I test drove my first 2013 today. It was a 2500, Crew Cab, Laramie, Auto, 4x4, short bed.
The first thing I noticed was the differences to the interior. You just keep the key in your pocket and push the start button. I personally prefer the key but I don't think it matters. The Center stack is different. It has a larger touch screen that has both touch screen controls and buttons for those who wear gloves when they drive. It had all the goodies like heated and cooled seats. The trailer break controller was moved to the center stack by the 4WD controls which makes it easier to use.
The one thing I did not like was the position of the exhaust brake button. It is to far out of the way and too difficult to find while driving. I had to lean forward out of the drivers position to reach it. The exhaust brake position on the 2012 is much more convenient.
The nicest improvements to the interior is the cluster. It has a large digital display. The display is a beautiful HD color display. It is easy to understand and provides all the valuable info. There are changes to the leather and door panels. I did not notice a difference in quality of materials from outgoing to incoming models. I think it is a matter of preference. I personally like the 2012 door panels better.
There were also changes to the headlights, tail lights and badges.
As I started the engine I noticed it was much quieter in the cab than the outgoing model but the exhaust had a lower rumble. The exhaust seemed to breath a lot better. This a huge improvement and it seems to add torque at low RPM's
The steering is much improved over the outgoing models. The crossover steering and 3 link suspension are fantastic. Around town it was not that noticeable, but at high speeds the improvements are noticeable. The steering was more responsive and gave better feedback to the driver.
The biggest issue I had with the model I drove was the 68RFE transmission. The down shifts were not smooth and the truck lurched at times while shifting. The transmission also hunted for gears while driving around town. To say the least it was very annoying. I hope the Aisin AS68RC will resolve this issue.
All in all the 2013 are great trucks. The new DEF/Urea does not scare me at all. The truck seems to breath and perform better with the new exhaust setup. The changes to the interior are more personal preference. I think I prefer the 2012 interior because it seemed more function but that's just me. I would be happy with either interior. The main differences are in the chassis, exhaust, suspension and steering.
The first thing I noticed was the differences to the interior. You just keep the key in your pocket and push the start button. I personally prefer the key but I don't think it matters. The Center stack is different. It has a larger touch screen that has both touch screen controls and buttons for those who wear gloves when they drive. It had all the goodies like heated and cooled seats. The trailer break controller was moved to the center stack by the 4WD controls which makes it easier to use.
The one thing I did not like was the position of the exhaust brake button. It is to far out of the way and too difficult to find while driving. I had to lean forward out of the drivers position to reach it. The exhaust brake position on the 2012 is much more convenient.
The nicest improvements to the interior is the cluster. It has a large digital display. The display is a beautiful HD color display. It is easy to understand and provides all the valuable info. There are changes to the leather and door panels. I did not notice a difference in quality of materials from outgoing to incoming models. I think it is a matter of preference. I personally like the 2012 door panels better.
There were also changes to the headlights, tail lights and badges.
As I started the engine I noticed it was much quieter in the cab than the outgoing model but the exhaust had a lower rumble. The exhaust seemed to breath a lot better. This a huge improvement and it seems to add torque at low RPM's
The steering is much improved over the outgoing models. The crossover steering and 3 link suspension are fantastic. Around town it was not that noticeable, but at high speeds the improvements are noticeable. The steering was more responsive and gave better feedback to the driver.
The biggest issue I had with the model I drove was the 68RFE transmission. The down shifts were not smooth and the truck lurched at times while shifting. The transmission also hunted for gears while driving around town. To say the least it was very annoying. I hope the Aisin AS68RC will resolve this issue.
All in all the 2013 are great trucks. The new DEF/Urea does not scare me at all. The truck seems to breath and perform better with the new exhaust setup. The changes to the interior are more personal preference. I think I prefer the 2012 interior because it seemed more function but that's just me. I would be happy with either interior. The main differences are in the chassis, exhaust, suspension and steering.