Dodge Ram 1500 named Motor Trend 'Truck of the Year'

2013 Truck of the Year: Dodge Ram 1500

2013 Dodge Ram 1500

Yesterday, the editors over at Motor Trend Magazine, named the 2013 Dodge Ram 1500 as its 2013 'Truck of the Year'. The magazine praised the re-engineered 2013 Ram 1500 for its trim levels, towing capacity, stop-start system, thermal management system, pulse-width modulation and active aerodynamics, which include grille shutters and active air suspension. Ram has also redefined its powertrain options with more fuel efficient engines, which (optionally) can be bolted to the new, first-in-segment, eight-speed transmission. The much-celebrated Pentastar 3.6-Liter V-6 has replaced the old 3.7-Liter V-6. This new engine gives this already amazing pickup truck 42% more horsepower and 13% more torque. Don't mind us as we loudly *grunt* like Tim 'The Tool Man' Taylor.

Motor Trend Magazines 'Truck of the Year' contenders are evaluated by Design Advancement, Engineering Excellence, Efficiency, Safety, Value, and Performance of Intended Function. To be eligible, a vehicle must either be new or substantially changed. The Ram 1500's main rivals for this years award were the Ford F-150 pickup and the new large Nissan van. Edward Loh, Editor-in-Chief of Motor Trend Magazine, wrote "The Ram 1500 not only withstood our rigorous testing, it impressed at every step along the way. Our judges were won over by the performance of Ram 1500's broad array of standard and optional equipment."

2013 Dodge Ram 1500 Sport Engine

The new eight-speed transmission will come standard on all V-6 models and will be optional on the V-8. For now, however, the V-8 is only available with the six-speed automatic, with the new transmission coming at a later date. While the 5.7-Liter Hemi V-8 isn't all-new, it has been revamped with variable valve timing and reinforced by more useful systems within the truck itself. 

2013 Dodge Ram 1500 SLT Engine

This includes a remodeled cooling system, electric power steering, and an electrical system with pulse width modulation that more adequately uses power to lessen the load on the alternator. Together these enhancements have enabled the new 2013 Ram 1500 to claim the best fuel efficiency in its class, for both the V-6 and V-8 models.

The addition of air suspension in the 2013 Ram 1500 is a huge step for half-ton trucks. The materials used for these modern air springs are more resistant to tearing and puncture, and also resemble those that are used on modern luxury cars. The 1500's interior has also come a long way from work trucks of the past and now includes the next-generation Uconnect access system, which is brighter and shinier than ever. The main screen now measures 8.4 inches, is upgradable with apps, and can also provide an in-vehicle Wi-Fi hotspot. 

2013 Dodge Ram 1500 Sport Driver Cockpit

The minds of truck buyers have changed. The Ram 1500 has demonstrated its ability to cover the entire market and have come a long way from just the farm or job site. Ram has delivered a V-6 powered SLT on the efficient and luxurious side and a V-8 powered Sport, which leans more towards power and performance. The 2013 Ram 1500 is available in nine trim levels and can give you everything from a very basic work truck to a near-luxury vehicle with performance and off-road models falling somewhere in between. 

For 2013, the Dodge Ram 1500 offers 12 different colors, including five new shades. Black Gold, Copperhead, Maximum Steel Metallic, Prairie and Western Brown are all new and available in a monotone and/or two-tone depending on the model.

2013 Dodge Ram 1500 Express Quad Cab 4x4 Pickup in Maximum Steel Metallic

Which model will you choose? The Tradesman, Express, SLT, HFE, R/T, Big Horn, Lone Star, Outdoorsman, Sport, Laramie, or Laramie Longhorn. To compare all 2013 Ram 1500 models, click here. To view our 2013 Ram Inventory, click here.

Until the rest of the industry can catch up with Ram trucks in the half-ton segment, it would be a shame to pass this one up. 

Sources: Allpar, Motor Trend, AOL Autos, Lincah, NetCarShow, Leforse and Ram Trucks