- 2023 Ram 1500 and HD models are getting tech updates, including a new digital instrument cluster, and a bunch of other trim and option tweaks.
- Ram Heavy Duty models benefit from camera system enhancements, next-gen telescoping trailer tow mirrors and a new digital rearview mirror.
- Two limited-edition models are available for Ram 1500 trucks.
- The supercharged 6.2-liter Ram 1500 TRX is sticking around for another model year — will it be the last before Ram’s electric truck debuts?
Interested in a 2023 Ram truck? Here’s what you need to know.
On the whole, we are not seeing any massive generational changes for either the Ram 1500 or heavy duty models, since both are still fairly fresh off their most recent redesign. However, there are a host of smaller, yet impactful changes coming to the 2023 lineup, and Ram published more details on exactly what to expect late Wednesday evening.
Starting with the Ram 1500, you’ll still have four powertrain combinations and three variants of the 8-speed TorqueFlite automatic, depending on which engine you shoot for. The 305 horsepower 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6, available on Tradesman through Rebel models, gets the 850RE transmission. The 395 horsepower 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 and 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 with 480 lb-ft of torque get the 8HP75 transmission, while the top dog TRX and its 702 horsepower, 6.2-liter supercharged V-8 come mated to an 8HP95 transmission.
Trim levels remain the same as well, with Tradesman, HFE, Big Horn/Lone Star, Rebel, Laramie, Longhorn, Limited and TRX. Indeed, the TRX is sticking around for another year, though its days as a V-8 super truck may be numbered as Stellantis will likely phase out the iconic Hellcat V-8 completely in the next year or so. (Here’s to hoping a future TRX will be hybrid or even fully electric?)
The 2023 Ram 1500’s headline feature, plus its special editions
New for 2023, all Ram 1500 trucks get an available 12-inch frameless digital instrument cluster. Ram did not specify which trims will have access to the cluster, but we will post an update when we have more information — most likely when we get pricing information. At this time, the feature walk does not list the digital cluster on any trim, and Ram’s official statement simply says that it will be an available feature. To that end, it does say the cluster will feature “nearly two dozen different menus” and feature five reconfigurable ties, similar to the new Jeep Grand Cherokee and Wagoneer/Grand Wagoneer.
Unfortunately, no assets are currently available to show Ram’s new features or special editions at time of writing. We’ll come back and update this post with the appropriate images when they are available.
Two special edition models are coming into the mix as well. The 2023 Ram 1500 Limited Elite edition is the first, building on the top-end trim with even more luxurious features. You get a multi-function and locking tailgate, jeweled rotary shifter, unique instrument cluster theme, premium leather seats (12-way powered, heated and ventilated in the front), a suede headliner, heated steering wheel, bright pedal kit, deployable bed step, four adjustable tie-down hooks, a bed extender and cargo divider.
The (RAM)RED Edition also returns for the 2023 model year, as another option for Limited Crew Cab models. The option is available with either 5.7-liter V-8 option (with or without eTorque), as well as the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel. Like other (RED) products, this special model brings cosmetic changes. Namely, you get a red R-A-M grille, door badging and a badge on the center console lid. The idea with this model is to contribute toward the (RED) project, to which Ram, Jeep and Fiat have pledged a minimum of $4 million between 2021 and 2023 to support the fight against health emergencies.
Other Ram 1500 changes
Other Ram 1500 changes for 2023 include a new all-terrain tire available with the Off-Road Group for Laramie, Longhorn and Limited models. The Rebel now includes Selec-Speed Control as standard equipment, to help regulate your speed using hill descent control on the trails. The feature is also available as part of the Back Country Package for Big Horn and Lone Star, as well as the Off-Road Group on Big Horn/Lone Star, Laramie, Longhorn and Limited models.
For this model year, all Ram 1500 models now feature a rear-seat reminder alert and an LED hitch lamp in the tailgate handle. 12-inch Uconnect5 systems feature an Emergency Vehicle Alert System (EVAS). Finally, the 2023 Ram 1500’s glove box now has a UV light that’s switched on through a button on the center console. When activated, the light will start a three-minute hygiene cycle that kills bacteria, if you have need of that sort of feature when you’re out and about.
What about Ram Heavy Duty?
First up, the Ram HD lineup also receives the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster as an available feature. At the moment, Ram lists it solely as part of the Laramie Level 2 Equipment Group that also includes wireless charging, heated second-row seats and a 17-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. That may (and probably will) expand to at least the Limited as well, though we’ll try to get some clarification on that and post any updates as soon as we can.
Beyond that, the digital rearview mirror with side camera integration is also an option on Ram Heavy Duty trucks for 2023. Not only that, but you can also now get Ram’s Trailer Reverse Steering Control, which originally debuted on the 2021 Ram 1500 models. Ram also says that “next-generation trailer tow mirrors with telescoping capability” are available (though we once again can’t show it at the moment, sadly).
Updated 2023 Ram Heavy Duty models will also see a new type of “next-generation trailer tow mirrors with telescoping capability.” That feature will be available across the entire lineup.
Ram HD Laramie and Limited models get the option of a new Mopar sport performance hood. Finally, the 2023 Ram Heavy Duty range sees camera system enhancements. Those updates include a new Trailer Tow pages app, multiple view modes, a behind-trailer view and a blind-spot view.
Like the half-ton lineup, trims and powertrain options remain the same for 2023. From the base Tradesman, the trim walk works its way up through Big Horn/Lone Star, Power Wagon, Laramie, Laramie Longhorn and Limited.
Pricing is not yet available, though we should get some more information on that sometime in the next couple months. Stay tuned for more updates!
Update: During the editing pass, I accidentally deleted the part about the next-gen towing mirrors for Ram HD trucks. That has been added back in. Apologies for the error!
