2013 RAM 1500

header-image
$23,100 - $48,230
Starting Price 
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on November 3, 2023

ProsConsWhat's New

Best in class fuel economy

Air suspension feels stiff to the bones

New Pentastar V-6 engine as the base powertrain, with improved power and fuel efficiency

A range of refined powertrains with nimble handling

Towing capability is a bit behind the competition

8-speed automatic gearbox added to the transmission lineup

Latest in-vehicle entertainment

Average safety scores

Comfortable and well-assembled interiors

Specs & Features

$33,795

price

310 hp @ 5650 rpm

horsepower

330 lb.-ft. @ 3950 rpm

torque

6-Speed Automatic w/od

transmission

4.7L 8cyl 4WD 6A

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

The 2013 RAM 1500 is a well-rounded full-size pickup truck that strives to fulfill the huge demands of its segment. The pickup leads the segment with its host of excellent attributes like interior quality, gas mileage, handling, and a powerful powertrain. This year RAM has also revamped the infotainment suite, adding another positive trait to the above list.

Buying Advice

With this huge array of trim levels and configurations on offer, it can be pretty hard for the buyer to make a proper choice. In our opinion, the best option is definitely the Sport trim which is simultaneously also the consumers’ choice for the RAM 1500 lineup. 

Comparative Analysis against Competition

The 2013 incarnation of the RAM 1500 has a lot to look forward to, including lots of standard equipment, interior space, and more. The Crew Cab configuration just fits in right in the criteria for a family hauler. Competition is fierce as usual, with the likes of the Ford F-150, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, and the GMC Sierra 1500 among other full-size pickups breathing right down the neck of the RAM 1500. Can the 2013 RAM 1500 Crew Cab turn the tide on its side with its plethora of impressive traits? Let’s find out.

Features
9.9/10

In terms of available configurations, the 2013 RAM 1500 lineup offers no limits. There are a whopping 10 trims on offer with just the Crew Cab configuration only! Of these, the 6 main trim levels are the Tradesman, SLT, Sport, Laramie, Laramie Longhorn, and the Laramie Limited. Other honorable mentions include the Express, the Lone Star available in Texas only, the Big Horn available everywhere except Texas, and the Outdoorsman available only on 4x4 truck models.

Trim

Tradesman

SLT

Sport 

Laramie

Laramie Longhorn

Laramie Limited

MSRP (FWD)

$27,795

$31,975

$36,940

$39,125

$44,785

$44,785

MSRP (AWD)

$31,140

$35,320

$40,160

$42,270

$47,930

$47,930

Key Features

Black bumpers

In addition to or replaces Tradesman trim features with:

In addition to or replaces SLT trim features with:

In addition to or replaces Sport trim features with:

In addition to or replaces Laramie trim features with:

In addition to or replaces Laramie Longhorn trim features with:

 

17-inch steel wheels

17-inch alloy wheels

Retuned dual exhaust system

Heated leather seats

Leather/wood steering wheel rim

Monotone paint

 

Spray-in Bedliner

Chrome exterior trim

22-inch forged alloy wheels

Rearview camera

Mesh grille insert

Chrome side-step bars

 

Manual mirrors and door locks

Power-sliding rear window

Unique styling cues

Voice-activated navigation system

Rear parking sensors

RamBox storage system

 

Vinyl bench seat

Satellite radio

LED running/turn signal lights

Hard-drive-based music system

HD radio

Keyless ignition/entry

 

AM/FM radio

Dual glove boxes

Bucket seats

Dual-zone automatic climate control

heated/leather second-row seats

Upgraded leather upholstery

     

10-way power driver seat

Wood-grain/chrome interior trim

Remote start

Automatic high beams

Which Trim should you buy?

With this huge array of trim levels and configurations on offer, it can be pretty hard for the buyer to make a proper choice. In our opinion, the best option is definitely the Sport trim which is simultaneously also the consumers’ choice for the RAM 1500 lineup. 

Engine and Performance
8.0/10

The 2013 RAM 1500 Crew Cab engine options are limited to three variants. The base variant gulps gasoline power from a 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine, capable of generating 305 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission to provide the shifts as usual. This engine is a stellar replacement to the previous 3.7-liter V-6, which only produced an anemic 210 hp.

Those craving more power have the option of Chrysler’s trusty but aging 4.7-liter V-8, bringing additional power output of 310 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque to the equation. If price and fuel economy are no objects to you, the HEMI V-8 engine is obviously the most glamorous option for you, generating a robust 395 hp and 407 lb-ft of torque. RAM’s new 8-speed automatic gearbox is slowly being integrated into most models that have the V-6 or V-8 powertrains, although the lower-end trims and mid-grade HEMI-powered RAMs will continue to use the same old 6-speed setup.

Models

2013 RAM 1500 Crew Cab

2013 Ford F-150 SuperCrew 

2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab

2013 GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab

MSRP

$27795

$31555

$31715

$31740

Engine

3.6-liter Naturally Aspirated V-6

3.7-liter Naturally Aspirated V-6

4.3-liter Naturally Aspirated V-6

4.3-liter Naturally Aspirated V-6

Drivetrain

RWD/4WD

RWD/4WD

RWD/4WD

RWD/4WD

Transmission

6-speed automatic

6-speed automatic

4-speed automatic

4-speed automatic

Power (hp @ RPM)

305 @ 6400

302 @ 6500

195 @ 4600

195 @ 4600

Torque (lb-ft @ RPM)

269 @ 4175

278 @ 4000

260 @ 2800

260 @ 2800

0-60 MPH (seconds)

7.5

7.6

7.5

8.1

Quarter-Mile (seconds)

15.8

15.9

15.5

15.9

Top-Speed (MPH)

107

130

114

NA

In the battle of the base powertrains, the RAM’s Pentastar V-6 engine leads the line with its stellar horsepower and torque figures of 305 hp and 269 lb-ft. The Ford F-150 follows closely with its impressive power figure and offers a higher torque output than the RAM 1500. The RAM 1500 is one of the quickest pickups in its segment, with its impressive 0-60 mph time of 7.5 seconds right within the range of the Chevrolet Silverado. The HEMI powertrain takes things to the next level, clocking in the 0-60 mph run well under 7 seconds.

Fuel Economy
6.0/10

The 2013 RAM 1500 with the base V-6 can go around for an MPG of 17 in the city. The highway MPG sees an increase, with a figure of 25. The pickup has a humongous fuel tank of 26 gallons to give you more road trips and can shell out an equivalent city mileage of 442 miles and a highway mileage of 650 miles. These figures may seem meager at first sight but in reality, are above-average for the full-size pickup truck class. The 4WD variant sees a dip in MPG numbers up to 16/23 for city/highway.

The mid-range V-8 engine is less fuel-efficient, to begin with. For RWD versions, this engine was rated at a city/highway MPG of 14/20 while the 4x4 variant gets 14/19 MPG. The HEMI variant is also getting some major gas mileage improvements. With the new transmission and start/stop technology, the MPG figures go up to 15/21 for the city/highway.

Models

2013 RAM 1500 Crew Cab

2013 Ford F-150 SuperCrew 

2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab

2013 GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab

MPG (City)

17

17

15

15

MPG (Highway)

25

23

20

20

MPG (Combined)

NA

19

17

17

Fuel Capacity (Gallons)

26

26

26

26

Range (City/Highway/Combined, in Miles)

442/650/NA

442/598/494

390/520/442

390/520/442

The RAM 1500 faces close competition from the Ford F-150 in the fuel economy sector. The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 disappoints to quite an extent with its lackluster city mileage of 15mpg and 20mpg of highway mileage. The GMC Sierra 1500 is mechanically the same as the Silverado hence its EPA ratings are similar to the latter. Both the GM truck falls short in terms of fuel economy when compared to the RAM 1500.

Interior
8.0/10

The 2013 RAM 1500 Crew Cab interior puts on quite a display of exquisite quality and elegance. The dimensions remain unchanged for most of the parts. The Crew Cab configuration gets the biggest cabin out of all the other configurations, which is a welcome factor for family drivers.

The front bench seat is a spacious haven for tall front passengers. The legroom and shoulder room are adequate too for any tall individual to feel cozy. The rear seats are also a commodious place for any traveler to stretch themselves out. Front bucket seats are also available, which also adds a huge front center console to the equation. The adjustability settings with the bucket seats are really convenient for tall drivers to fit themselves in the seats snugly.

There is plenty of room in the rear seats as well. The RAM’s storage capacity is also very commendable, with under-floor storage bins, huge cupholders, deep door pockets, and trays for change and pens. Higher trims get the privilege of the commodious RAM Box storage system that is integrated into the fenders. Luxurious interior finishes like leather upholstery are available on the higher trims as well.

Models

2013 RAM 1500 Crew Cab

2013 Ford F-150 SuperCrew 

2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab

2013 GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab

Seating Capacity

6

5, 6

5

5

Front Row (Headroom/Shoulder Room/Leg Room, in inches)

41/66/41

41/65.9/41.4

41.2/65.2/41.3

41.2/65.2/41.3

Rear Row (Headroom/Shoulder Room/Leg Room, in inches)

39.7/65.7/34.7

40.3/65.5/43.5

40.5/65.1/38.7

40.5/65.1/38.7

Cargo Bed Capacity (cubic feet)

57.5

55.4

53.2

53.2

The RAM falls a bit short of its rivals in terms of interior dimensions. However, it offers the largest bed size in its segment, which should give it a competitive edge over most of its adversaries. The RAM’s lavish interiors are already a cut above the competition. The Ford F-150 has an equally spacious cabin as the RAM 1500 and offers a better headroom for the rear seat passengers. Both the GMC Sierra 1500 and the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offers identical cabin space being mechanical twins.

Some of the key interior features are:

  • 40/20/40-split front bench seat
  • Heated leather seats
  • Dual-zone automatic climate control
  • Heated steering wheel
  • LED cabin lighting
  • Spacious center console
  • RAMBox storage system

What’s there to keep you entertained?

The 2013 RAM 1500 Crew Cab offers an 8.4-inch touchscreen display as an option which is a huge step-up over the previous infotainment setup. This touchscreen is integrated with a user-friendly UConnect system that controls audio, phone, and optional navigation functions. This system is better than any other infotainment interface that might be coming from the competition.

The available navigation system is also a tech geek’s dream, as it includes voice-activated instructions, new 3D displays, overhead displays of lane guidance, and connects with Sirius TravelLink for gas prices, weather information, sports scores, and movie times. The base variant stays content with an AM/FM radio and a 6-speaker sound system for entertainment purposes, while HD radio and an upgraded sound system with a subwoofer get unlocked on higher trims.

Some of the key infotainment features include:

  • 8.4-inch touchscreen
  • 6-speaker sound system with auxiliary/iPod/USB inputs
  • Uconnect infotainment
  • Navigation
  • HD Radio
  • Sirius Travel Link
  • Uconnect Access
  • 7-inch reconfigurable LCD gauge cluster
  • Sirius Satellite Radio

Exterior
8.0/10

The 2013 RAM 1500 brings forth a distinctive look to distinguish itself from the rest of its segment. The front grille looks more prominent than before with reshaped headlamps and fog lights with some LED trim flanking its sides. The RAM actually offers 5 different grille styles for different trim variants. The wheel wells still pop out a bit around the tires, with blackout moldings or metallic trimmings along the sides depending on the trim level. Overall, the RAM 1500 still feels like a big brute, but in a less toned-down version compared to the muscular 1994 Dodge RAM.

Models

2013 RAM 1500 Crew Cab

2013 Ford F-150 SuperCrew 

2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab

2013 GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab

Curb Weight (lbs)

5007

5306

5099

5099

Length (inches)

229

231.9

230.2

230.2

Width (inches)

79.4

79.2

80

80

Height (inches)

75.1

75

73.8

73.8

Ground Clearance (inches)

9.6

9.1

9.1

9.1

Wheelbase (inches)

140.5

144.5

143.5

143.5

Comparatively, the RAM 1500 is one of the lightest pickups in its segment. It sports a shorter wheelbase and width than most of its rivals, thus making it easier to get out of tight city spaces. The Ford F-150 gets the most dull and straightforward design among the rivals here. The GMC Sierra appeals the most with its chrome and smart exterior appeal while the Chevrolet Silverado looks like a toned-down version of the Sierra with a different front grille design and headlamp units.

The distinctive exterior elements include:

  • Rain-sensing wipers
  • Power-folding side mirrors
  • Tall front grille
  • Power-sliding rear window with defrost
  • Wide range of wheel dimensions from 17 to 22-inches
  • Locking tailgate
  • Sprayed-in Bedliner

Safety
7.0/10

The 2013 RAM 1500 performed decently in almost every NHTSA safety test when it comes to the safety ratings. The truck ended up with an overall 4-star safety rating, with a 5-star rating in the side-impact protection test. In the IIHS safety tests, the pickup received a 'Good' rating for frontal impact. As standard safety tech, the 2013 RAM 1500 Crew Cab gets the usual mandatory airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction, and stability control. This year RAM has added hill start assist and trailer sway control to all models. The former maintains braking control when the engine is stagnant on an uphill ascent while the latter utilizes the ABS to reduce the wagging effect while towing.

In terms of options, the rearview camera is available either as an option on lower trims or standard on higher trims. Rear parking sensors are also available for every RAM except the regular cab variants. The adjustable pedals offered on Laramie and Longhorn variants are a blessing in disguise for short drivers. Blindspot detectors aren’t available, but the large folding trailer side mirrors help to enhance outward visibility.

Some of the standout safety features include:

  • Hill-start assist
  • Trailer-sway control
  • Adjustable pedals
  • Rearview camera
  • Power folding trailer side mirrors

Final Verdict

The 2013 RAM 1500 Crew Cab is the best value-for-money proposition in the full-size pickup segment right now. Chrysler just keeps reforming the RAM 1500 better and better, leaving its competition staring in awe. The RAM 1500’s range of refined powertrains offers splendid power, fuel economy, and capability for almost every situation. The all-new transmission and other new performance technologies raise the value of the RAM 1500 to a further extent. 

Trims

    Tradesman
    $23,100 onwards
    • AM/FM/Satellite-Prep
    • Manual front air conditioning
    • Vinyl Seat trim
    Express
    $23,100 onwards
    • Engine: 5.7L 8cyl RWD 6A
    • Horsepower: 395 hp @ 5600 rpm hp
    • Torque: 407 lb.-ft. @ 3950 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 6.6 sec
    • Top Speed: 166 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 19 mpg
    SLT
    $28,160 onwards
    • 17-inch silver aluminum Wheels
    • AM/FM/Satellite
    • Cloth Seat trim
    • Heated mirrors
    • Remote keyless entry
    • Seek-Scan Radio
    HFE
    $28,710 onwards
    • Engine: 3.6L 6cyl RWD 8A
    • Horsepower: 305 hp @ 6400 rpm hp
    • Torque: 269 lb.-ft. @ 4175 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 9.3 sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 20 mpg
    Big Horn
    $31,975 onwards
    • Engine: 5.7L 8cyl RWD 6A
    • Horsepower: 395 hp @ 5600 rpm hp
    • Torque: 407 lb.-ft. @ 3950 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 7.5 sec
    • Top Speed: 154 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 19 mpg
    Lone Star
    $31,975 onwards
    • Engine: 5.7L 8cyl 4WD 8A
    • Horsepower: 395 hp @ 5600 rpm hp
    • Torque: 407 lb.-ft. @ 3950 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: TBD sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 17 mpg
    Outdoorsman
    $31,975 onwards
    • Engine: 3.6L 6cyl RWD 8A
    • Horsepower: 305 hp @ 6400 rpm hp
    • Torque: 269 lb.-ft. @ 4175 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 6.4 sec
    • Top Speed: 166 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 19 mpg
    R/T
    $33,445 onwards
    • Engine: 5.7L 8cyl RWD 6A
    • Horsepower: 395 hp @ 5600 rpm hp
    • Torque: 407 lb.-ft. @ 3950 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 9.3 sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 16 mpg
    Sport
    $36,365 onwards
    • 20-inch polished aluminum Wheels
    Laramie
    $39,125 onwards
    • 20-inch aluminum Wheels
    • Dual zone automatic front air conditioning
    • Front passenger Lumbar support
    • Front passengers heated-cushion
    • Leather Seat trim
    • Parking assist
    Laramie Limited Edition
    $44,785 onwards
    • Engine: 5.7L 8cyl RWD 8A
    • Horsepower: 395 hp @ 5600 rpm hp
    • Torque: 407 lb.-ft. @ 3950 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 7.4 sec
    • Top Speed: 154 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 19 mpg
    Laramie Longhorn
    $44,785 onwards
    • Engine: 5.7L 8cyl RWD 6A
    • Horsepower: 395 hp @ 5600 rpm hp
    • Torque: 407 lb.-ft. @ 3950 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 6.7 sec
    • Top Speed: 166 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 17 mpg
    Laramie Longhorn Edition
    $44,785 onwards
    • 20-inch polished aluminum Wheels
    • AM/FM/HD/Satellite
    • Navigation system
    • Seek-Scan Radio

Compare to similar cars

Price

$44,035- $46,935

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

8.58

Horsepower

411 hp @ 5500 rpm

Torque

434 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm

Capacity

6

Read Review

$35,980- $47,885

Gasoline

7.98

320 hp @ 5400 rpm

335 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

5

Read Review

$23,100- $48,230

Gasoline

8.26

395 hp @ 5600 rpm

407 lb.-ft. @ 3950 rpm

6

Read Review

$29,270- $43,190

Gasoline

6.74

317 hp @ 5200 rpm

385 lb.-ft. @ 3400 rpm

6

Read Review

2013 RAM 1500 vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    6.4 sec-169 mph
    7.6 sec15.6 sec120 mph
    8.4 sec-155 mph

    2013 RAM 1500 vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      2013 RAM 1500

      Ranked #1

      14 mpg20 mpg19 mpg26 gal.-
      15 mpg21 mpg17 mpg31.5 gal.472.5/661.5 mi.
      13 mpg18 mpg15 mpg28 gal.364/504 mi.
      11 mpg16 mpg13 mpg26 gal.286/416 mi.

      2013 RAM 1500 vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        2013 RAM 1500

        Ranked #4

        209 in.79.4 in.74.6 in.8.6 in.120.5 in.
        224.6 in.79.5 in.74.6 in.10.2 in.139.8 in.
        221.3 in.79.1 in.76.6 in.9.1 in.130 in.
        220.6 in.86.3 in.78.5 in.9.5 in.133.3 in.

        2013 RAM 1500 vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          2013 RAM 1500

          Ranked #4

          57.5 cu.ft.91 cu.ft.50.2 cu.ft.
          -102.5 cu.ft.85 cu.ft.
          9.1 cu.ft.39.7 cu.ft.55.4 cu.ft.
          45.5 cu.ft.151.7 cu.ft.45.5 cu.ft.

          2013 RAM 1500 vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            Bed Length
            SourceCompare
            2013 RAM 1500

            Ranked #1

            50.2 cu.ft.57.5 cu.ft.50.2 cu.ft.76 ft.
            81.7 cu.ft.45.5 cu.ft.45.5 cu.ft.63 ft.
            83.1 cu.ft.9.1 cu.ft.55.4 cu.ft.67 ft.
            85 cu.ft.-85 cu.ft.79 ft.

            2013 RAM 1500 vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Towing Capacity
              Gooseneck/5th Wheel Towing Capacity
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              2013 RAM 1500

              Ranked #1

              9250 lbs.-1620 lbs.4729 lbs.
              8100 lbs.-1295 lbs.5705 lbs.
              7400 lbs.-2153 lbs.4847 lbs.
              6000 lbs.6000 lbs.980 lbs.6004 lbs.

              2013 RAM 1500 Pickup Truck Problems, Issues, Complaints, Recalls, and which year to avoid?

              12

              Recalls

              4

              Investigations

              1182

              Complaints
              Overall Safety Rating
              Read More

              Top RAM Cars

              2013 RAM 1500

              Horsepower : 395 hp @ 5600 rpm

              MPG Combined : 19 mpg

              #1

              2013 RAM CV Tradesman

              Horsepower : 283 hp @ 6400 rpm

              MPG Combined : 20 mpg

              0-60 : 7.3 sec

              #2

              2013 RAM 1500 User Reviews

              4.0

              [1 Reviews]

              1

              [0.0%] [0 Reviews]

              2

              [100.0%] [1 Reviews]

              3

              [0.0%] [0 Reviews]

              4

              [0.0%] [0 Reviews]

              5

              [0.0%] [0 Reviews]

              POPULAR TAGS

              JS

              Jonathan Simmons

              2013 RAM 1500

              Big Horn 4dr Crew Cab 5.6 ft. SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A)

              4

              User Overall Rating

              Posted On: July 23, 2024

              Dynamic Ram

              Pros - [",V8 very powerful for pulling and hauling", "Good seating"]

              Cons - ["Gas mileage", "Options on the dash"]

              Despite the V8 it's very powerful & fuel efficient on the open highway! good for hauling stuff to pulling! Great handling, seating all the best that you could want in a family type truck! And far as the price goes it would be a cheaper option for the best of the best of it's kind!!

              Not Rated
              Features
              Not Rated
              Interior
              Not Rated
              Design
              Not Rated
              Safety
              Not Rated
              Reliability
              Not Rated
              Deal Value
              Not Rated
              Dealer Review


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