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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2013 Ram 1500 Regular Cab

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Overview

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2013 Ram 1500 Regular 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

#6

out of 8

MPG

#1

out of 8

Horsepower

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Consumer Rating

8.8 out of 10

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consumer ratings

2013 Ram 1500 Regular 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 Regular Cab

2013 Ram 1500 Regular 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 Regular Cab Details

2013 Ram 1500 Regular 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

8.8

Out of 10

Based on 98 Ratings for the 2011 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

8.9/10

Quality

8.7/10
Reliability

8.9/10

Performance

9.1/10
Comfort

9.1/10

Styling

9.1/10

awsome truck

By ssmcad (AL) on Saturday, May 18, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 95

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "looks good and towes good"

Cons: "none"

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

"Had a ford ecoboost it was a eco wimp Not all what it is made out to be also I owned a tundras 5.7 before I purchased the ford gas hog and no guts above 70 mph when towing. Just bought this ram sport hemi. Rides better than ford. And smells and towes better than the junk tundra and ford. dodges are getting better watch out usa trucks And junk yotas"

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All good.....

By S. Walt (AL) on Friday, May 10, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 14,500

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: 9/10

Pros: "Yes, priced right,and really fun to drive."

Cons: "I wish Mopar made a SuperCharger.......Hint"

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

"I bought it new in 2011.Drove for a few weeks and then put some performance upgrades. I added a chip,Magnaflow cat back exhaust,throttle spacer and cold air flow system.Because of the already high H.P. and torque, I squeezed out 502@ the crank and 480 on the torque. Oh, its the 2wd swb Express.10x's the performance my 2000 Ford Lightning.This truck is a "True Sleeper"."

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Good value for the price.

By TJ (TN) on Wednesday, May 01, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 10,500

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 6/10
Comfort: 7/10

Pros: "Good mileage and power, good ride."

Cons: "Poor headlights, doors hard to shut."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 7

"Have a 2012 Express with a little over 10K miles, bought new. Pretty happy with the truck, it's my 1st Dodge I've ever owned. Averaging 16-17 mpg in daily driving. Downsides are the headlights, which are the worst of any vehicle I've ever owned. High beams are essentially worthless, I drive w/ low beams and fog lights most of the time. Also the doors have to pretty much be slammed shut, they will not fully close w/o some muscle."

3 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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Best truck ever!

By Hoss (OH) on Tuesday, April 30, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 59,000

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: "MPG, Int. Space, Power, Quality"

Cons: "None"

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

"This is the best truck I have ever owned. The ride quality, interior refinements and overall build quality are all second to none. I have personally owned a Ford F-150, Dodge Ram (2003), Chevy Silverado and Toyota Tundra and this truck defeats them all by a very large margin. Great fuel economy (Average 17 MPG) and power especially for the price. The RamBox Cargo Management System is simply ingenious. Absolutely would recommend this truck to anyone!"

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Awesome truck!

By Whitey92 (NY) on Monday, April 29, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 23,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "Great styling, good value, awesome power"

Cons: "Cheap plastic and paint"

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

"I bought this truck last January and have since put over 23,000 miles on it. Looks absolutely beautiful! Everything works as it should, the Hemi has plenty of power for a half ton. I tow a fairly light trailer (3,000 to 4,000 lb) on occasion, and it had absolutely no problems. Has plenty of room! Average 16-17 mpg, have gotten 23 mpg on long trips. Absolutely no problems there! The only problems that I have is the paint quality is cheap. It looks like it will rust very quickly in a New England environment. The plastic moldings on the bed also scratch very easily. Besides those two minor flaws, excellent truck for the price!"

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A very good pick up truck

By Dardar (AK) on Monday, April 22, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 7,800

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "handling, power, towing capability."

Cons: "headrest uncomfortable"

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

"This is a very nice looking, smooth riding, rig. It tows like a dream. I can get 23mpg on highway if I keep my foot out off of the gas! Only down fall are the head rests. They are very uncomfortable, other than that, I LOVE MY TRUCK!"

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See all 98 reviews