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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2013 Ram 2500 Regular Cab

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Overview

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2013 Ram 2500 Regular Cab Review

By KBB.com Editors

Bragging rights, thy name is the 2013 Ram. In the constant battle for power and hauling capability among heavy-duty trucks, the latest Ram is the new king of the hill with its class-leading 30,000-pound trailer capacity and monstrous 850 lb-ft of torque from its 6.7-liter Cummins diesel engine. This newfound strength enables the Ram 3500 to easily surpass its heavy-duty rivals from Ford and General Motors, which aren't exactly lightweights. Even in entry form as the Ram 2500 fitted with a 5.7-liter gasoline engine, these heavy-duty trucks offer impressive hauling capability. A version that can run on gasoline or natural gas is also available. Like its competition, Ram HD trucks begin around $30,000 and are offered in a wide variety of trims and cab configurations.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you need to pull a class-leading 30,000 pounds – or just want the knowledge that your truck can – the Ram Heavy Duty has the muscle to do so. Meanwhile, its comfortable interior can coddle calloused hands and its sophisticated technology can keep you connected. Unlike its rivals, Ram HD trucks can be had with a manual transmission.

You May Not Like This Car If...

Aside from aesthetics and certain proprietary infotainment features, choosing the Ford Super Duty or Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra over the Ram HD may boil down to personal preference and brand loyalty.

How It Ranks

#3

out of 17

Horsepower

#17

out of 17

Consumer Ratings

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Consumer Rating

8.0 out of 10

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consumer ratings

What's New for 2013

Ram has increased the power and capability of its heavy-duty trucks, endowing more strength to its diesel engine and the truck's frame and suspension components. Inside, a freshened interior includes the next-generation of Chrysler's Uconnect information/entertainment system.

Driving the 2500 Regular Cab

Driving Impressions With prodigious power from a gasoline- or diesel-powered engine, it's no surprise that the 2013 Ram Heavy Duty has stellar hauling capability. But the Ram HD also impresses in everyday...

driving. We were impressed with these trucks' ride comfort, overall refinement, and relatively quiet interiors. Though it lacks the softer coil-spring suspension found on the light-duty Ram 1500 pickups, the HD's new leaf spring setup improves ride quality and towing/payload capacity. Those who need their heavy-duty truck to also perform well in tough off-road environments should consider the Ram Power Wagon. This model gets through the rough thanks to 4-wheel drive, locking front and rear differentials, and even a built-in Warn winch.

Favorite Features

CLASS-LEADING POWER AND HAULING
Whether you're really using all that might or just boasting, it's hard not to be impressed with these two figures: 30,000 and 850. The first is the maximum towing capability in Ram 3500 models, while the latter is the torque rating exerted from the 6.7-liter Cummins diesel engine that's used to haul such massive loads.

UCONNECT TELEMATICS SYSTEM
The Ram uses the latest version of Chrysler's information and entertainment system, dubbed Uconnect. In addition to working with mobile phones to allow hands-free communication, Uconnect integrates navigation, audio entertainment and text-message capability, depending on which version you choose. Uconnect also lets you remotely lock the vehicle from a cellphone or turn the cabin into a Wi-Fi hotspot.

2013 Ram 2500 Regular Cab Details

Interior

Climb into a 2013 Ram Heavy Duty pickup and you'll find a very un-workman-like interior. Even base trims seem relatively polished, and a high-end model can feel like the furthest thing from a utility truck with its leather-lined and climate-controlled seats, heated steering wheel, and all-around fine craftsmanship. Models with regular cabs can seat up to three passengers across a bench, while 4-door models can seat up to six across the two rows or five when equipped with front bucket seats.

Exterior

Ram Heavy Duty trucks are available in three cab configurations: 2-door Regular Cab, 4-door Crew Cab, and the even larger 4-door Mega Cab. Models with two doors come standard with an 8-foot bed, while those with four doors can also be had with a 6-foot-4-inch bed. Unlike the blocky designs of the Ford Super Duty and Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra HD trucks, the Ram continues with its snout-nose front and more rounded design. The available RamBox cargo management system offers secure storage bays built into the sides of the truck bed. A dual-rear-wheel setup is available, as is a factory-installed 5th-wheel and gooseneck hitch mount for towing extreme loads. Keep in mind that all heavy-duty trucks are sizable vehicles. If you plan to park one in a garage, measure accordingly.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Like its rivals from Ford and GM, features vary widely in the 2013 Ram HD line depending on trim level. Base 2013 Ram Heavy Duty 2500 ST versions, for example, are rather basic. They have air conditioning, a lockable tailgate, a black vinyl 40/20/40 split bench seat and a radio, but still have manual windows and door locks (you can save your arms the effort by spending a few hundred dollars on a convenience package). Moving to higher trims nets features such as an upgraded Uconnect system with Bluetooth, satellite radio and premium speakers. Top-end models, meanwhile, have refined interiors bathed in premium leather with heated/ventilated front seats. Safety features include stability control, hill-start assist and trailer sway control.

Optional Equipment

Among the Ram HD's long list of available features are the RamBox cargo-management system, a Cummins diesel engine, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror with video display for backup camera, a navigation system, premium cloth or leather seating, and upgraded sound systems. The bi-fuel system that allows the Ram HD to run on compressed natural gas (CNG) is available on the 2500 4-wheel-drive crew cab model with the 8-foot bed, in either ST or SLT trim. A cold-weather package includes an engine block heater and winter front grille cover.

Under the Hood

The 2013 Ram Heavy Duty is available with a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 gasoline engine or a much more powerful 6.7-liter Cummins inline-6 turbodiesel. The diesel engine is available in two power outputs, with the upgraded version available exclusively on the 3500 making a class-leading 850 lb-ft of torque. The gasoline engine is standard on the 2500 and, for 2013, the 3500. A bi-fuel option allows the 5.7-liter gasoline engine on select 2500 models to also run on compressed natural gas. Power output is the same as with gasoline, and the CNG tanks are stored in the truck bed near the cab. The sole transmission for the gasoline model is a 6-speed automatic. Diesel models can be linked to a segment-exclusive 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic. Diesel models also feature exhaust braking for improved stopping power. A new capless fuel filler on diesel models has side-by-side ports for fuel and the diesel exhaust fluid now used with these engines to curb emissions.

5.7-liter V8
383 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
400 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm

6.7-liter turbocharged diesel inline-6
350 horsepower @ 2,800 rpm (manual transmission)
370 horsepower @2,8000 rpm (automatic transmission)
660 lb-ft of torque @ 1,500 rpm (manual transmission)
800 lb-ft of torque @ 1,600 rpm (automatic transmission)

6.7-liter turbocharged diesel inline-6
385 horsepower @ 2,800 rpm
850 lb-ft of torque @ 1,600 rpm

Pricing Notes

2013 Ram HD trucks have a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) beginning just over $30,000 and can climb to roughly twice that when fully loaded, similar to their Ford and GM rivals. Pricing for the 2013 Ram CNG that can switch between gasoline and compressed natural gas starts just over $46,000. Before buying, be sure to check the Fair Purchase Price below to see what others in your area are paying for the Ram Heavy Duty. Resale values of Ram HD trucks have traditionally been slightly lower than those of their Ford and GMC/Chevrolet rivals, though 3500 models tend to fare better.

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2013 Ram 2500 Trucks Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.0

Out of 10

Based on 19 Ratings for the 2011 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

7.9/10

Quality

8.4/10
Reliability

8.2/10

Performance

8.3/10
Comfort

8.4/10

Styling

8.5/10

A strong truck with a nice interior

By G (FL) on Wednesday, October 17, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 4,600

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: "Cummins, very interior, great value"

Cons: "Diesel engine isn't cheap."

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

"That Cummins can't be beat. I love the torque and the sound of this engine (Maybe a little too quiet, I guess). It is a very expensive engine to have, and it is pretty thirsty, but the towing power + the exhaust brake make it worth every penny over the Hemi. The two things I dislike about this is that the A/C system feels kind of weak. It just barely keeps up with the hottest temps. The other thing I dislike is that I find it very difficult to climb over the tailgate lip and use the tiny bumper as an up/down step. If you have a 4x4 like me, it's just makes it that much harder. I have no other real complaints. The most surprising thing about this truck is really how nice the interior is. It's no Maybach, but it's very comfortable and looks very well made in comparison to other trucks I've owned. This truck is also a pretty good value in comparison to other trucks. It has many features standard that you just wouldn't expect for the price."

10 people out of 10 found this review helpful

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What an incredible truck!

By Ram owner (CA) on Saturday, October 06, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 17,000

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

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

"I absolutely love the Cummins Diesel. It is a very expensive option, but it's worth it. The torque and effortless towing you get is just incredible. The new Ram's interior is best in class by a mile. It's very comfortable, spacious and feels very well made. My only two complaints are just with the base work truck ST trim. It really is a great value (Like all the other trim levels) but it should be more basic for people that just want a simple truck just for work. And my other complaint is that Ram just announced a new 850 lb-ft Cummins with an Aisin transmission for 2013. Oh, why didn't I wait???!!! Well, no big deal. I'm still extremely happy with my 2012."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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True test of reliability

By Blue skies (TX) on Wednesday, October 03, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 200,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "Reliability, Comfort, power"

Cons: "Seats breaking down with heavy use"

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

"I am currently a manager for a large County EMS service in Texas. Our service has been running these diesel trucks for the past few years. From unfinished dirt roads to city driving and everything in between some of these units have well over 200k HARD miles. Other than a few small hick ups the dodge 6.7L diesel has by far been the most dependable engine we have ever used in our fleet. We have had a few problems with our front seats breaking down and needing to be replaced around 180k miles. Although I don't see many normal consumers having this problem since we are in and out of these trucks none stop 24-7. Just can't say enough about the reliability of these trucks. I now own one my self.."

2 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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Best Ram Cummins ever...Best Truck ever!

By C S (CA) on Saturday, September 29, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 21,000

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

Cons: "Nothing I can think of."

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

"Not one complaint. The interior quality, the ride comfort, the quietness of the interior, the smoothness and strength of the 6.7L Cummins Diesel are the best yet in a Dodge truck. I've driven many other trucks, but nothing tops a Cummins engine. Reliability has been excellent."

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I finally found a truck I'm happy with.

By Scott (CA) on Tuesday, September 18, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 31,000

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: "Cummins engine, interior, styling, problem free"

Cons: "MPG"

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

"After years of problems with a couple of Ford PSD 6.0s, a PSD 6.4 and a Duramax diesel, I finally own a truck that isn't giving me problems. Never owned a Ram Cummins before, but now I don't think I could ever own anything different. This truck is absolutely awesome inside and out. The interior is comfortable, it has excellent fit an finish, it handles well, it has the nicest styling of any truck on the market imo, the Cummins 6.7 diesel is a hardcore pulling machine, it's also a much better equipped truck for the money you pay. I really have no major complaints in the last the 30,000+ miles. I guess I wish the steering wheel had more adjustment for taller drivers (People like me). Mileage is not as good as some other diesels, but fuel economy wasn't why I bought the truck in the first place. I think brake feel and stopping power is a little better on the Chevy trucks, but that's really the worst I can come up with. I wouldn't go back to a Chevy and DEFINITELY will never buy anything with a Ford Powerstroke badge ever again. Everything else about this truck is just better. It's been 100% problem free, it's strong, it's got a better interior and you just get more for your money. If you're looking for a HD truck, I'd definitely recommended the Ram."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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Having serious trouble liking my 2500HD truck

By carocbr (NE) on Sunday, September 16, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 6,000

10 6.0

overall rating 6 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 6/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 7/10
Performance: 3/10
Styling: 3/10
Comfort: 1/10

Pros: "power of the diesel"

Cons: "cheap seats, uncomfortable ride, suspension"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 4

"Bought the 2012 2500 HD ST reg pickup in March 2012. Added steps, gooseneck hitch, bed liner. Bought the truck to haul my horses long distance and to give my beloved 1500 2003 hemi a rest. Love the cummins diesel. It could haul a train and was just what I wanted. As for the rest of the truck, I still can't decide if I want to keep it. Hauling, the truck squatted down and was very unstable under loading GN or bumper pull. Had to add airbags to the rear suspension, and still can't quite get as good handling as my old 2003 hemi with no modifications. Worst of all is the ride comfort. The seats are SO uncomfortable I don't know if I could do a long haul in this truck. Cheap, hard and downright painful, and I don't have back problems (yet). Add that to the handling when towing, and I'm just not convinced yet that this is my truck for the next 5 years."

3 people out of 8 found this review helpful

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See all 19 reviews