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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2013 Ram 1500 Quad Cab

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2014 Ram 1500 Quad Cab

Overview

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2013 Ram 1500 Quad Cab Review

By Zach Vlasuk

KBB Expert Rating: 7.9

The mpg war has finally reached the full-size truck market, and the 2013 Ram 1500 is on the front lines. Armed with advanced fuel-saving features, including an available engine stop-start system, 8-speed automatic transmission and electronic air suspension, the new Ram 1500 mixes a measure of practicality with full-size utility. The new 305-horsepower V6 engine is powerful enough to tow up to 6,500 pounds, and yet capable of delivering a class-leading 25-mpg rating on the highway. In order to effectively challenge the Chevrolet Silverado, Toyota Tundra and Ford's best-selling F-150, the 2013 Ram 1500 can also be had with the Chrysler Group's state-of-the-art Uconnect Access infotainment system. Simply put, Ram has raised the stakes with its new 1500 series pickup.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you've been searching for a rugged full-size truck that packs the latest in in-vehicle entertainment along with best-in-class fuel economy, the 2013 Ram 1500 should be at the top of your list.

You May Not Like This Car If...

Every modern full-size truck on the market can handle virtually anything you throw at it. So if durability and towing power are your chief requirements in a full-size pickup, choose your favorite brand and schedule a test drive.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

7.9
Driving Dynamics

8.3
Comfort & Convenience

7.3
Design: Interior & Exterior

8.3
Value

7.7
Safety

6.0

How It Ranks

#12

out of 15

MPG

#4

out of 15

Horsepower

View all rankings

Consumer Rating

8.6 out of 10

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consumer ratings

2013 Ram 1500 Quad Cab Low/wide front photo

What's New for 2013

To the casual observer, the new-for-2013 Ram 1500 might look like a carryover from last year. Under the skin, however, the 1500 series offers a new fuel-efficient Pentastar V6 engine, 8-speed automatic gearbox, multi-mode air suspension, next-generation Uconnect infotainment system and a host of supplementary fuel-saving technologies.

Driving the 1500 Quad Cab

2013 Ram 1500 Quad Cab Front angle view photo

Driving Impressions The new Ram 1500 takes the old automotive epithet of "drives like a truck" and transforms it into a compliment. While ideal for towing, most pickups employ a less-forgiving leaf-spring...

rear suspension setup. The Ram 1500, on the other hand, utilizes a coil-spring rear suspension to provide a high level of comfort with or without a heavy load. The difference in ride quality between the coil-spring configuration and the available air suspension is minimal, but the pneumatic system's multiple ride heights aid fuel economy, load-in height, ingress/egress and ground clearance for extreme off-road situations. Power from the new Pentastar V6 is adequate, but if you plan to tow over 5,000 pounds we suggest opting for the torque-rich HEMI V8. Outward visibility is surprisingly good in most directions, though a bit of road and wind noise does penetrate the cabin while cruising at highway speeds.

Favorite Features

UCONNECT ACCESS
High technology doesn't need to be highly complicated. Case in point, the Ram 1500's available Uconnect Access is perhaps the most intuitive full-featured infotainment system on the market. From its enormous 8.4-inch touch screen to its conversational voice-recognition software, Uconnect Access is the new benchmark in vehicle connectivity.

AIR SUSPENSION
A versatile full-size pickup needs a versatile suspension system, which is why the 2013 Ram 1500 offers electronically-controlled air suspension. With the push of a button, ride height can be lowered for ease- of-access to the cabin and cargo bed or raised for up to 10.7 inches of ground clearance.

2013 Ram 1500 Quad Cab Details

2013 Ram 1500 Quad Cab Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

Like the majority of contemporary Chrysler products, the 2013 Ram 1500 features higher quality materials and tighter panel gaps throughout the cabin. Since the standard front seats lack sufficient support for long drives, we recommend trading up to the optional 10-way power driver's seat. Rear-seat legroom is ample in quad cab configuration, while crew cabs equipped with the regular 6' 4" box offer an additional six inches of legroom without sacrificing bed length. Located within the center gauge cluster is a newly-offered 7-inch Multiview information screen, which displays nearly 350 digital readouts to help keep drivers aware of pertinent vehicle information.

Exterior

The new Ram 1500's exterior benefits from a handful of subtle cosmetic enhancements, including restyled headlamps with LED turn signals, a new grille and LED taillights. In addition, the entire wheel lineup is new this year. The 2013 Ram 1500 series will continue to offer the entry-level Tradesman model, which has on-the-job steel wheels, vinyl flooring and vinyl-trimmed seats. A longer cab comprised of large rear doors helps distinguish crew cabs from quad cab models, while every 1500 variant offers the brand's exclusive Rambox cargo management system in the rear fenders.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The 2013 Ram 1500 is available in a multitude of body styles, bed lengths and trims. Unlike the Toyota Tundra, the base Ram 1500 includes automatic headlight control, a removable/locking tailgate, cruise control and a USB port for portable music devices. The popular Sport model adds a retuned dual exhaust system, unique styling cues and massive 22-inch forged alloy wheels. Standard safety gear includes six airbags, all of the electronic stability aids one reasonably expects from a 2013 model-year vehicle and a hill-start assist feature designed to help prevent the truck from rolling backward when starting off on a steep incline.

Optional Equipment

With almost two dozen packages to choose from, the 2013 Ram 1500 can be custom-tailored to suit your individual requirements. The most enticing option on the menu is unquestionably the new Uconnect Access infotainment system with its 8.4-inch touch screen and user-friendly interface. Additional options include a heated steering wheel, 10-way power driver's seat, rain-sensing windshield wipers, 115V household power outlet, air suspension and an engine stop-start system to help save fuel when idling. Since the steering wheel does not offer a telescoping function, taller drivers should consider adding the power-adjustable pedals.

Under the Hood

The previously-optional 4.7-liter V8 is now standard issue on the Ram 1500. The new Pentastar V6 delivers 42 percent more horsepower and 20 percent better fuel economy than the outgoing 3.7-liter V6, while the current HEMI V8 gets a 5-horsepower bump thanks to the addition of electric power steering. The class-exclusive 8-speed automatic transmission can be matched with both the 3.6-liter V6 and the HEMI V8.

3.6-liter V6
305 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm
269 lb-ft of torque @ 6,175 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/25 mpg

4.7-liter V8
310 horsepower @ 5,650 rpm
330 lb-ft of torque @ 3,950 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: TBA

5.7-liter Hemi V8
395 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
407 lb-ft of torque @ 3,950 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: TBA

Pricing Notes

The 2-wheel drive 2013 Ram 1500 Tradesman in regular cab form carries a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) around $22,500. Sport models begin just under $33,000, with the fully-loaded Laramie Longhorn Crew Cab coming in around $50,000. Despite a price increase for the 2013 model year, the base Ram 1500 remains one of the most affordable vehicles in its class. By comparison, the Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado 1500 start closer to $24,000. To see what buyers in your area are really paying for the new Ram 1500, be sure to take a look at our Fair Purchase Price before heading to the dealership. On the resale front, we expect the Ram to retain slightly below-average residual values.

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2013 Ram 1500 Trucks Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.6

Out of 10

Based on 113 Ratings for the 2011 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

8.8/10

Quality

8.6/10
Reliability

8.9/10

Performance

9.0/10
Comfort

9.1/10

Styling

9.2/10

Best bang for the buck!

By Jeff (NC) on Thursday, August 01, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 5,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Everything about it."

Cons: "It's a semi, not a hemi."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I own a rare 2D 4x4 4.7L with a RamBox bed and am beyond please d with it. I was fortunate enough to find a leftover 2012 model in March of '13 and got a heck of a deal on it. The rambox is a completely genius way to utilize an otherwise wasted space. I had mine equipped with a rhino liner, bed rail tie downs and trailer brakes. The short wheelbase is excellent in pulling trailers because of the turning radius. Overall, highly impressed with this model. Vinyl interior and vinyl floor make for an excellent work truck. A/C is beyond efficient and the sound system, for a stock system, is impressive."

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Best Truck I've Ever Owned

By Ram Owner (WI) on Thursday, August 01, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 32,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Reliability"

Cons: "Expensive"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"The Ram trucks are the best by far. The modern comfort of the interior and the hands-free options with the UConnect system make it easy to place phone calls and change radio stations without taking your eyes off the road. The 4X4 drivetrain is great. I have taken it up sandy hills and have never even come close to getting stuck."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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I've had several dodge rides and this one is great

By jgary (AR) on Tuesday, July 23, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 7,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "For a truck its great on the gas and comfortable"

Cons: "the u-connect could be alittle more user friendly"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"It's an outdoorsman and I love it. The truck is made for comfort and durability. Didn't go with the 20 inch rims but got everything else. The 8 speed trans does good for pulling as well as helping the gas mileage. I've seen it up to 21 out on the highway and that's with the 5.7 hemi. the ram cargo box system is a must on this truck. I didn't think that I would like it but turns out I don't see how I have managed without it. The feature also locks and unlocks with the key fob so its a very good place to keep your valuables when on trips. Also love the alpine stereo. To those that love music this is a must. WAY TO GO DODGE!!!! You can bet that this truck will be in the family for a while."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Love that HEMI! 4x4 great! Agressive interior!

By Beta Wolf (FL) on Wednesday, July 17, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 48,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Good truck MPG. HEMI AWESOME."

Cons: "Back window seal will need to be looked at!"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I've had my Ram over 4 months now. I bought it used and have driven the fire out of it so far. I LOVE the agressive interior and bold exterior. My olny neg and only mark down is the back window "will" leak if you don't catch it. I had a 1998 ram and it had the same problem. IT EASY TO FIX! 5 minutes. Three places. Bottom of back bed light and the right/left top back windows where the roof and door meet. Like I said EASY but a huge watery mess if ignored."

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My Dodge Truck

By Shucks (TX) on Monday, July 08, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 9,400

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "pretty, comfortable, fun to drive, easy to park"

Cons: "none"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"It looks good. It gets good mileage. It is easy to drive. It is comfortable & easy to get in & out of. Good vision. I can see out very well. I can't think of anything negative about it!"

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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My Dodge Truck

By Shucks (TX) on Monday, July 08, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 9,400

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "pretty, comfortable, fun to drive, easy to park"

Cons: "none"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"It looks good. It gets good mileage. It is easy to drive. It is comfortable & easy to get in & out of. Good vision. I can see out very well. I can't think of anything negative about it!"

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See all 113 reviews