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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2013 Ram 3500 Crew Cab

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Overview

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2013 Ram 3500 Crew 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

#12

out of 38

Horsepower

#35

out of 35

Consumer Ratings

View all rankings

Consumer Rating

7.6 out of 10

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consumer ratings

2013 Ram 3500 Crew Cab Low/wide front photo

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 3500 Crew Cab

2013 Ram 3500 Crew Cab Front angle view photo

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 3500 Crew Cab Details

2013 Ram 3500 Crew Cab Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

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 3500 Trucks Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

7.6

Out of 10

Based on 8 Ratings for the 2011 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

7.8/10

Quality

7.6/10
Reliability

8.4/10

Performance

7.6/10
Comfort

7.4/10

Styling

8.2/10

Worse truck ever!

By JABCattle (TX) on Wednesday, July 10, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 60,000

10 1.0

overall rating 1 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 1/10
Value: 1/10
Reliability: 1/10
Quality: 1/10
Performance: 1/10
Styling: 1/10
Comfort: 1/10

Pros: "Cheap"

Cons: "Everything"

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

"First dodge I have ever owned and will be the last! Been in the shop over a dozen times in 2 years. Does not hold up to ranch work. Ford will out pull it any day."

1 person out of 2 found this review helpful

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I am retired gm employee

By robert4600 (TX) on Friday, May 03, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 2,200

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: "Love driving the truck with lots of extras !"

Cons: "We didnt buy one sooner!!"

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

"I pull my 40' fifth wheel trailer and toyota on tow dolly with this truck and we are totally satisfied with the power and comfort of this truck.We have had several duramax 3500 and always having injector problems and low power in the high wind and hills.The ram eliminates those frustrations and costly repair bills!!! WAY TO GO TOO THE DODGE RAM PEOPLE!!!!"

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Much better than the previous 3rd Gen trucks

By Big D (CA) on Monday, March 04, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 22,500

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: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Cons: "dpf and egr systems. tranny/convertor"

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

"Although I liked the body style of the 3rd Gen's (having sold an 07 5.9) a little more than the 4th gen version, the interior is night and day better on the new trucks. I'm still not sold on the 6.7 although my truck is deleted and gets decent mileage. The power and reliability of the 5.9 is still yet to be matched by a 6.7. I do like the 6 spd auto that the 6.7's have, but they are still the weak link in the truck"

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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First Dually, very nice

By MBY (AR) on Thursday, August 23, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 1,500

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "It's a beast"

Cons: "As always - playing games with the dealer."

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

"An ST with upgrades. Dually, Crew cab, 4x4, Cummins, Auto. It pulls my 35' 5th wheel (and boat) with ease and stability. Took a bit of getting used to backing the boat down the ramp with a dually. Does good around town, still working on parking spaces. Really shines taking the family anywhere or picking up the kids after practice. The crew cab is huge and comfortable. First diesel, had a V-10 F250 Superduty. I am happy so far, so is the family."

12 people out of 13 found this review helpful

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Great vehicle!!

By Harleyjoe1970 (CA) on Wednesday, June 06, 2012

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

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: "User friendly, easy to drive."

Cons: "my only con is buying the other 2 hd's"

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

"Hello, I have owned all three of these HD monsters, Ford, Chevrolet, and now a Dodge. I like this truck the most, the user friendly Navi to the Reclining back seat, there is no comparison. In March 2011 I bought a new Ford HD that had 6500 miles on it when it got the Ford Death Wobble, I wasted no time getting rid of it, went from towing a tractor to sitting on the Chevrolet lot in less than two hours. I traded it in on the 2011 Chevrolet 3500 HD in September of 2011, great truck until I got 300 miles on it; it blew the first turbo at that point. The navi system thought the truck was still in Michigan and showed me driving through the great lakes. I assured onstar we were actually in Northern California; they still have not made the system work correctly in 6 months. The truck has blown two turbo's a rear differential and an oil pump. It is being repurchased atm. So I needed a new truck, so I went on a whim to the dodge dealer here, and found this truck. All I can say is the interior is softer than my horse saddle; the cab is so quiet compared to the other two trucks. There is plenty of power, there is no break in required with a Cummins unlike Chevy and Ford. The cab is so spacious you can get lost in it. The dashboard is absolutely gorgeous. The stereo system needs no upgrades. The Uconnect works every time unlike the Chevrolet system or the Ford who has a speech impediment. It is totally hands free. The fuel mileage has been around 12 to 18.5 mpg. The ride is like a truck yet soft enough to smoothe out the bumps when going out with the wife and family. The entertainment center is light years ahead of Chevrolet. The truck legs out the long hauls with a 14k trailer behind it. I had a Dodge back in 1996, it was a V-10 that was a lemon in five months, it blew five motors in that short period of time. I swore off Dodge after that, until I drove this truck off the lot on a test drive. All HD trucks have their issues, but this one is my favorite truck. I keep them for 7 years and always trade up; this one might be a lifer."

16 people out of 16 found this review helpful

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Best work truck with more options ever

By ben (SC) on Wednesday, March 21, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 36,600

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

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

"I've had the truck about 15 months have 36k miles on it and has given no major probs pulls what ever i pull behind it great the only thing i wish was better was the fuel economy. About $800 worth of upgrades and i can fix that and go from 15mpg to about 21."

7 people out of 9 found this review helpful

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