If you are in the market for a full size pickup, your choices can be quite overwhelming. Every brand offers V6 fleet trucks with vinyl interiors, which are sold alongside the plush luxury models. But Ram is asking you to Rebel against the other brands. Rebel is not endorsed by the continental or confederate armies, but it does have a commanding look. The exterior is unique to this model, and it is a big departure from Ram’s other trim levels.
Ram has used Dodge’s cruciform grille since 1995, when it debuted in a 2 hour long truck commercial known as Twister. This new front end is bold and incorporates recovery hooks along with a skid plate. If those were the only differences it might be a Rebel without a cause. But we think James Dean would approve of 33″ Toyo Open Country tires along with four corner air suspension. The suspension is based on the optional air system offered on the 1500, but Rebel adds an inch of ride height all around. It offers several modes for highway, entry, and off road, which makes it one of the best features of this truck. Regretfully we didn’t have time to properly test the 4WD system, but the transfer case engaged smoothly.
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Before you get upset that all real trucks should have steel springs, consider that tractor trailers have used air bags for decades and the technology is proven. Initially planned to be offered on multiple cab and bed configurations, the 2016 Rebel is only available in crew cab with the short bed. We’re not sure why the V6 is offered in a 4WD, but our truck had the venerable 5.7 HEMI. Also included was the optional 3.91 differential which makes great use of the 8 speed automatic transmission. The latest hemi makes 410 lb-ft of torque and 395 hp, but it is silenced by massive mufflers.
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We spent a week with the Rebel without one Billy Idol reference, and everyone agrees that comfort was given top priority. Air suspension and the tall sidewalls of the Toyos combine to make Rebel one of the most comfortable trucks we have experienced. Plenty of room for 5 adults and their toys and 21 mpg highway can be yours for $52,525. For that price you get a ton of premium content without having to step up to the Laramie or Mega Cab models. LED bed lighting, powered rear window, and a 7″ touch screen are what makes this Rebel ready to fight.
