The modern age of the pickup truck is something even the most prescient automotive executive didn’t see coming a couple of decades ago. Not only are there a massive range of styles and sizes to choose from, there are more specialty models in the pickup space than anywhere else, so how does someone actually stand out? The big answer to that question for us is that it has to be on more than looks. There needs to be some content, a positive experience, and the vehicle has to deliver value to the end user as well. Over the years, Ram has done a heck of a job with their specialty models and the 2023 Ram Rebel G/T is not necessarily a culmination of those efforts but more a natural progression that rolls elements of street performance, off-road capability, and downright fun all into one package.
In some ways the Rebel G/T is a a TRX for the common man. For those unawares, the TRX is the 700+ horsepower monster that is atop the Ram food chain of trucks. Designed to be a head on competitor to the Ford F-150 Raptor, the TRX is madness and about as practical as a daily vehicle as a lynx is for a house pet. Not to say that we do not love the TRX, but in reality unless you truly hate money and truly love gas stations, it’s not the best solution for your transportation needs.
In our view, the Rebel G/T delivers loads of of the TRX experience in a more tamed down package that looks good, drives really well, and has just enough luxury inside to be classy and just enough ruble outside to be slightly menacing for a factory truck. So what were the things we really enjoy about this Ram Rebel G/T? Let’s start with the exterior.
One of the things we tend to hate about some “special” editions from the factory are the garish sticker packages that some trucks wear. Thankfully for the Rebel G/T it it is a simple callout on the rear fender. Our truck was slathered in “Flame Red” and through the dreariness of the early Spring we liked it. The color is vibrant and we think that the red offsets the black wheels, flat black bumpers and grill, well. If we had the option, we’d get rid of the chintzy looking plastic fender accents. They are not really flares, they are just there and a clean look with the red paint would be more pleasing.
The Rebel G/T rolls on healthy sized 33″ Goodyear tires and has a 1″ lift over what you’d see out of a stock ram. Both of these things are just enough to add to he truck’s presence while not making it feel huge or ungainly. Entrance and egress are easy event though we’ll never be confused with NBA prospects. Shorter drivers may want to see just how tolerant they are of the entry height but we our average height selves were not at all put off when getting in and out. Our truck was equipped with the four corner air suspension, which we still feel makes these the best riding trucks in the industry, and it was flawless. These trucks just have such a composed, clam, and refined ride, we’d challenge anyone out there to tell us another brand of half-ton truck rides better.
Our rebel was equipped with a factory Mopar spray-in bed liner ($595) as well the optional ($550) tri-fold tonneau cover for all-weather hauling of stuff you do not want to expose to the elements directly. Additionally this truck had the “Bed utility group” package which for $450 included a bumper step, lighting in the pickup box, and the cargo tie-down hooks that are must haves for anyone actually using their truck. The verdict? It’s a pickup bed. It functions fine.
Here in the belly of the beast lives the 395hp 5.7L Gen-III Hemi that shoves this truck down the road along with an eight speed Torqueflite 8-speed automatic. The engine is very strong, has a cold air style factory intake (as part of the G/T Package) and this one also has the eTorque system. Note in the photos the device that looks like an overgown alternator. In normal driving that is sending electricity to a suitcase sized batter behind the rear seat. When the juice is needed for start/stop operation, or even better, acceleration, that unit can apply an instantaneous blast of torque to the crankshaft and aid the engine to get the truck up to speed. The operation of the system is 100% seamless and the power is amazing. You never know it is there until you really stand on it and the big truck makes the speedo jump far quicker than you expected.
This is a great system that bridges some of the gaps companies fear with fully hybridized trucks. Additionally the exhaust system on this G/T is more freer-flowing than the normal piece so the engine not only makes good power, but it sounds phenomenal while at full song. Bottom line is that this thing has guts for days and would handle any reasonable towing needs and is for sure well equipped for off-roading in terms of its power.
The eTorque equipped Hemi is a $2,700 option but we’d recommend taking all day long to anyone who will listen.
Modern truck cabs are a far cry from their spartanly equipped ancestors of decades back. Today buyers expect a near luxury car experience with technology, sound, comfort, and ease of use. Does the Rebel deliver? In spades. But it is not cheap. Of this truck’s nearly $22,100 in options, most of that money is on interior upgrades. Simply put this thing is loaded to the gills. From the panoramic sunroof, the rain sensing wipers, SiriusXM radio, heated back seats to go along with the front, a built in hot spot, the massive touchscreen console, upgraded leather seating material, and a litany of other options, this truck is loaded to the gills with every bell and whistle.
This would also explain the rig’s final price of $76,675 which started off of a base price of $54,885. As much as we loved this Rebel G/T and would own one, ours would not be optioned like this. Ditching the sunroof, the upgraded speakers, the tonneau, and a few other things quickly get you about $10,000 off the top of what you see here. As bizarre as it is to say, we’re totally comfortable with a $60,000 version of this truck with all the power, the good suspension, the eTorque system, locking differential, 33″ Goodyears, etc and less of the fluff.
Overall we had a really solid experience with the Rebel G/T and it garnered plenty of attention on the street, especially from younger guys who initially thought it was a TRX and then couldn’t help but ask a Rebel G/T was. To us, that’s a good sign and further proof that America will love its pickup trucks for many years to come.
