What is the specs of the 2013 Ram 1500 5.7 Hemi?

The 2013 Ram 1500 with the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 delivers robust power and strong hauling capability, with a five-speed automatic transmission and available four-wheel drive. It sits in the late-2010s era of Ram’s half-ton lineup, balancing traditional V8 torque with practical towing and payload figures for daily use and work duties.

Engine and performance

Key mechanical specifications for the 5.7L Hemi in the 2013 Ram 1500.

• Engine: 5.7-liter Hemi V8


• Horsepower: 395 hp at 5,600 rpm


• Torque: 407 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm


• Displacement: 345 cubic inches (5.7 L)


• Transmission: 5-speed automatic (TorqueFlite 545RE) with AutoStick


• Drivetrain: 2WD or 4WD configurations


• Valvetrain and features: Multi-point fuel injection; cylinder deactivation (where equipped) provides efficiency under light load

In practice, the 5.7L Hemi offers substantial pulling power with a traditional V8 torque curve, and the available four-wheel-drive setup adds traction in poor conditions or when towing on challenging terrain.

Towing, payload and capacity

The Ram 1500’s ability to haul and tow with the 5.7 Hemi varies by cab/bed layout, axle ratio, and trim. The figures below reflect typical ranges across common configurations.

• Max towing capacity: approximately 9,100 to 10,650 pounds depending on configuration (axle ratio, cab/bed choice, and 4x4 vs 2WD)


• Payload capacity: roughly 1,200 to 1,900+ pounds, varying with cab/bed/trim and equipment

Potential buyers should consult the precise ratings for their exact truck configuration, as options like axle gearing and added towing packages can shift both limits upward or downward.

Fuel economy and efficiency

EPA estimates for the 2013 Ram 1500 with the 5.7 Hemi depend on drivetrain and configuration, with real-world results influenced by payload, terrain, and driving style.

• 2WD (rear-drive) with the 5.7 Hemi: roughly mid-teens in city and low-to-mid-20s on the highway


• 4WD (four-wheel drive): typically a bit lower, in the high-teens city and around 20–22 mpg highway ranges

Owners often report that actual mileage varies with payload, aero drag (bed setup), and whether the engine is in standard or MDS-enabled mode during light-load cruising.

Configurations and notable features

The 2013 Ram 1500 offered several cab and bed combinations, with features tailored to work, family use, and off-road need. Availability of specific bed lengths and cab styles varied by trim and market.

• Cab options: Regular Cab, Quad Cab, and Crew Cab configurations


• Bed lengths: commonly available in 5'7" and 6'4" options, depending on cab choice


• Drivetrain options: 2WD and 4WD with low-range transfer cases in 4x4 variants

Trim-level features spanned basic work-oriented packages to more premium interiors, with technology and safety options that evolved during the model year.

Summary

For buyers seeking a capable, V8-powered half-ton in 2013, the Ram 1500 with the 5.7 Hemi delivered strong horsepower (395 hp) and torque (407 lb-ft), backed by a sturdy 5-speed automatic and versatile 2WD/4WD configurations. Towing and payload varied by configuration, typically landing in a range suitable for heavy-duty daily tasks, while fuel economy ranged from mid-teens in city driving to low-to-mid-20s on highways, influenced by payload and drivetrain. The truck also offered multiple cab and bed combinations to match work and family needs, making the 2013 Ram 1500 a flexible option in its time.

What is the life expectancy of a 2013 Ram 5.7 Hemi?

3.6L Pentastar V6: This engine is known for its efficiency and reliability, with a lifespan that often exceeds 250,000 miles. 5.7L HEMI V8: A powerhouse in the RAM lineup, the HEMI engine can last 300,000 miles or more when properly maintained.

Which Ram 1500 years to stay away from?

If you're looking for reliable trucks, steer clear of the 2003 Dodge RAM 1500, as well as the 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2019 RAM 1500. These models are plagued by problems in critical components, like engines, steering, braking, airbags, electrical systems, and fuel systems.

How much horsepower does a 2013 Dodge Ram 1500 5.7 Hemi have?

The 2013 Ram 1500 with the 5.7L HEMI V8 engine has 395 horsepower at 5,600 RPM and 407 lb-ft of torque at 3,950 RPM. This engine was standard on most trims of the model year.
 

• Horsepower: 395 hp @ 5,600 rpm
• Torque: 407 lb-ft @ 3,950 rpm
• Engine Type: 5.7-liter HEMI V8

What is the bad year for the 5.7 Hemi?

The "bad" years for the 5.7 Hemi include 2003-2008 due to a known issue with valve seats dropping, which can cause significant engine damage. Additionally, 2011-2012 model years, particularly in Ram trucks, were notorious for the "Hemi tick," often linked to lifter or camshaft problems.
 
This video explains the common issues with the 5.7L Hemi engine: 58s8020 AutomotiveYouTube · Oct 13, 2022
2003–2008 (Pre-Eagle) 

• Valve seat drop: This is the most significant issue for this period, where valve seats could fall out of the aluminum cylinder heads, leading to engine damage. This is due to the different expansion rates of the steel valve seats and aluminum heads. 

You can watch this video to learn more about how to prevent the valve seat drop issue: 56sMarspeedYouTube · Nov 20, 2020
2009 and later (Eagle) 

• Hemi tick: The 2009 "Eagle" Hemi introduced revisions that brought a new problem: an intermittent ticking noise that can indicate worn lifters and camshafts. 
• Lifter and camshaft failure: The ticking noise is often a precursor to lifter failure, which can seize and cause the camshaft to wear down. This is a costly repair, often running thousands of dollars. 
• Multi-Displacement System (MDS): The MDS system, introduced in 2005, can contribute to engine tick. It deactivates four cylinders during cruising, creating temperature differences that may cause oil flow problems. 
• Specific problematic years: While the issue became more widespread in later years, the 2011 and 2012 models are particularly noted for the "Hemi tick". 

This video shows how to diagnose and address the Hemi tick issue: 57sJack FletcherYouTube · Dec 10, 2022
Other considerations

• Exhaust manifold leaks: This can occur in many model years and may be mistaken for the engine tick. It often sounds like a tick, especially on a cold start, and is caused by broken manifold bolts. 
• Transmission issues: Many 5.7L Hemi vehicles have also had issues with their transmissions, which can lead to costly repairs.