Rebel G/T same great ride, ready to tackle rough roads
It’s easy to be drawn into the sporty Rebel G/T, a rugged off-road version of the Ram 1500 full-size pickup. The temptation is nearly impossible to resist with a 5.7-liter V-8 Hemi, bulging performance hood, black grille, beefy 33-inch tires and oversize black wheel flares.
And it’s rugged-ready with 9.2 inches of ground clearance, underbody skid plates just in case, and electronically locking rear differential. Inside, performance pages measure g-force, vehicle dynamics and 0-60 mph times.
Problem is, no one wants to give up the amazing ride quality that made the Ram 1500 a top-rated truck since this generation began in 2019. Well, worry not. Even in rugged form with all-terrain tires, the Rebel 4x4 has a surprisingly gentle ride on asphalt, too.
Credit an available four-corner air-suspension system that tames rough patches for a smoother ride. Adjustable ride height (raising ground clearance to 10.7 inches) improves off-road performance, fuel efficiency on the highway, and makes it easier to load and unload from the cargo bed.
The Rebel also holds its own inside, living up to the 1500’s reputation for comfort and quality. Upmarket materials and plush padding make it feel more like a high-end sedan than a truck.
The 2023 Ram 1500 has three drivetrains
(the Ecodiesel departs after this year) but only the best for a Rebel: the iconic Hemi, which gets 395 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque. Plus, there’s an optional 48-volt hybrid system to improve fuel economy and add a quick kick.
Mated to a smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission, the Rebel charges to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. The performance hood adds built-in air flow to help keep the engine temp down under harsh conditions.
The beast can tow up to 12,750 pounds, which beats all the competition save the mighty Ford F-150. Payload capacity is rated at 2,320 pounds.
Steering is firm and responsive; the Rebel is no sports car but offers above-average handling for a big truck.
With the mild-hybrid option, the V-8 Rebel manages an Epa-estimated 18 mpg in town, 22 highway, for a combined 19 mpg.
Access to the Ram’s cargo bed is eased with an automatic tailgate release; an optional tailgate can swing downward
or open outward from the center like twin doors. Another helpful option is the Rambox storage bins ($995) built into the side of the bed for tools and such.
Add a Bed Utility Group ($450) for deployable steps for easier reach and entry into the bed, and four adjustable tie-down hooks and tri-fold tonneau cover.
Getting inside the raised Rebel takes a hoist without available running boards or nerf bars, but there are thick grab handles front and rear, and the doors open wide. Inside is a roomy, comfortable cabin accented with leather seats, wood accents and a twin-pane sunroof. But be aware that much of the good stuff comes in options packages.
Head, shoulder and legroom is exceptional throughout — the rear seat offers a best-in-class 45.2 inches of leg room.
Rebel’s plenty tough, but if you’re looking for something to challenge Ford’s Raptor for global monstertruck dominance, the Ram 1500 TRX has more power — 702 horses and 650 pound-feet of torque — and hits 60 mpg in 4.5 seconds.
For the rest of us, the Rebel G/T can play rough enough and give the family a comfy ride.