MotorWeek | Road Test: 2013 Ram 1500

[@Uziavenger]

I love motorweek reviews, theyre always the same format, they cover the important stuff and u get great camera angles, thanks guys!

[@mrmaturitydelinquent]

I drove a Durango Pentastar that my company rented out to take coworkers to and from work during Hurricane Sandy, and the V6 engine performed just as good as the Hemi V8 in my 2004 Durango, plus that 2013 Durango is a pure badass in itself. Every 2013 Ram owner will like this V6.

[@fordsixlitrelover7121]

Haha. I respect John Davis being on the air for pretty much 30 years.

[@fernandorocha-dx1wv]

I too respect John Davis, best program automoblile since 1981

[@darkstarcustomz930]

i drove the 2015 model man i love that hemi sounds so good and when you hit the gas their no lag

[@JoseMartinez-jw2dy]

That's so true ,I have a 2012 with a 5.7 ,it's amazing fast ,i

[@alexsierra6750]

i disagree the throttle response is awful on those trucks but once the computer stops being annoying and finally gives you what you want it doesnt disappoint

[@fernandorocha-dx1wv]

@@JoseMartinez-jw2dy Yes, is true, Dodge Ram is excellent performance

[@TheRealSmithFamily]

Why does the shifter "BELONG" on the column? Drive it for a while & I bet you prefer the knob. It doesn't get much easier than twisting it side to side. This is an electronic transmission so a gate style shifter isn't needed/won't work. Look at how BMW does it with this same transmission. Since I'm not constantly shifting my truck as I'm driving it, I think I'll like it mated to the Hemi. I like to see someone think outside the box! Plus the space it frees up in the console is AWESOME!

[@artaylor8920]

I wish I could gain 2" at the press of a button.

[@brianthlopez5849]

Andrew Taylor fbdghmfhj

[@JETZcorp]

And by the way, that shift knob is way easier to use on the fly than a column or floor shifter. Those all have maze patterns that you have to go through to get between D and R, and that usually means most drivers need to put their eyes forward to make that selection. The choice of this knob was specifically to make what you describe easier. The easiest solution would be to revive the 1957 Torqueflite pushbuttons, but those are illegal now.

[@qdog79]

The 3.7 V6 is Ford's best offering for MPG in the F150 not the 3.5 Ecoboost. It should be a reasonable comparison with the pentastar since it is rated at 302 hp and 278 ft-lb. I believe it is rated at 23 hwy in 2wd form and 21 in 4WD (same as the ecoboost). The one thing that I question is the usability of an 8-speed with the v6 and the tall gearing they give to get good EPA numbers. It might work on flat land with no wind but I could see a lot of gear huntin out where I live (bad for mpg).

[@MinecraftAventures]

Well I have to agree with you , we cannot compare the 3.5 Ecoboost with the Penstar ...Ram cannot say that the Penstar engine gives V8 performance has the ecoboost does, it has decent power and good torque for a V6 but not has much has a V8 can have with the same cylindric. I know that ram have a pretty good fuel millage and I compare my truck with my friend one and he does get a bit better fuel economy then me. I like both truck so I'm not a Ram hater or anything, both truck are pretty capable.

[@simonduzz]

i couldn't remember who this guy worked for. His reviews are boss.

[@1alwayswin]

I love these reviews. so consistent.

[@moparlover1968rr]

Love how easy the rotor shift works! Beats the 40 year column shift

[@bmwmsport11]

At the moment this is the best pickup avaliable IMO. Good MPG and good looks, I don't really care about the power output, the 305hp would work fine.

[@MinecraftAventures]

I have a 2012 F-150 Platinum with the Eco-Boost and I have to say that Ram did a really good job with the new Ram 1500. I like the new 8 speed transmission and the Air suspension. Before this years, the ram didn't have the luxery of the F-150 Platinum/King Ranch model. But this year I think they are pretty much has luxery has the F-150. I still prefer the Eco-Boost then the Penstar V6.

[@NotARealUTubeAccount]

Personal preference buddy. Respect that. Not everyone has to like what you do.

[@QuadasarusFlex]

I write about Chevy, Ram, Honda, Ford, and Toyota trucks for a living and I have to say that out of all the trucks that I advertise, Ram is above and beyond the best. With Ford, you get the most technology but you pay a price for it and Chevy is ridiculously outdated when it comes to the interior. Toyota is flying under the radar and Honda and Nissan trucks are just pathetic. Ram offers the smoothest ride, some of the best technologies, and for the price, you get the most stuff.

[@TheRealSmithFamily]

I think it odd that you have John Davis standing next to a 2012 at the beginning when this is about the 2013.

[@JackWagonizer]

This is a nice vehicle. All the engineering is coming together, now all they need is a large turbo four cylinder. All of you complaining about it not being very fast or not being super off-road capable, understand what this is designed for, and what pick-ups are made for. Good job RAM.

[@path.132]

Screw the Pentastar V6. Get the 1500 with the HEMI.

[@robkenna2795]

I screwed the hemi and got the pentastar. less power but still plenty of grunt, despite what some will try to argue, it gets better fuel economy, and with the extra rebate for the v6, the out the door price was $3000 less than a v8 truck, but to each their own.

[@jimbeam7248]

Rob Kenna hemi or nothing man

[@robkenna2795]

@@jimbeam7248 cool

[@BocaChevy]

I'm a Chevy guy, but my brother in law just bought a 2013 Ram Laramie and that sucker it nice. the interior is one of the nicest in a truck I've seen and it is a good looking truck. only thing I'm wondering is how reliable its going to be, because his last ram had a few issues. I'm glad to see Ram is doing well with great features not offered by Chevy or Ford. I am looking forward to seeing the new Silverado next year and what it has up its sleeve :)

[@TheRealSmithFamily]

This truck is a pretty low trim level. The nicer ones have stitching on the dash and doors that add a bit of pop to the interior IMO. RAM had done its homework with this truck and has made it pretty darn nice for the money.

[@JETZcorp]

If they offered a stick, they would sell about four, maximum. Chrysler discovered the hard way that sticks just don't sell anymore, when they made the first batch of Darts all sticks. That's a compact economy sedan, which is #2 in stick take rates, behind sports cars. The number of Darts sitting on the lots was nuts, and the dealers had to turn away people at the door who insisted on automatics. They all went elsewhere. As of 2012, a Cummins Ram was the only fullsize truck with a stick.

[@p1sc281]

I just got rid of my 2011 ram sport 5.7 crew cab,as long as you dont go over 60mph you can get easily 20-23 mpg which is really nice since you also have the hemi power if you need it.I would not take that v6 if it were up to me.I loved the truck but the payment was killing me so i traded it in.My neighbor has a ecoboost f150(4door) and gets no where near what ford says he should be getting in MPG's.

[@TwinTdriver]

That's hard to believe. If you look at whole bunch of different road tests & mechanical specs as well, even the '11 Durango Hemi is only slightly quicker than an 04 Durango Hemi and for sure slower than an 09 VCT Hemi Durango/Aspen. Even at part throttle, the Pentastar Durango doesn't have the same useful torque as any of the Hemi versions. Although regardless of engines, the new Durangos are better overall than the previous ones and the RAM in the video is the way to go for fuel economy.

[@bttawfiq]

How come they clocked 16.7 in the quarter mile while two other magazines did 15.7 and 15.4?

[@SwPiotrek]

Very nice truck! Good work Ram!

[@charlesmarshall2697]

I will always have a bad taste in my mouth for any Ford with a turbo or supercharger. It started with my wife's 4 cylinder turbo Mustang that blew 2 engines. Then there was the V6 supercharged T-bird that was impossible to change plugs in and suffered from terrible blow by. Who can forget the 6.0 Powerstroke...ugh! I don't want anything Ford builds with any kind of blower!

[@Kingofviperr]

Things like driver technique, weather conditions, and vehicle tune all affect performance. I love MotorWeek, but they got significantly slower times for my car as well ('06 Monte Carlo SS V-8). For 0-60 times, every other magazine got 5.3 or 5.4 seconds, while MW posted a time of 6.0 seconds. Seems like their times are slower for some reason.

[@1979irock]

I like the gauge cluster

[@lanaarmstrong8943]

I prefer the 2009 to 2012 RAM.

[@DraGunred]

i think the new Ram looks the best of the big three, i saw one with a blacked out grill, and pearl white paint

[@michaelhorn4540]

My 2018 ram 1500 Laramie is the absolute Perfect Truck! Especially with the 5.7 hemi. Best vehicle ever made

[@TheRealSmithFamily]

The 4.7L is ONLY available in the Tradesman so it's not meant to compete with the 5.0. RAM has less engine choices than Ford. The Diesel will help though. I truly believe if I was buying my RAM next year and not right now, It'd be the diesel.

[@Thamac15]

I have a Hemi as well, 2012 grand cherokee, but you know the Hemi is an outdated design that offers more cons than pros.

[@carsareepic123]

Great video

[@jakey20022]

I have a 13'quad cab big horn Hemi love the truck.

[@DodgeMan360]

The 90's and early 2000's were a bad time for chrysler, mostly due to poor management. I heard a rumour that the engineers knew how to fix the issues with the transmission, but management with Daimler wouldnt fund them the money to make the changes. Now that they have a good management again they can create great vehicles again. That being said my 2008 Ram has been great! and my 91' Ram is still going with 440 000 strong.

[@goarmy979]

@deneice I think the gov actually made a law where all cars and trucks have to get 40 mpg by 105 or 2017

[@hawaiianflavor69]

this video reminds me of the late 90's car commercials

[@rougen512]

Don't quote me here, but I'm fairly confident asserting that the overwhelming majority of ford half ton fleet trucks, run the 3.7. Virtually the only two reasons Ford sold so many ecoboosts was because it has a lot of torque (so would anything that was twin turbo charged), and it was "supposed" to offer better fuel economy. Consumer reports reviewed and compared both the 5.0 and ecoboost, both achieved virtually identical fuel economies.

[@bttawfiq]

Well I don't think driver skills can make such a huge difference, two factors I can think of: high Altitude and hot weather

[@greenbikecoWPGMB]

the 3.6l ram competes with the 3.7l f150 not the ecoboost... the 5.7l hemi competes with ecoboost , the hemi comes out over top on durability and usable power because the ecoboost was originally designed for a midsized car and not for a truck, people are already having inter cooler and misfiring issues.... nothing beats the durability of a push rod v8 and straight 6's

[@4v3ng3r1987]

It's a nice truck but it's just so weird hearing the same exhaust note on this thing that I hear in my Avenger.

[@efthimios]

Wtf are you talking about. So your v6 avenger sounds like a HEMi v8?

[@MrGrandetaco707]

efthimios wtf are you talking about? The RAM in this video was a V6 model

[@TourettesOrc]

Lmao

[@chadt4]

Well I would have to drive it to find out for myself. I own a Chevy so I'm used to using the column shifter.

[@kppet2000]

Why compare it to an ecoboost? Try a base v6 from Ford.

[@DamienRasheed]

it's odd that you continue comparing this Ram to the Ford Ecoboost, considering that ford offers a non turbo V-6 with roughly the same horsepower and the Ecoboost with the turbo is up 60 horses on this truck. Why is no one asking why only Ford offers a Turbo V-6?

[@blackericdenice]

I rented a 2017 Rsm 3.6 and i loved the ride. My 2016 F150 2.7 bounce too much n the back. It burn less fuel than an ecoboost because it doesn't make as much torque. I love the 8 speed transmission but I want trade better mpg and ride for my F165 power.

[@Maxxlenoxx]

I like when they give real numbers in reviews. Dodge Canada claims the RAM 1500 2013 will achieve 36 MPG (highway)... I knew it wasn't realistic. The 23 MPG in the review sounds believable.

[@orbits2]

true but needs a redesigned grill 4 years ago

[@NotARealUTubeAccount]

So you're telling me that because they're the best selling pickup, everyone must like them? I know several people with both F-150's and Rams and they've both had 0 problems. the 5.0 and Ecoboost are strong motors. Same goes for the 5.7 Hemi and Pentastar V6. Stop hating...it doesn't make you look good.

[@richcieszkowski3120]

i really wish they would test a high level truck instead of base

[@desertfox2020]

The console or column shifters better still be an option

[@NMS350]

i know, i was thinkin the same. Compare it to the 3.7 and he would be spot on lol. glad im not the only one thinking this.

[@MoiDj22]

Great review! Thank you!

[@ThePantyDroper]

Are they using 2 different trucks or can you get navigation and air ride in a 3.6 SLT? If so, then FML. I wish I bought ram instead of an F150 3.7.

[@AlienVibesss]

exactly but you still expect more torque from the ram considering its the best truck out there

[@UltimateCARNUT]

Everything they did to it was nice except making the grill bigger it was already big enough.

[@kylefitzgerald4419]

I will always choose ecoboost still has better horse power and torque. and next year ford is coming out with a new ecoboost 5.0L ecoboost v8 twin turbo!! :)

[@919hey]

Never happened

[@qdog79]

10!!? Holy Crap! Seems like overkill to me. You can get better advertised fuel economy by slapping more ratios in and putting a tall rear-end in a truck. the problem is that everyone is tailoring their vehicles to the EPA test, which isn't real-world by any means for a truck. I wish they would focus more on making the engine more efficient rather than gearing the hell out of it so it lugs at highway speed. Maybe it's time to seriously consider a 1/2 ton diesel, if it weren't over $4/gal.

[@flippers098]

I like how the first truck was a Hemi lol

[@robkenna2795]

yea I know funny, I read some of the v6 trucks were sent out mistakenly with hemi badges, gota love chrysler

[@Skott62]

The Doge Pentastar V6 is their best mpg performer in the Ram 1500 and the Ford Ecoboost is Ford's best mpg performer in the F150. Hence their reason for the comparison. At least that is how I understand the reason for the comparison between the two. Ford is king and Dodge is trying to beat them. This video claims it does mpg wise. Is it a fair comparison? I'll leave that up to the viewer.

[@orbits2]

with 305 HP whats holding this vehicle back from a high 6 low 7s quarter mile?

[@dwad1skrubz]

you just follow the hype of what everyone says about rams. thats why i have 2 rams with over 140,000 miles and my transmissions are great.

[@TomazHilton]

Why are you guys comparing the Pentastar V6 to the Ecoboost?? you know Ford does make a Non turbo V6 150.....

[@icu_corey_rn_903]

If I'm shelling out money for a truck I want the v8 end of discussion.

[@TomazHilton]

But ifs fords Eco better than the Hemi which it really competes with?

[@jacobmele2270]

The optional hemi V8 tows OVER 9000 pounds.

[@chickenfarm09]

I wouldn't consider a straining V6 being overworked doing the job. Car and driver mag said the V6 feels "peaky". Which loosely means it doesn't have much more to give, or it's peaked out.

[@VieVentar]

I don't know about that. With Fiat owning them now I'd be surprised if they don't send over the people they used to sort out their own quality issues in the 2000's. Friend of my family had a 90's Fiat and it was a complete pile of excrement when it came to reliability - but my boss has the 500 Twin Air and it's utterly faultless. If they send the same guys over to sort out Chrysler's historical issues I think you might be pleasantly surprised by the change.

[@blacuraRL]

I agree. EASILY the best looking pickup, period. Not sure if it's the most reliable though , If it were my money, I'd buy the Ford for its powertrain and robustness.

[@GligorovDimce]

Very glad that I have Hemi!!!!

[@dwad1skrubz]

If chrysler found a way to design a twin-turbo pentastar motor mated to that awesome 8-speed automatic. I think it'd give the ecoboost a hell of a good matchup. I have an 06 ram with a 4.7 and the pentastar has better performance than mine. Dodge is really doing their homework.

[@nateknapp556]

I have an 06 Ram Hemi (its on it s way out) and a 17 Ram 3.6. (Both 4x4 quad cabs). The Hemi has 40 more horse power, but is 1,000lbs heavier than the 3.6. The 3.6 is more responsive and quicker with the 8 speed trans. I really like my Hemi, and I love my 3.6. Both great trucks!

[@TomazHilton]

It annoys me that they are Comparing the Rams Non Turbo V6 to Fords Ecoboost (Turbo V6). The Ford 150 3.7 V6 (non turbo) has less torque than the Rams V6, and the Ram tows more.

[@cornelldaniel]

Wow.. Has time have change.. Pretty soon you will hear a hybrid crew cab...but I guess with these gas prices, anything will do

[@Mopar1]

Welcome to the future.... your F150 powerboost is waiting

[@MinecraftAventures]

In my opinion, there is not perfect truck. I own a 2012 F-150 with eco-boost and I love my truck and my buddy got a 2011 RAM 1500 Hemi and I drove it some time and i love it too ! Everyone is differente and everyone like different things.

[@chickenfarm09]

Out of everybody that I talked to, nobody believes that the Pentastar V6 will perform as well or equal to a V8. I think it's being way overated. I'd like to see a 4x4 V6 crew cab tow a 6000 lbs trailer through the mountains.

[@yamaharidr450]

that shift knob would get really annoying if you had a plow on that

[@JerkVegas86]

yamaharidr450 V6 Plow? What?

[@Skott62]

LOL. I hear you. At some point too many gears is going to be just that, Too many.

[@cds122599]

The base ford 3.7 v6 and chevy's new 4.3 compare to the Ram 3.6, not Fords premium turbocharged engine. Motorweek needs to do their homework.

[@DodgeRamguys]

Why people talks always of fuel economy for a truck like if There the most important point? If you want fuel economy buy a car or an suv!

[@TomazHilton]

This doesnt compete with the Ecoboost... the 3.7 150... yea. Im not sure why all these reviewers comparing this Non Turbo to the Ecoboost.

[@3000Gray]

That is not a 2013 ram. the 2013 have LED head lights.

[@doug960]

I have heard (but don't quote me) that Chrysler plans to have single and twin-turbo versions of the Pentastar available by 2014 that will be pushing just under and well over 400 horses. Not to mention you aren't overpaying for that ridiculous name and a silly badge when you buy the Dodge. Who named the Ford powerplant anyway? Eco-boost? How wimpy does that sound? Nobody ACTUALLY buys Eco-boost F-150s anyway. If you can afford one, you can afford to fill up the 5.0 F-150.

[@76carmel]

You'e right. HEMI more compete's with Ford's EcoBoost. And the F-150's V-6 is a slug; you'd rather have one of their V-8s.

[@mb013962]

lol the optional hemi v8 tows over 9000 pounds! 2:44

[@AyyItsMeee]

Fuck I need a v8! Fuck the fuel economy

[@califaern3sto]

Azucena Flores i have the 2017 ram sport 4x4 its soo powerful and looks great

[@mitch9521]

Insecure V8 bro douche with a boat anchor 8 cylinder that gets gapped by V6s lmfao

[@themechanic345]

Comparing to EcoBoost why? This doesn't even come close...

[@rickydavis4305]

bing back the Quad Cab

[@Mejevoli]

Can't help it.. OVER 9000! 2:44

[@isleyvideoproduction]

2:44 Over 9000!

[@Randolo88]

I traded in my 10 f-150 5.4 triton and got the ram with the 3.6 the ram has more power. Ram is better over all

[@razrramonel4077]

The Dodge Ram pickup truck has the same type engine that is in the Dodge Challenger ( the engine type is a 3.7 litre Pentastar V-6).

[@RhinoXpress]

that big ram 1500 logo on the door looks tacky

[@JJPMustang]

Agreed. I took the "1500" off both my doors on my 2014 Quad cab. Afterwards I realized it now looks like the pre-13' face-lift doors, so I'll probably debadge the Ram in the spring when it warms up.

[@novascotia9255]

Now this one will be out of date since we will be able to get a V-6 diesel in the 2014 Ram 1500. Not only that but you can get a Ram with the 392 Hemi with 470 Horsepower. Beat that F ound O n R oad D ead

[@MrChevypower]

410 HP in the Ram 6.4

[@brucec43]

The V6 diesel is currently a $5,000 option, since a rebate that applies to gassers doesn't to the diesel. They'll have to ramp up production to make it work financially.

[@mitch9521]

Beat it to the recalls and bankruptcy of its company you mean.

[@nonyobussiness3440]

stick is just more fun period and better for offroading

[@billykid7981]

i would never buy a truck this size with a v6.once you load it up and that v6 pulling all the weight its gonna burn more fuel than a v8

[@jeb721]

Now I am a Honda and Toyota guy, But I will admit I see the ecoboost everywhere.... I dont like american cars but look up some vids on the Ecoboost f150. They are actually pretty good. Better than this dodge.

[@BurninRubber93]

My 2010 trx4 with the 5.7 gets 22 while going to school and back from west Virginia to ohio

[@mudrunneramericanwildsguy4307]

That is my Greenville truck

[@NotARealUTubeAccount]

I actually thought the Ram rode just as, if not better than the F-150. I've driven both and loved both. Me and many others agree that the Ram looks more aggressive in the front. Please stop trolling these videos. You sound ridiculous.