   2013 Ram 1500 Outdoorsman. Click image to enlarge |
Back on board, driver interfaces are clean, modern, slick and easily navigated. Though I’m not a fan of having to access a sub-menu to control HVAC air distribution, the RAM allowed for seamless control of communication, navigation, multimedia and vehicle settings via its big, bright and colourful centre screen. There’s a big-screen driver computer in the instrument cluster too – which can be used to call up a plethora of useful information, including a full readout of engine and transmission fluid pressures, temperatures, the current air-suspension settings, and the like.
Ride quality is pure pickup. The tester rode with that firm jiggle which communicates a sense of toughness and solidity back to the driver, without proving uncomfortable most of the time. Even large potholes and badly heaved railway crossings do little to upset the ride. RAM also handles with a stable and flat feel in most cornering situations. Some drivers will wish for more feedback from the steering to provide more confidence towards placement within their lane, though in all, it’s a laid-back and sure-footed thing to drive.
Complaints were minimal, relatively. Parking this great big thing can be a chore for someone like me not extensively experienced with the task. The electronic shift dial, on three occasions, failed to select ‘DRIVE’ the first time I asked for it. Finally, the nighttime headlight performance is adequate at best.
So then – a great big manly truck that’s powered sensibly, not excessively, for what most mild to moderate pickup users will need, most of the time. And if you’re not towing anything much heavier than a bass boat or Sea-doo, or trailer full of fall tree trimmings, this no-cost V6 engine makes plenty more sense than the pricey EcoDiesel powered RAM our beloved Jonathan Yarkony drove here. I’ll save you the reading and tell you it’s $4,500 more. That’s a lot of money to recoup on fuel savings.
Ultimately, shoppers after decent mileage uninterested in an extra-cost fuel-saving powerplant should check this one out. As an added benefit, they’ll get plenty of thoughtful touches and a high-tech, very modern cabin as well.
Be sure to check out incentives on 2013 model units like this one if you’re shopping, too. A quick scan online shows incentives beyond $9,000 on eligible models in Ontario, for instance.
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Pricing: 2013 RAM 1500
Base price (Outdoorsman Crew Cab 4×4): $41,295
Options: Paint Upgrade ($150), Premium Cloth Seats ($1,000), Preferred Package ($1,000), Luxury Group ($395), Comfort Group ($500), Remote Start ($520), 3.55 Rear Axle ($95), Rear Window Defroster ($225), Side Steps ($850), Uconnect System ($1,000), Air Suspension ($1,500), Premium Wheels ($500), Park Assist ($375)
Freight: $1,595
A/C Fee: $100
Price as tested: $51,000
Competitors
Ford F150
Nissan Titan
Toyota Tundra
Chevrolet Silverado
GMC Sierra
Crash Test Results:
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)
