Work Truck Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

2013-MY Ram 1500 Unveiled

The vehicle is available in eight trim levels and includes fuel-saving technologies that add up to an 18.7% increase in fuel economy.

by Staff
August 29, 2012
4 min to read


Ram Trucks has revealed the all-new MY-2013 Ram 1500, which is available either with a 3.6L Pentastar V-6 engine or a 5.7L HEMI V-8.

The 3.6L Pentastar produces 305 hp and 269 lb.-ft. of torque. The 5.7L HEMI V-8, which produces 395 hp and 407 lb.-ft. of torque, and delivers at least 10 percent better fuel economy than the 2012 model when paired with the TorqueFlite 8, automatic transmission. The TorqueFlite 8, 8-speed automatic transmission, comes standard on the 3.6L V-6 Pentastar models.

Ad Loading...

(To view a photo gallery of the all-new MY-2013 Ram 1500, click here.)

The Ram 1500 is available in the following trim levels: Tradesman, Express, SLT, R/T, Big Horn, Sport, Laramie and Laramie Longhorn. Among the new features are a new larger Ram grille; headlight upgrades, bumper, and fascia; interior upgrades and a new Uconnect system. The Crew Cab models also feature a new 6-foot-4-inch bed option.

In an effort to improve fuel efficiency, the Ram 1500 includes several weight-reducing materials, including advanced high-strength steel, which has lightened the vehicle by 30 lbs., new box floor cross-members, which eliminate 7 lbs., and a new front bumper design, which removed 4 lbs. In addition, the Ram 1500 features an aluminum hood, which shed another 26 lbs. from its overall weight.

The Ram 1500 also features fuel-saving technology including: an eight-speed automatic transmission, stop-start technology, a thermal management system, pulse-width modulation, active aerodynamics and electric power steering. Together, this technology improves fuel mileage by up to an estimated 18.7%.

In addition to fuel-saving technology, the Ram 1500 also features more than 45 active and passive safety and security features, including standard front air bags, front and rear side-curtain air bags, seat-mounted side pelvic-thorax air bags with Enhanced Accident Response System, knee bolsters, seat belt pretensions, BeltAlert system, and available adjustable pedals, ParkSense rear park assist and ParkView rear back-up camera.

Ad Loading...

The new Ram 1500 features an active grille shutter system, which automatically closes the airflow through the huge grille when cooling is least needed. The system improves fuel economy by 0.5% by reducing drag roughly 3-5% and improves warm-up time/defrost time, according to the automaker.

When the active grille shutters are closed, airflow is redirected over and around the front of the truck, enhancing aerodynamic performance rather than creating turbulence in the engine compartment. Engine coolant temperature and vehicle speed determine shutter position. The shutters remain closed when less engine cooling is required and aerodynamic drag is most significant; the system will open the shutters when the truck's cooling demands require additional airflow, for example traveling up a hill or pulling a trailer in high-temperature environments.

The Ram 1500's new air suspension system features five height settings that operate automatically or may be controlled manually via console of key fob controls:

  • Normal Ride Height (NRH): Is the default, load-level ride height setting, giving 8.7 in. of clearance (measured from the base of the door sill).

  • Aero Mode: Lowers the vehicle 1.1 inc from NRH. Aero Mode imprvoes fuel efficiency by up to one percent and is activated by vehicle speed, adjusting for optimal performance and fuel economy.

  • Off-road 1: Lifts the vehicle 1.2 in from NRH for added height in clearing obstacles.

  • Off-road 2: Delivers more off-road capability, increasing ground clearance by 2 in. over NRH.

  • Park Mode: Lowers the vehicle 2 in. from NRH for easy entry/exit and cargo loading.

The new air suspension system adds up to 4 in. of lift span, offering best-in-class step-in heigh of 21 inches, best-in-class ground clearance of 10.7 in., best-in-class depature angle of 27.8 degrees, and best-in-class breakover angle of 24.2 degrees supported by four-corner air springs that provide a cushioned, premium ride.

Ad Loading...

The air suspension system also allows for different spring rates depending on the ride height. In Off-road 2, the rate is firmer when compared to NRH, improving the ability of the suspension to soak up obstacles. In Aero mode, the rate is softened to improve the ride on highways.

The MY-2013 Ram 1500 also includes a new Keyless Enter 'n Go feature and optional remote central-locking RamBox cargo management system and tailgate combined with door locks.

Additionally, a separate button on the key fob gives the operator the ability to manually lower the truck, allowing for ease of passenger entry and bed loading.

The vehicle comes with a five-year/100,000 mile warranty.


More Small Fleet

SponsoredMarch 9, 2026

Boosting Last-Mile Fleet Uptime, Safety, and Value with AI Vehicle Inspections

AI-powered inspections are transforming last-mile fleets by replacing manual checks with highly accurate automated scans that detect defects in seconds. By giving fleet operations visibility into the daily condition of their vehicles, you can identify trends over the vehicle’s lifecycle that enable improved procurement decisions, route management, driver training and accountability.

Read More →
SponsoredMarch 1, 2026

How One Fleet Cut Motor Pool Costs by $45K With Smarter Key Control and Automation

Still managing your motor pool with spreadsheets and manual approvals? Loyola University replaced outdated processes with automated fleet management, eliminating overtime and saving up to $50,000 annually. See how they did it.

Read More →
SponsoredMarch 1, 2026

Artificial Intelligence in Field Service: North America

48% of field service leaders are investing in AI to manage customer communication and self-service. Get the latest on how fleets are using AI and thinking about the future.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
SafetyFebruary 4, 2026

Five Ways Seat Belts Help Prevent Injuries

There are five ways seat belts protect occupants from injuries, according to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security.

Read More →
SponsoredJanuary 14, 2026

It’s here: The 2026 Fleet Technology Trends Report

What does AI mean for fleets? Get the answer — and learn other top tech trends.

Read More →
Wreaths Across America graphic highlighting the role of small fleets in delivering wreaths to honor veterans, featuring wreath icons and the American flag.
Small Fleetby Lauren FletcherDecember 8, 2025

Small Fleets, Big Impact: How Independent Drivers Power Wreaths Across America

Check out how small fleets and independent drivers power Wreaths Across America each December and why their impact matters more than ever.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A stressed person covers their face, illustrating that 65% of small fleet managers handle all operations alone, according to a Vehicle Management Systems (VMS) survey.
Small Fleetby StaffNovember 12, 2025

VMS Survey Finds 65% of Small Fleet Managers Run Operations Alone

A new VMS survey shows small fleet managers are stretched thin, with most handling operations solo and eager to adopt digital tools for relief.

Read More →
Safe Driving on Halloween over spooky fall road
Safetyby StaffOctober 20, 2025

Tips for Driving Safely on Halloween Night

This video features a reminder from the Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association, urging drivers to prioritize safety this Halloween.

Read More →
VMS Co-CEO David Prusinski highlights the company’s AI-powered virtual fleet manager designed to improve uptime and reduce operating costs for fleets.
Green Fleetby Lauren FletcherOctober 6, 2025

AI, Access, and Uptime: VMS’s Next Chapter with David Prusinski

VMS’s new Co-CEO, David Prusinski, shares how an AI-first approach will give small fleets and repair shops the tools to compete like big players.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Photo of tire tracks and winter scenes.
Small FleetMay 24, 2025

Fleet Managers Share Winter Prep Tips: It's Never Too Early!

Three fleets share best practices to prep vehicles for winter and prevent downtime when the cold sets in.

Read More →