’23 Ram 1500 Rebel G/T: Ready for rough stuff, same great ride on-road

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 pickup truck since this generation began in 2019. Well, worry not. Even in rugged form with all-terrain tires, the Rebel 4×4 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 which surpasses 3,000 pounds. Trailer sway control is standard but a trailer brake controller is an extra $295. Payload capacity is rated at 2,320 pounds.

On the road, the Rebel rumbles on throttle but quiets down under way. Steering is firm and responsive; the Rebel is no sports car but offers above-average handling for a big truck.

The 4×4 can tackle the rough territory, from gravel trails to rocky hills. Aided by low-speed cruise control, it has an approach angle of 18 degrees, a 19-degree breaker angle, and departure angle of 25.1 degrees. Its armor includes skid plates for the front suspension, transfer case and fuel tank. And its equipped with tow hooks.

With the mild-hybrid option, the V-8 Rebel manages an EPA-estimated 18 mpg in town, 22 highway, for a combined of 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.

One package has G/T logos on the front-seat backs and 12-way power and 4-way lumbar adjustment for both driver and passenger, so you’ll want to holler shotgun. Head, shoulder and legroom is exceptional throughout — the rear seat offers a best-in-class 45.2 inches of leg room. The heated/ventilated rear seats also recline a bit.

For the driver this year is a 12-inch digital display that is reconfigurable to include a ton of data. Multiple menus and a choice of five windows offer at-a-glance info. Instruments can be configured in analog or digital form.

The steering wheel is heated, tilts and telescopes and has paddle shifters for the control-hungry. Above, a digital rear-view mirror looks beyond any obstructive cargo. Pedals are power-adjustable.

A gorgeous 12-inch vertical touchscreen houses Ram’s superb UConnect system, depicting a large navigation map, sharp icons and graphics; Performance pages monitor engine data and vehicle dynamics. The system connects with travel and traffic services, and is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A premium Harman Kardon system gets nine speakers and a subwoofer.

Like the interior goodies, much of the active-safety tech comes in optional packages. An advanced safety group includes adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane-keep assist, head-up display, 360-degree camera, emergency front braking, and parallel and perpendicular park assist.

Rebel’s plenty tough but, for those looking for something even more menacing, there’s the Ram 1500 TRX. It has more power with 702 horses and 650 pound-feet of torque, and hits 60 mpg in just 4.5 seconds. The TRX is the one to challenge Ford’s Raptor for global monster-truck dominance.

For the rest of us, the Rebel G/T can play rough enough and give the family a comfy ride to dinner or Sea World.

NUTS & BOLTS

Base Price:$55,285

As tested:$74,800 (Options include 5.7-liter V-8 Hemi, Technology Group, Bed Utility Group, Night Edition with 8-way power seats, G/T Package, Rebel Level 2 Equipment Group with remote start and park assist, air suspension, dual-pane sunroof)

What’s all the excitement about? Off-road prowess with on-road comfort and handling, aided by air suspension

Powertrain: 5.7-liter V-8 Hemi puts out 395 hp, 410 pound-feet of torque; optional link to 48-volt motor; mated to 8-speed automatic transmission

How’s the performance? With 33-inch all-terrain tires and underbody skid plates, it’s highly capable at climbing rocky hills, but retains the ride quality of a Ram 1500.

Fuel economy: EPA-estimated 18 mpg city, 22 highway, 19 combined