Ram 1500 pickup trucks have been moving steadily upmarket while retaining a reputation for being rugged yet customizable. The 2013 Ram 1500 is no different, with nine trims and many drivetrain, bed, and cab combinations, enhancing its versatility and making it even better.
Key Points
- The 2013 Ram 1500 pickup truck launched with nine trim levels: Tradesman, Express, HFE, SLT, Lone Star/Big Horn, Outdoorsman, Sport, Laramie, and Laramie Longhorn.
- The Ram 1500’s most significant change for 2013 was the 305-hp Pentastar 220 ci (3.6L) V6 replacing the previous 215-hp 3.7L V6 under the hood.
- The 345 ci (5.7L) V8 Hemi carried over but added five hp for a total of 395 horsepower; the 287 ci (4.7L) V8 makes 310 hp and is the third engine option.
- The truck was built with regular, crew, or quad cab configurations, 5’7″, 6’4″, or 8′ bed lengths, six or eight-speed automatic transmissions, and rear- or four-wheel drive.
2013 Ram 1500 Tradesman is a Base but Competent Workhorse with Multiple Styles and Drivetrains
With the Ram 1500 Tradesman, you’d be spoilt for choice. This work truck offers the 4.7L V8 paired with a six-speed automatic as the standard powertrain but also has options for the Pentastar V6 and the Hemi 5.7L V8. Styles are numerous, with regular, quad, and crew cabs available at varying bed lengths. Other noteworthy standard items include:
- Automatic headlamps
- Air conditioning
- Vinyl seats
- Power windows and door locks
- Bed rail caps and locking tailgate
The Tradesman takes things a step further, offering additional packages like the Power and Remote Entry Group, the Popular Equipment Group, the Exterior Appearance Group, and the Protection Group (4×4 models only).
2013 Ram Express Adds 395-hp Hemi V8 as Standard, Better Styling, Stability Control
The Ram Express sports a standard 5.7L V8 Hemi that produces 395 hp and 407 lb.-ft. of torque. As the only powertrain available, the Express should satisfy horsepower freaks. Airing on the side of safety, Ram also added stability control as standard on the Express to help tame the extra horsepower. Standard equipment over the Tradesman includes:
- Cruise control
- Cloth interior
- 20-inch aluminum wheels
- Body-colored front fascia
That said, the Express does have options for rear and four-wheel drives with regular, quad, and crew cab configurations.
2013 Ram 1500 HFE Uses Only the Most Efficient Powertrain, and Sacrifices Towing Power for Fuel-economy Bragging Rights
The HFE, as the name implies, is built for impressive fuel economy (at least for a pickup). Boasting an EPA rating of 18/25/21 mpg city/highway/combined, Ram called it the most fuel-efficient pickup on the market at the time — it even bested the 2013 Ford F-150’s 3.7L V6.
To put forth as much mileage as possible, the one-of-a-kind HFE is powered by the 3.6L V6 with eight-speed transmission and rear-wheel drive. A regular cab and short bed make it a very light pickup truck at 4,572 lbs., and it has a small payload rating of 1,430 lbs. and a tow rating of just 4,750 lbs.
2013 Ram SLT is a Step up with Alloy Wheels, Power Windows, and Optional Luxury Package
The SLT combines the Tradesman’s features (except the spray-in bedliner) with 17-inch alloy wheels, a power-sliding rear window, chrome exterior trim, dual gloveboxes, and satellite radio. However, it wouldn’t be a proper step up if that was all. The SLT stakes its claim with an optional Luxury Group that adds:
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel (with audio controls)
- Power-folding side mirrors (with turn signals and puddle lamps)
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- Illuminated vanity mirrors
The infotainment system has not been left out either, with a seven-inch multifunction in-dash display also available.
2013 Ram 1500 Lone Star and Big Horn are Location-based Variations of the Same Trim
The Lone Star (Texas-exclusive launch) and the Big Horn (everywhere else) share similar features. They include special badging and trim along with a bunch of the SLT’s optional equipment. Both trims rock beefier 20-inch aluminum wheels, fog lamps, chrome surround grille, and dual rear exhaust. Powered by the 5.7L V8 with six or eight-speed transmission, they only come in quad or crew cab configurations.
2013 Ram Outdoorsman with Tow Hooks and Underbody Skid Plates is Perfect for Tackling Tough Terrain
The Outdoorsman trim has beastly ability specifically for fishers, hunters, campers, and boaters. The 4×4 model includes extra heavy-duty shocks, a front suspension skid plate, a rear transfer case skid plate, and tow hooks.
It also does a wonderful job of standing out by incorporating a two-tone paint job and a blacked-out grille with body-colored surrounds.
2013 Ram Sport’s Unique Styling and Roaring Engine are Sure to Turn Heads
With a 5.7L V8 at its heart, a tuned dual exhaust at its rear, and strutting on 20-inch alloy wheels, the Sport is sure to grab attention as it rumbles around town. Sporting (see what I did there?) a few visual tweaks like body-colored grille and bumpers, bucket seats, etc., it kicks things up a notch in the style department. Infotainment also takes a driver’s seat on the Sport with standard features like Bluetooth, smart device integration, satellite radio, auxiliary audio input, and an MP3 player.
2013 Ram 1500 Laramie Delivers a Smooth, Luxurious Driving Experience with Interior and Exterior Additions
What’s the result of taking a Ram Sport and making a few changes like chrome bumpers and grille, a front split-bench seat, and two-tone paint? Is it a Laramie? Not quite. The Laramie goes a step further, adding interior luxuries such as leather front seats (with heat and ventilation), a heated steering wheel, wood-grain/chrome interior trim, a six-way power passenger seat, 8.4-inch display, and an upgraded sound system.
Exteriorly, there is a rear parking camera and additional exterior chrome trim, adding more splendor.
2013 Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn Might Just be the Pinnacle of Pickup Luxury
The Laramie Longhorn brings a mesh grille insert, remote start, a spray-in bedliner, rear parking sensors, tow hooks, and a larger gas tank to the Laramie. Its center stack houses a genuine wood grain insert and the second-row seats are heated and covered in leather.
The steering wheel rim gets the best of both worlds, combining real wood on the top half and leather on the bottom. Other upgrades include:
- Premium leather front bucket seats
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Seven-inch instrument cluster
- Premium 10-speaker audio system
- Power-adjustable pedals with memory
The Longhorn is available in crew cab only and combines the 5.7L V8 with either six or eight-speed transmission.
With the 2013 Ram 1500’s Numerous Trims, there’s an Option for Every Driver
Ram certainly does its due diligence regarding pickup truck options, and the 2013 model year is no exception. The Tradesman is perfect for work, the Outdoorsman is great for road trips, the Sport is an excellent all-around rugged truck, and the Laramie trims provide luxury. Even the HFE is great for those looking to maximize mileage. With its higher-than-average depreciation rate compared to popular pickups, the 2013 Ram 1500 is a great buy.
Photos: Stellantis
