CHATHAM, Mass. – There is nothing quite like the burbling sound of an American V8, especially a Hemi V8 like the one under the hood of the 2022 Ram 1500 Rebel G/T Crew Cab 4X4 I recently circumnavigated the empty, off-season roads of Cape Cod.
About midway through Ram’s six-truck line of quarter-ton pickups, the Rebel G/T, an option trim package added for the 2023 model year, according to Ram, represents “a combination of performance and luxury,” which was true of the one I drove.
Carrying a $54,885 base price, this Rebel G/T received some major Ram additions — like the V8 ($2,795), G/T package ($2,995), Technology Group ($1,095), Rebel Level 2 Equipment Group ($3,200), 4-corner air suspension ($1,805), dual-pane panoramic moonroof ($1,445) and Uconnect®5 infotainment system with 12-inch touchscreen and navigation – which transformed this into a terrific pickup as an everyday vehicle for today’s driver with an as-tested price of $76,675 (including $1,795 destination charge). In today’s pickup market that is a lot of truck for the money.
Engine, suspension bring performance and comfort
The aforementioned hood is crowned with a performance intake, distinguishing the G/T from other Ram Rebels (along with the G/T decals). The engine under the hood-scoop bump is the venerable (Chrysler) 5.7-liter V8, in this case the eTorque version with 48-volt mild-hybrid electric-boost generator.
The combination results in 395 horsepower and 410 pounds-feet of torque being pumped through the eight-speed automatic transmission into the electronic shift-on-demand transfer case allowing for two-wheel, part-time four-wheel or four-wheel automatic modes. Part of the G/T package are the first paddle shifters (coupled with a console-mounted performance transmission selector) found in a Ram pickup. In addition, a factory cat-back exhaust enhances both performance and the G/T’s audible signature.
The eTorque mild-hybrid system provides additional low-end grunt, especially helpful in pulling a trailer, which in this case can be up to 12,750 pounds (as opposed to the non-eTorque V8 which is rated at 11,610). The mild-hybrid combo can bring an additional 130 lbs.-ft of torque to this and other low-speed activity.
In addition, the eTorque motor can keep accessories like air conditioning continue when the engine’s stop/start system shuts down the engine to help fuel efficiency. It also brings the engine back to life quicker when it is time to go.
Speaking of fuel efficiency, the eTorque configuration is slightly more efficient than the non-eTorque V8. The one I drove carried a federal Environmental Protection Agency rating of 19 miles per gallon overall (18 urban, 22 highway; the non-eTorque about 1 mpg less in each category). I saw 19 mpg during my week behind the wheel.
Performance – always there when I stepped on the accelerator and the eTorque even provided regenerative braking to (again) improve fuel efficiency as well as assist the friction brakes. Fitted to the Ram Rebel G/T, with anti-lock, these include 14.9-inch vented rotors up front and 14.8-inch solid ones at the rear.
The ride was surprisingly very comfortable (impressing my driving partner who is a tough sell on ride and seat comfort), despite being on the firm side. The optional 4-corner air suspension system, new for 2022, plays a major role in this car-like ride (Ram says it also enhances fuel efficiency, greater off-road capabilities as you can adjust the suspension height, and load-leveling ability).
Standard ADAS provides major aid
The Rebel’s suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) begins with full-speed forward-collision warning plus with forward-collision mitigation (automatic-emergency braking) and adds a rearview camera and ParkSense® front and rear park assist with stop,
Available ($1,695) is the Advanced Safety Group which adds adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring with trailer coverage and rear cross-traffic-path detection, head-up display, lane-departure warning plus, pedestrian protection, surround-view camera and SmartBeam headlamps.
Luxury and technology adorn the interior
All the packages mentioned above, as well as some selected options and smaller packages not detailed here, combined with the Rebel G/T fittings helped make this truck an extremely comfortable and livable place to make a quick run to the store or hit the highway for a serious road trip.
The leather upholstered seats are heated and ventilated at the four outside positions (the fronts electrically adjustable, including lumbar support). The second row offers eight degrees of slide recline, a flat-load floor with integrated RamBins, tie-down rings and expandable under-seat storage. Speaking of heat, it is a feature of the new flat-bottom, leather wrapped steering wheel.
The UConnect®5 infotainment system, presented in this package with a 12-inch touchscreen, can simultaneously connect two smartphones, has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; tow-specific navigation, dynamic range mapping and connected driver profiles to go with the usual audio sources.
One feature included as part of the Rebel G/T package is the Performance Pages app which helps the driver become familiar with the truck’s performance. The app provides access to real-time vehicle performance information including timers (such as 0 to 60 mph elapsed time), G-force, gauges, and engine performance. This data can be downloaded to a USB stick or SD card, allowing for easy sharing of the driving performance.
Like most of the better full-size pickups, the Rebel’s cabin is filled with all kinds of nooks, crannies, cubbies, bins, cupholders, huge center console and two glove boxes, allowing all of your stuff to come with you in an organized manner.
Another noteworthy truck
It has been almost 30 years since the revitalized and reimagined (then) Dodge Ram was launched by (then) Chrysler to turn the two-brand dominated large-pickup market into a three-horse race. Since then, regardless of the names (Chrysler, DaimlerChrysler, Chrysler again, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles or Stellantis; Dodge Ram or simply Ram) the Ram has risen to the equal of any truck within the segment.
It is amazing how today’s full-size pickups rival luxury sedans and sport-utility vehicles for comfort, convenience, technology and performance. Buyers have always been able to tailor a full-size pickup to their needs, desires and pocketbook limits. Technology and competition has pushed the manufacturers to producing amazing machines and the 2022 Ram Rebel G/T is another such example.
