Ram subtly but completely redesigned the 1500 for 2013. Optional projector-beam headlamps and LED markers blend with a 1-inch taller grille, new fascia and front bumper.
What's the most important attribute of a pickup truck? That it can tow a lot (cars, boats, motor homes, whatever)? Haul more than its weight in cargo (tools, plants, junk from the local Lowes or Home Depot, whatever)? Or transport the whole crew (family, friend, whoever) in style and comfort? Can it leap tall buildings in a single bound?
Apparently, while all of the above are important traits of a proper four-wheeled workhorse, they pale in comparison to getting good gas mileage. That's right: In today's uncertain economy, fuel efficiency is even important in the rough and tumble world of pickup trucks, which is why Ram has completely reengineered its lineup to be the category's de facto fuel misers.
Take the Ram 1500, for instance. It doesn't look like much has changed here; stylewise, it's almost the same vehicle as the outgoing model. However, under the skin it's a different story. From the frame up, every aspect of this truck has been tweaked to eek more miles out of every gallon of gas. Surprisingly, Ram didn't have to sacrifice any amenities or capabilities to achieve better fuel economy. In fact, the truckmaker improved both areas.
But are the improvements significant enough to make the Ram a more competitive pickup? You bet.
Reviews: Find expert and user reviews
Model lineup
With the midsize Dakota no longer available, Ram is motivated to offer a wide range of 1500 models. Thus, the 2013 Ram 1500 lineup includes the fleet-only ST, followed by the value-conscious Tradesman and Express, then the mileage king HFE, and topped by the high-volume bread-and-butter SLT, Big Horn and Lone Star trims. More specialized are the Outdoorsman, Sport, Laramie and Laramie Longhorn. You might also run into Mossy Oak Editions for hunters or the Ram Laramie Limited at the country club. In short, there's a Ram 1500 for everything from farming and light-industrial use up to luxury personal use.
View Slideshow: Get the Most Truck for Your Money
Under the hood
Ram is emphasizing its state-of-the-art entry-level 3.6-liter V6 engine this year. Replacing last year's 3.7-liter engine, the Pentastar V6 is a huge step forward, offering 42 percent more horsepower, 13 percent more torque, and approximately 20 percent better fuel economy.
It's an all-aluminum, 60-degree, 3.6-liter with double-overhead cams, four valves per cylinder and variable-cam timing. Naturally aspirated, the 3.6 relies on a healthy 10.6:1 compression ratio to make 307 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque.
Because the 3.6-liter engine is considerably more powerful than last year's 3.7 — a full 90 horses more powerful — Ram is fitting the 3.6 to the heavier 4x4 and Crew Cab trucks as well as standard and extended-cab 2-wheel-drive models. That relegates the older 4.7-liter 310-horsepower V8 as standard only in the utilitarian Tradesman and optional in the garden-variety SLT for improved towing capacity, thanks to its 330 lb-ft of torque. A 5.7 Hemi V8 engine with 395 horsepower and 407 lb-ft of torque is also widely available across the Ram 1500 line.
In addition, Ram is first to market with an 8-speed automatic transmission. It is the only V6 transmission offering, and will be the only V8 transmission offering starting in the second quarter of 2013. There are no manual transmissions in the 2013 Ram 1500 line.
Other fuel-saving tricks include reduced weight throughout the truck, electric power-steering assist, grille shutters, and on V6 trucks a thermal management system that shuttles coolant to rapidly warm the engine and transmission oils to reduce drag. A stop-start feature is also available on some V6s and V8s.
