Driving the 2022 Ram 1500 Rebel G/T over several days made me realize I am still a juvenile. Lock me in a room for the sake of everyone else’s sanity.
My elderly neighbour would certainly appreciate that. No longer would I be twisting out the crackling notes of the “passive cold-end exhaust” (another way of saying cat-back exhaust) of the Ram Rebel G/T like I was 16 again and revving my 1970 Chevelle SS 454 in front of my high school in a lame attempt to impress anyone. No longer would I be hammering the throttle from stop lights and flicking the paddle shifters just to hear that near-Nascar-like exhaust bark from the dual black pipes out back. Honestly, I should not be allowed to roam among the general population.
2022 Ram 1500 Rebel G/T Photo by Derek McNaughton
2022 Ram 1500 Rebel G/T Photo by Derek McNaughton
2022 Ram 1500 Rebel G/T Photo by Derek McNaughton
2022 Ram 1500 Rebel G/T Photo by Derek McNaughton
2022 Ram 1500 Rebel G/T Photo by Derek McNaughton
2022 Ram 1500 Rebel G/T Photo by Derek McNaughton
2022 Ram 1500 Rebel G/T Photo by Derek McNaughton
2022 Ram 1500 Rebel G/T Photo by Derek McNaughton
2022 Ram 1500 Rebel G/T Photo by Derek McNaughton
2022 Ram 1500 Rebel G/T Photo by Derek McNaughton
2022 Ram 1500 Rebel G/T Photo by Derek McNaughton
2022 Ram 1500 Rebel G/T Photo by Derek McNaughton
2022 Ram 1500 Rebel G/T Photo by Derek McNaughton
2022 Ram 1500 Rebel G/T Photo by Derek McNaughton
2022 Ram 1500 Rebel G/T Photo by Derek McNaughton
Ram G/T trucks, a package added for the ’22 model year, come in Crew Cab format with the 5.7L V8 and Ram’s eTorque mild-hybrid assist system. The exhaust does quiet down once cruising and it’s not at all bothersome on the highway. After a while at idle, the engine can even be paradoxically so smooth and quiet it doesn’t feel like it’s running. But adding to the delinquency is the G/T’s “performance pages” in the infotainment system. Here, onboard systems record zero-to-100 sprints, most of which are deliciously smooth from the G/T’s Hemi that produces 395 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque, assisted by a 48-volt hybrid system that can bolster take offs with a temporary boost of 130 lb-ft.
So, yes, burnouts are not a problem. And the “pages” will register your take offs, tracking several performance metrics like G force, acceleration, and braking, a little like those offered in the wickedly-fast Hellcat. Be sure to download the data to a USB, then post it on social media as evidence.
2022 Ram 1500 Rebel G/T Photo by Derek McNaughton
2022 Ram 1500 Rebel G/T Photo by Derek McNaughton
2022 Ram 1500 Rebel G/T Photo by Derek McNaughton
2022 Ram 1500 Rebel G/T Photo by Derek McNaughton
2022 Ram 1500 Rebel G/T Photo by Derek McNaughton
2022 Ram 1500 Rebel G/T Photo by Derek McNaughton
2022 Ram 1500 Rebel G/T Photo by Derek McNaughton
2022 Ram 1500 Rebel G/T Photo by Derek McNaughton
2022 Ram 1500 Rebel G/T Photo by Derek McNaughton
2022 Ram 1500 Rebel G/T Photo by Derek McNaughton
Unfortunately, the awesome aural delights don’t translate into awesome performance. Yes, the Rebel G/T is quick enough to hit 100 km/hr at about 7.5 seconds, on par with other pickups; but it’s no match to the 702-horsepower Ram TRX which does the same run in about half the time. And, at $84,540 for our Rebel G/T, the steep price isn’t so far away from the $100k TRX. A basic Rebel starts at $66,495, the Sport G/T at $70,180 and a Laramie G/T stickers for $76,355 plus fees.
Our Rebel G/T in Hydro Blue Pearl (a $395 option) felt tight on the road, however, with nary a squeak or rattle. Impressive for a Ram. The suspension chewed up rotten roads with ease. Braking was firm at the pedal, fast to respond, and sure to act. Steering was on point, if a little heavy. The coil spring rear suspension delivered a composed ride, much better than the leaf springs of most of the competition’s trucks. And the pickup could hold its head high when briskly entering off ramps without a lot of lean. It’s more or less the Ricky Bobby of Rams. Loaded with lumber, the truck showed little sag, too, thanks in part to a 1,800-pound payload.
Sitting about an inch taller than a regular Ram and requiring a bit of a hop up to get inside without running boards, the G/T also gets a sexy-looking hood with cold-air intake. The night edition adds flat black wheels. Inside, there’s a console-mounted shifter instead of the handy rotary dial, some nice interior stitching, cool interior lighting cast upon unique Mopar all-weather floor mats, and aluminum pedals. For $3,500, it’s a lot of goodies. Crew Cab Rebels can’t tow as much as extended quad cab models, but this thing can still drag 11,220 pounds — impressive, yes, but more than any half-ton should.
2022 Ram 1500 Rebel G/T Photo by Derek McNaughton
Visibility is better than average and the truck doesn’t drive big due to easy maneuverability. The eight-speed automatic transmission works to keep rpm down and save fuel, and the “fuel saver” system, which shuts down cylinders when all are not needed, is helpful. But the idle stop, which shuts down the engine altogether, is a little too aggressive at times, sometimes shutting the engine off before a full stop. Better would be a system activated with a firm push of the brake pedal. Auto 4WD is an excellent feature, though. Fuel economy averaged 14.1 L/100 km.
The Rambox cargo system is handy but eats up a lot of bed space. Although the truck still swallowed 4×8 sheets of drywall, it was a close fit. Engineers at Stellantis might also want to remember that many truck buyers are not as young and flexible as they once were, and require a standard rear bed step of some kind to get up inside the bed when the tailgate is down — even if many of us still act like juveniles.
Keyword: Pickup Review: 2022 Ram 1500 Rebel G/T