Ram gets meaner for 2022 with Rebel G/T

Earlier this year we saw Ram release their ultimate pick-up truck – the Raptor-eating 1500 TRX. With its supercharged 6.2L Hemi V8, it is a fire-breathing machine that can tackle anything you throw at it. But if you want something a little tamer, but still not your run-of-the-mill half-ton pickup, the Ram Rebel is the way to go.

A few years ago, we saw the debut of the 5th generation Ram, and found it to be a standout truck. Offered in an assortment of trim levels, there is a Ram for just about every need. One of those is the Rebel, which, dare I say, is the bad-boy of the bunch.

The Rebel takes its own path when it comes to styling. It features a vented, power-domed hood and blackened fender flares. All the badges are blacked out and it features its own take on the interlocking RAM grille.

For 2022, Ram allows you to enhance your Rebel even more by offering a new G/T Package. Available on the Rebel as well as the Laramie trim, the G/T package fits the Rebel with a cold-air intake, unique exhaust system, paddle shifters, and a console-mounted shifter.

Looks and badging aside, the Rebel is decked out with some serious off-road hardware. Below the grille is a powder-coated steel brush guard and skid plate – along with skid plates to protect the oil pan, transfer case and fuel tank. The suspension is fitted with specially tuned Bilstein shocks that give the Rebel a one-inch height advantage over regular Rams, and the optional air-suspension provides an additional inch of maximum lift. All this rides on huge 18-inch wheels on 33-inch diameter all-terrain tires. This is stuff that off-roaders love to hear.

The standard engine for the Rebel is Chrysler’s 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6, good for 305 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque. Most though, will opt for the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 that makes 395 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque. For those that want to go on a different route, the Rebel can be had with the EcoDiesel – a 3.0-liter diesel V6 that makes 260 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque. All engines are matched to a smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission.

Rams are available with as host of options, some being unique like the 60-40 multifunction tailgate that opens like a normal drop-down tailgate but also opens barn-door style allowing you to swing open one or both sides of the tailgate. This side-hinge operation makes loading the bed much easier.

Another great Ram feature is the RamBox – two lockable, weatherproof storage bins that run the length of the bed. There is a total of 8.6 cubic feet of space, and both bins contain lights and drain plugs – perfect for camping or storing tools.

The tester arrived in Flame Red with the 5.7-liter HEMI and equipped with the new G/T Package. It also had the Technology Group which includes a heads-up display and digital rearview mirror. Other options on the tester included a tri-fold tonneau cover, and a dual-pane panoramic sunroof.

As I first entered the Rebel, I was reminded of how spacious and accommodating the Ram’s interior is. The G/T Package allows the Ram to ditch the dial gear shifter and instead use the shifter from the TRX – making this Rebel a much better way to be placed into gear over dial equipped Rams. The center console is huge and appears to be able to swallow just about anything. Then there are the little things that make the Ram’s interior special. One is the way you can stand a cell phone up in the center console, and another is the 12V power outlet on top of the dash – perfect for those electronics that need to be mounted to the windshield.

On the road, the huge tires are hardly as noisy as you would think. The rumble of the V8 sounds perfect and ever-so-fitting in the Rebel. Although not nearly as powerful as the TRX, the Rebel is no slouch, with the HEMI’s 395 ponies always making themselves available when called up with your right foot.

As you know, prices of trucks are going up these days (along with everything else). And specialty trucks are even pricier. The Rebel is no exception. Starting at $51,350, the additional features brings this bad boy to an MSRP of $71,8950. But for off-road Ram fans that want more than just your standard Ram 1500 4X4, this Rebel is your cause.

– Christopher A. Randazzo

By The Numbers:

2022 Ram 1500 Rebel G/T Crew Cab 4×4

Base Price: $51,350.00
Price as Tested: $71,895.00
Layout: front-engine / four-wheel drive
Engine: 5.7 liter HEMI V8
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Horsepower: 395 horsepower
Torque: 410 ft/lbs
EPA Fuel Economy: 18 city / 22 highway mpg

[Visit me at www.carsbycar.blogspot.com or email me at auto_cran@hotmail.com]