Ram is introducing the new 2023 Ram 2500 Heavy Duty Rebel - a new model for the HD lineup and one Ram says offers off-road performance without sacrificing towing and payload capabilities. Available in a crew cab configuration with a six-foot, four-inch box, the HD Rebel slots between the Laramie and Power Wagon. There are two engine options, one of them a Cummins Diesel.
“Ram Heavy Duty Rebel buyers will enjoy that the newest addition to our versatile lineup offers a combination of off-road performance without having to sacrifice capability,” said Mike Koval Jr., Ram brand CEO – Stellantis. “Ram has a deep, rich and strong history of the most capable off-road trucks, and the new 2023 Ram Heavy Duty Rebel adds to that history while delivering the segment’s benchmarks in comfort, luxury materials, innovation and technology.”
2023 Ram 2500 HD Rebel
Ram says the new 2500 HD Rebel, unveiled at the State Fair of Texas, offers increased off-road performance and towing and payload capability. The automaker say it features a unique combination of technology, performance and a distinctive exterior appearance straight from the factory.
Ram unveils 2023 Ram 2500 HD Rebel at the State Fair of Texas. 9/30/22.
Powertrain
Ram HD Rebel models offer two engine choices: a 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 with cylinder deactivation and variable-cam timing (VCT) or an available 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel I-6 that produces 370 horsepower and 850 lb.-ft. of torque with a powerband that provides ample torque starting at 1,700 rpm. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard with the turbo diesel option.
The standard 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 with cylinder deactivation and VCT provides 410 horsepower and 429 lb.-ft. of torque and is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Other features include a unique off-road suspension, rear limited slip differential, rear electronic locker and an available 12,000-lb. winch installed from the factory.
Exterior Design
The HD Rebel features unique badging and a sport performance hood from Mopar. Ram Heavy Duty Rebel also features a 20-inch wheels (optional 18-inch wheels – late availability), 33-inch off-road tires and skid plates that protect the fuel tank and transfer case. Cargo tie-downs are standard while a spray-in bedliner, LED bed lighting and bed step are available.
Towing and Suspension
An integrated front-mounted WARN Zeon-12 winch, rated at 12,000 lbs., is available on 2023 Ram 2500 Heavy Duty Rebel models equipped with the 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 engine. The winch is installed at the factory and features a unique fairlead and fairlead retainer that utilizes a synthetic line that is maneuverable and won’t kink or fray.
Ram Heavy Duty trucks already feature a segment-leading suspension system with the best ride and handling, loaded or unloaded. The new 2023 Ram 2500 Heavy Duty Rebel uses this exclusive five-link coil design that provides enhanced load-carrying characteristics and articulation. An available rear air suspension system is also available and further enhances best-in-class ride and handling qualities. Maximum towing for the 2023 Ram 2500 Heavy Duty Rebel is 16,870 pounds and maximum payload is 3,140 pounds.
Cabin
Inside, HD Rebel buyers can choose from three seating options, including a cloth bench or bucket seat, a Bristol leather bench or bucket seat and a full Natura Plus leather bucket seat. A 360-degree Surround View camera includes forward-view camera gridlines to help navigate obstacles. It also provides a single display-screen view of both sides of a trailer to assist drivers in maneuvering towing setups
An available 12-inch frameless digital gauge cluster features nearly two dozen different menus with five reconfigurable tiles for at-a-glance data, or quick and easy access to the most used information.
Safety
Available safety features include adaptive cruise control, full-speed forward-collision warning plus, Lane Keep Assist, Blind-spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path detection, automatic headlamps, digital rearview mirror with tow mode and rain-sensing windshield wipers.
Availability
The new Ram HD Rebel starts at $67,045 plus $1,895 destination. It goes on sale in the fourth quarter of 2022.
Photo Credit: Stellantis.