The 2023 Ram 1500 Rebel G/T Review

There are so many good half-ton pickup trucks on the market today. But few are as stylish as the Ram 1500 Rebel G/T. But what’s in a name? Napleton News had a chance to spend a week in a bright red copy of the Ram Rebel. It was so red, it made the local fire department envious. Here’s our take on it.

Step right up. No, really, step right up into the Ram 1500 Rebel G/T.

That’s because it’s so tall, and it doesn’t include steps into the cab. Partially because of how our test vehicle from Stellantis was equipped and partially because it would hinder some ground clearance, since it is geared for an adventure lifestyle. The Rebel is loaded with skid plates underneath to help protect the delicate bits.

But first things first. The Ram 1500 Rebel G/T ships standard with a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6. It’s no slug but a Ram 1500 carrying the Rebel badge deserves better than that. Apparently the outfitters at Stellantis agree, and outfitted our tester with a 5.7-liter HEMI engine with eTorque Mild Hybrid technology. You may ask what is it doing with a HEMI? Frankly, it’s the only way we’d buy a HEMI engine anymore. The mild hybrid system substantially boosts mileage and smoothes out the abruptness that sometimes occurs during a start/stop cycle.

The engine is matched to an 8-speed automatic transmission, with four-wheel drive and a high/low range transfer case. Thanks to the HEMI V8, it is can tow a trailer weighing up to 12,750 pounds.

How does the Ram 1500 Rebel G/T look?

Our sampler looks very similar to other Ram 1500 models but with a few subtle differences. Did we say subtle? Let’s rephrase that to be “more noticeable.” Start by getting rid of the chrome grille in favor of a massive black one festooned with the word RAM in letters about six inches tall. Hood-mounted vents help release trapped hot air from the engine room, while a hood bulge lets you know what this baby is packing.

The crew cab is large enough for five passengers, but take care or offer a hand when getting in and out. There are no running boards on the Rebel so it’s best to hang on to a grab handle and pull yourself inside. The reason for this is that if offers extra ride height for those times you really need to get off the grid.

All told, this is a 4×4 Crew Cab with 5-foot, 7-inch bed, which is about all anyone really needs for a run to the local Costco or Home Depot. That’s a lot of toilet paper and bags of mulch, if you ask us.

What about inside?

Have you ever seen a photo of a black crow flying down a dark shaft in a coalmine? The interior of the Rebel reminds us of that. Except it has a “Uconnect” 12.0-inch touchscreen display from which you control virtually all the inside controls. These include audio, communications, climate controls, navigation, comfort and vehicle operation.

Our sampler included eight-way power driver and passenger seats, adjustable pedals and a telescoping steering wheel. It also came with the Rebel Level 2 Equipment group, which stepped up the price just a little bit higher ($3,200). That’s because it included a built-in 4G LTE Wi-Fi hot-spot, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Wireless charging. A heated steering wheel joins heated and ventilated seating to round out the package.

The G/T package nudges the price up just a bit more ($2,995) and includes a bit of interior trim, paddle shift levers, a cold air intake and adjustable seating.

Behind the wheel of the Ram 1500 Rebel G/T

It’s quiet, competent and capable. In a nutshell, those are three adjectives that describe the Ram 1500 Rebel G/T perfectly. Power from the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 is plentiful, although it can become tedious when the auto start/stop function activates. Starting it up causes the HEMI to emit a roar that gets our motors running, too. Once underway, the engine continues laying down enough torque to get past many of its challengers without breaking a sweat.

The HEMI’s multi-displacement system steps in once cruising speed has been reached. This technology shuts down unneeded cylinders for extra fuel savings. Ram says its customers can achieve a fuel economy boost of up to 20 percent, depending on conditions.

The ride is consistently comfortable, thanks to our optional Ram 4-Corner Air-Suspension. Sensors on the suspension kit read the road thousands of times a second, firming its shocks as much or as little as needed.

Through all of this, the Ram 1500 Rebel G/T shows why it continues to be one of the most sought-after half-ton pickups on the road.

Specifications

	2023 RAM 1500 Rebel G/T Specifications
Popular Powertrains
Engine Type	5.7-liter V8 mild hybrid engine
Horsepower	395 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
Torque	410 LB-FT @ 3,950 rpm
Transmission	8-speed automatic
Fuel Economy	19.5 mpg (17 city/22 hwy)
Suspension (F/R)	F/R Air Suspension
Turning Circle	46.2 ft.
Also Available	Reg, Quad Cab, 2WD, 3.6-liter V6, 3.0-liter Turbo Diesel V6
Specs
Warranty	3 years/36,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty	5 years/60,000 miles
NHTSA Safety Rating	5 stars
Max Seating Capacity	5
Wheelbase	144.5 inches
Overall Length	232.9 inches
Width	81.24 inches
Height	77.60 inches
Cargo Capacity	2,300 pounds
Headroom, Front	40.90 inches
Headroom, Rear	39.80 inches
Legroom, Front	40.9 inches
Legroom, Rear	45.2 inches
Shoulder, Front	66.00 inches
Shoulder, Rear	65.70 inches
Towing Capacity	12,750 pounds