optional voice-activated navigation system should again come with iPhone/iPod connectivity and a hard drive for storing digital music files. Top-shelf amenities included or offered with the Ram’s top models will likely include heated front and rear leather seats, power adjustable pedals, and a heated steering wheel.
Continuing as an option on Quad Cab and Crew Cab versions should be the RamBox storage system, which builds into the sides of the cargo bed storage bins that are lined, drainable, and lockable.
2013 Dodge Ram 1500 Prices back to top
Prices for the 2013 Ram 1500 weren’t available in time for this review but don’t expect major increases – though addition of a Pentastar V-6 and eight-speed automatic transmission probably would make the base model somewhat more expensive than its 2012 counterpart.
Expect a 2012 Ram 1500 base-price range of roughly $23,000-$45,000. (Estimated base prices in this review include the manufacturer’s destination fee; Dodge’s fee for the 2012 Ram 1500 was $995.)
Estimated base price for an entry-level 2013 Ram 1500 2wd model is around $23,000 for a regular cab version, about $27,500 for a Quad Cab model, and nearly $31,500 for a Crew Cab version.
Among midpriced models, anticipate a 2013 Ram 1500 SLT to start around $27,500 with the regular cab, $31,000 with the Quad Cab, and close to $33,500 with the Crew Cab.
Estimated base price for the 2013 Ram 1500 in the luxury Laramie trim level is around $40,000 with the Quad Cab and $41,500 with Crew Cab. Expect the 2013 Ram 1500 in top Laramie Limited Crew Cab form to start around $45,000.
Based on model-year 2012 pricing, adding 4wd to a 2013 Ram 1500 should cost $3,250- $4,500 depending on the model.
Option prices for the 2013 Dodge Ram 1500 should also remain close to model-year 2012 levels. The optional 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 engine should cost around $2,300. A backup camera should be priced about $200 and the RamBox storage system about $1,300. Expect a rear DVD entertainment system to be priced near $1,700, and a factory spray-on bedliner about $475.
2013 Dodge Ram 1500 Fuel Economy back to top
EPA fuel-economy ratings for the 2013 Dodge Ram 1500 were not available in time for this review, but arrival of the Pentastar V-6 and eight-speed automatic transmission likely would trigger an improvement for base-engine models.
A rough estimate would put fuel-economy ratings for a 2013 Ram 1500 with the Pentastar V-6 and 2wd at around 16/22 mpg city/highway and 18 mpg combined city/highway. That compares with ratings of 14/20 mpg city/highway, 16 mpg combined for a 2wd 2012 Ram 1500 with the 3.7-liter V-6. If the 2013 Ram 1500 with the Pentastar V-6 is available with 4wd, figure on ratings of around 16/21/22 mpg.
Versions of the 2013 Ram 1500 with the 4.7-liter V-8 and six-speed automatic would likely again be rated 14/20 city/highway, 16 mpg combined with 2wd and 14/19/16 with 4wd.
Expect 2013 Ram 1500s with the 5.7-liter Hemi to continue at 14/20 city/highway, 16 mpg combined with 2wd and 13/19/15 with 4wd.
Dodge probably would again recommend mid-grade 89-octane gas to get full performance from the Hemi. Ram’s other engines would again use less expensive regular 87-octane. The 4.7 V-8 would also run on E85 ethanol, but expect fuel economy to decline by some 30 percent in the process.
2013 Dodge Ram 1500 Release Date back to top
The 2013 Dodge Ram 1500 should reach dealers’ showrooms in September 2012.
What's next for the 2013 Dodge Ram 1500 back to top
Following its model-year 2013 revamp expect the Dodge Ram 1500 to carry on with few changes until its next full redesign, which would probably come for model-year 2015 or 2016.
That next-generation Ram 1500 could be far different from today’s model, particularly in light of stricter federal fuel economy regulations that by 2016 require automakers to have a corporate average truck fuel economy of 28.8 mpg. That’s up from today’s 27.3 mpg and could climb over the subsequent decade.
A preponderance of car-based crossover models, which are officially classified as trucks, will help automakers meet the more stringent rules. But pickups still will likely have to undergo significant modifications to become more fuel-efficient.
To that end, a future generation Ram 1500 would likely be smaller and lighter than today’s truck. It could approach the exterior dimensions of the now-discontinued “midsize” Dodge Dakota pickup, though we’d expect it would still retain a cargo bed large enough to accommodate 4x8-foot material sheets. Ram 2500 and 3500 models would likely continue as larger alternatives for bona-fide heavy-duty purposes.
A direct-injected and turbocharged V-6 engine, similar to Ford’s EcoBoost in the F-150 pickup, could eventually supplant an optional V-8 in a future Ram 1500. And it’s well within reason that a torquey turbocharged four-cylinder engine could be offered as the standard powerplant instead of a V-6.
If a V-8 is still in the picture it likely would have a bit less displacement than the 5.7-liter Hemi and feature both direct fuel injection to help boost power and more aggressive cylinder cut-off or even start-stop capability to cut fuel consumption.
Another alternative to a conventional V-8 might be a diesel-fuel V-6 that would have the advantage of a strong torque rating for quick launches and top towing abilities, along with excellent fuel economy. A fuel-saving gas/electric hybrid-powered version could also be in the works for a coming model year.
2013 Dodge Ram 1500 Competition back to top
Chevrolet Silverado 1500/GMC Sierra 1500: This duo of General Motors full-size pickups could see a long-overdue makeover for model-year 2013 or 2014 at the latest. Either way, we don’t expect these underskin twins to be radically revamped. They’ll likely retain their basic dimensions and muscular appearance, albeit with a few cosmetic nips and tucks outside, higher-quality interiors, and added upscale features. We anticipate the trucks will get a revised engine line; reports indicate they could be based on lighter-weight aluminum construction. We’ll certainly see a more powerful and efficient base engine to compete with the V-6s in the Dodge and Ford offerings. We assume V-8 power will remain on the menu, though the fate of the unfathomably expensive Hybrid models is uncertain. Expect competitive pricing and improved fuel economy across the line, while the Sierra should again come in luxury-equipped Denali versions. Model-year 2013 base prices should range from around $23,000-$45,000.
Ford F-150: The industry’s top-selling vehicle should continue for 2013 with only modest updates, awaiting a significant upgrade for model-year 2014 or 2015. Even though it last received a full redesign back in model-year 2009, it’s remained fresh with bold styling and powertrain improvements along the way that included the popular twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V-6, which should again register the top maximum tow rating in the line with admirable fuel economy. A wealth of available high-tech features should again include an in-dash computer with Internet connectivity and a novel tool-tracking system. As before, buyers will be able to configure the F-150 as a basic work truck, an opulent luxury vehicle, or most anything in between. Base-price range for the 2013 F0150 will likely be about $25,000-$54,000.
Toyota Tundra: Toyota’s capable, but often overlooked, full-size pickup should carry on with only minor improvements before undergoing an expected makeover for model-year 2014. It remains handsome on the outside with a comfortable interior, and offers the usual cab configurations and cargo bed sizes. The domestic offerings tend to surpass the Tundra in terms of overall performance and available equipment, however. Still, for truck buyers who aren’t otherwise pledged to either of the Big Three’s offerings, the Tundra holds it own with a choice of smooth and powerful V-8 engines and all the expected amenities. Base prices for the 2013 Tundra should start around $28,500-$44,750.