2013 RAM 1500

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.