When did the Ram 1500 get 8 speed?
The Ram 1500 first gained an eight-speed automatic with the 2013 model year.
This shift replaced older four- and five-speed transmissions and helped improve highway fuel economy and overall refinement across the lineup. Over the years, Ram expanded the eight-speed to more engines and trims, including the EcoDiesel option, and added refinements such as the eTorque mild-hybrid system. Today, the eight-speed automatic remains a standard feature on most Ram 1500 configurations.
Timeline of the eight-speed adoption
Key milestones showing when the Ram 1500 adopted and expanded the eight-speed transmission.
- 2013 model year: Ram 1500 introduced with an eight-speed automatic across most configurations, replacing the previous four- and five-speed transmissions.
- 2014 model year: The 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 joined the lineup with an eight-speed automatic, expanding the range of engines offering this transmission.
- 2019-2020 model years: Introduction of the eTorque mild-hybrid system on select engines, paired with the eight-speed automatic to improve low-end torque and overall efficiency.
- 2021-2025: The eight-speed automatic remains standard on most Ram 1500 trims, with ongoing refinements in shifting and efficiency across the generation.
Overall, Ram's shift to an eight-speed automatic began in 2013 and has become a defining feature of the modern Ram 1500 experience, continuing into the current generation.
Performance and market context
Shifting to eight speeds reduces engine RPM at highway speeds, improves fuel economy, and can improve towing smoothness. It also aligns Ram with industry-wide trends toward more gears for efficiency and emissions targets.
Notes for buyers
Transmission availability can vary by trim, engine, and market. If you are shopping for a used Ram 1500, verify the exact transmission model on the vehicle you’re considering, as early 2013-2014 examples may have differences by configuration.
Summary
The Ram 1500 first received an eight-speed automatic for the 2013 model year. The move, later extended to the EcoDiesel option in 2014 and refined through the 2020s with eTorque and other updates, established the eight-speed as a core feature of the modern Ram 1500 lineup and remains in use in current models.
