2013 Ram 1500: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

The biggest change for the 2013 Ram 1500 is a major mid-cycle overhaul centered on a new 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 and the first eight-speed automatic in a full-size pickup. The truck also gets a lighter, stiffer structure, a thoroughly updated cabin, and optional four-corner air suspension.

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About the 2013 Ram 1500

4th generation Ram 1500 (2009-2018), major mid-cycle refresh year

Ram positioned the 1500 as a full-size pickup that mixes real truck capability with a smoother ride, better fuel economy, and a more upscale interior than many rivals of the time. Its core appeal was broad choice: work-truck basics, chrome-heavy everyday trims, outdoor-focused versions, sporty street-truck looks, and near-luxury models. Key model-level differentiators were the coil-spring rear suspension, available air suspension, strong HEMI V8 performance, and a cabin that felt more polished than many competing half-ton trucks.

The 2013 lineup stretches from the commercial-focused Tradesman and fuel-saving HFE to HEMI-powered Sport and R/T street trucks. Big Horn adds everyday comfort and chrome, while Laramie and Longhorn models bring features such as ventilated leather seats, an 8.4-inch touchscreen, navigation, and premium audio.

What changed, by category

Powertrain

A new 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 and an eight-speed automatic join the lineup. The new efficiency-focused HFE pairs them with a stop/start system and active grille shutters.

Styling

The front end, lights, and wheel designs are revised. Inside, the cabin gets updated materials and redesigned center-stack layouts.

Tech

A new electrical system supports larger displays and more modern touchscreen features. Highlights include a 7-inch driver display on several trims and an 8.4-inch touchscreen on upper and specialty trims; Bluetooth, a touchscreen, and USB ports become standard on Big Horn and Lone Star.

Structural

The frame is lighter and stiffer, with additional weight reduction in the body and suspension. An optional four-corner air suspension improves ride comfort, automatic load leveling, aerodynamics, and ground clearance.

2013 Ram 1500 specs and features by trim

Feature	2013 Ram 1500HFE1 in stock	2013 Ram 1500R/T1 in stock	2013 Ram 1500SLT4 in stock	2013 Ram 1500Sport0 in stock	2013 Ram 1500Express0 in stock	2013 Ram 1500Laramie1 in stock	2013 Ram 1500Big Horn0 in stock	2013 Ram 1500Lone Star0 in stock	2013 Ram 1500Tradesman4 in stock	2013 Ram 1500Outdoorsman0 in stock	2013 Ram 1500Laramie Longhorn Edition1 in stock	2013 Ram 1500Laramie Longhorn Limited Edition0 in stock
Engine	V6, Flex Fuel, 3.6 Liter	V8, HEMI, 5.7 Liter	V6, Flex Fuel, 3.6 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 4.7 Liter / V8, HEMI, 5.7 Liter	V8, HEMI, 5.7 Liter	V8, HEMI, 5.7 Liter	V8, HEMI, 5.7 Liter	V8, HEMI, 5.7 Liter	V8, HEMI, 5.7 Liter	V6, Flex Fuel, 3.6 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 4.7 Liter / V8, HEMI, 5.7 Liter	V6, Flex Fuel, 3.6 Liter / V8, HEMI, 5.7 Liter	V8, HEMI, 5.7 Liter	V8, HEMI, 5.7 Liter
Transmission	Automatic, 8-Spd	Automatic, 6-Spd	Automatic, 8-Spd / Automatic, 6-Spd	Automatic, 8-Spd / Automatic, 6-Spd	Automatic, 6-Spd	Automatic, 8-Spd / Automatic, 6-Spd	Automatic, 8-Spd	Automatic, 6-Spd	Automatic, 8-Spd / Automatic, 6-Spd	Automatic, 8-Spd	Automatic, 6-Spd	Automatic, 8-Spd
Drivetrain	2WD	2WD	2WD / 4WD	4WD	4WD / 2WD	4WD	4WD	2WD / 4WD	2WD / 4WD	4WD / 2WD	4WD	4WD
Fuel Type	Flexible Fuel	Gas	Flexible Fuel / Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas	Flexible Fuel / Gas	Flexible Fuel / Gas	Gas	Gas
MPG City	18 mpg	14 mpg	13–17 mpg	13–14 mpg	14 mpg	14 mpg	14 mpg	14 mpg	13–17 mpg	14–17 mpg	14 mpg	15 mpg
MPG Highway	25 mpg	20 mpg	19–25 mpg	19–20 mpg	20 mpg	20 mpg	20 mpg	20 mpg	19–25 mpg	20–25 mpg	20 mpg	22 mpg
Horsepower	305 hp	395 hp	305–395 hp	390–395 hp	390–395 hp	390–395 hp	390–395 hp	390–395 hp	305–395 hp	305–395 hp	390 hp	390 hp
Torque	269 lb-ft	407 lb-ft	269–407 lb-ft	407 lb-ft	407 lb-ft	407 lb-ft	407 lb-ft	407 lb-ft	269–407 lb-ft	269–407 lb-ft	407 lb-ft	407 lb-ft
Max Towing		5050 lb	8900–10200 lb	8800–10000 lb	9100–10100 lb	9850–9900 lb	10050 lb	10050–10250 lb	9100–10250 lb	10050 lb	9700 lb
Rear Legroom			34.7–40.3 in	34.7–40.3 in	34.7–40.3 in	34.7–40.3 in	34.7–40.3 in	34.7–40.3 in	34.7–40.3 in	34.7–40.3 in	40.3 in	40.3 in
Seats		2	3–6	2–5	3–6	6	6	6	3–6	6	5
Doors	2	2	2–4	2–4	2–4	4	4	4	2–4	4	4	4
Safety & Security
Alarm System
Automatic High Beams
Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers
Rear Parking Sensors
Rear View Camera
Exterior Features
Alloy Wheels
Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors
Fog Lights
Heated Mirrors
Memory Exterior Mirrors
Power Moonroof
Power Folding Exterior Mirrors
Power Mirrors
Privacy Glass
Side Steps
Tow Hooks
Trailer Hitch Receiver
Entertainment & Electronics
AM/FM Radio
Built-In Hard Drive
Front DVD Entertainment System
Navigation System
SD Card Slot
Satellite Radio
Smartphone Interface
Subwoofer
Touch Screen Monitor
USB Ports
Comfort & Convenience
115V Power Outlet
Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror
Dual Power Front Seats
Dual Power Lumbar Support Front Seats
Dual-Zone Climate Control
Folding Rear Seat
Heated Front Seats
Heated Rear Seats
Heated Steering Wheel
Integrated Garage Door Opener
Leather Seats
Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
Memory Driver's Seat
Memory Pedals
Power Adjustable Pedals
Power Driver Seat
Power Locks
Power Windows
Proximity Keyless Entry
Remote Start
Remote Keyless Entry
Tilt Wheel
Ventilated Front Seats

How the 2014 Ram 1500 compares

The most important change for the 2014 Ram 1500 is the arrival of the optional 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 across much of the lineup. This was a meaningful powertrain and trim update, not a full redesign.

See the full 2014 changes

Frequently asked questions

Was the 2013 Ram 1500 a full redesign?

No. The 2013 Ram 1500 is a major mid-cycle update of the fourth-generation truck, not an entirely new generation. Its structure, powertrain choices, styling, cabin, and electronics all received substantial changes.

What engine and transmission were new for the 2013 Ram 1500?

The new core powertrain is a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 paired with an eight-speed automatic. The eight-speed was the first transmission of its kind in a full-size pickup.

Did the 2013 Ram 1500 have air suspension?

Yes. The 2013 Ram 1500 introduced an optional four-corner air suspension that helps ride comfort, automatic load leveling, aerodynamics, and ground clearance.

Which Ram 1500 trims changed for 2013?

The efficiency-focused HFE joined the lineup, while ST and Tradesman Heavy Duty were dropped. Laramie Limited Edition continued under the Laramie Longhorn Limited Edition name.

How different is the 2013 Ram 1500 from the 2012 model?

The 2013 is substantially updated compared with the 2012. Its new V6 and eight-speed automatic, lighter and stiffer frame, modernized cabin electronics, revised styling, and optional air suspension make this one of the fourth generation's biggest year-to-year changes.