2023 Ram 2500 Rebel Review
I’ve got another truck on deck today! The Ram 2500 Rebel with the Cummins Turbo Diesel engine is the truck we will be walking through today, and I’m excited to explore its features as a family-friendly ride. Tyler (my husband) is back as the Truck Dad to help walk through how the Ram 2500 Rebel stacks up to the rest.
If you’re new here - welcome! I’m Kelly the Car Mom and as a mom of four, CPST, and a huge car fan, I can’t wait to walk you through all the features of the 2023 Ram 2500 Rebel to help see if it’s right for your family.
Before you dive in and start car shopping, make sure you’re fully prepared to tackle today’s market with confidence. To learn everything from dealership prep to a complete negotiations strategy, check out my Car Buying Course!
2023 Ram 2500 Rebel Exterior
When it comes to trucks, one of the key concerns for families is making sure they’re easy to load up, whether it's kids or gear. Thankfully, the Ram 2500 Rebel is designed with features on the exterior that make this process simple and convenient. First off, the truck’s 6' 4" bed provides ample space for large items like strollers, sports equipment, or even weekend camping gear.
The power tailgate and cheater step are incredibly useful for families, especially when your hands are full with bags or kids. These features allow you to quickly access the bed without straining yourself or worrying about causing damage by climbing over the side.
For families with younger children, the wide rear doors and comfortable height of the second row make it easy to get kids in and out of car seats without struggling to reach or lift them. The step-up running boards are also a big help for children who are old enough to climb in on their own, reducing the need for parents to constantly lift them in and out of the truck.
As for the actual exterior of the Ram 2500 Rebel, it’s one of the toughest trucks you can get in terms of looks. The skid plates and 33-inch aggressive tires ensure that even the roughest terrains won’t stand a chance, while the 11.1-inch clearance means you won’t drag on trails. The front has that off-roading feel that a lot of people (myself included) find really appealing. Overall, I’d say it has a cool factor that’s perfect for weekend trips pulling a boat or a camper.
2023 Ram 2500 Rebel First Row
The first-row experience in the Ram 2500 Rebel is nothing short of impressive. The design blends rugged durability with high-end functionality, making it perfect for both work and family adventures.
One of the specific features I want to talk about is the power-adjustable mirrors. For those who do a lot of towing, the controls allow you to adjust both the upper and lower mirrors, giving you better visibility whether you’re hauling a trailer or maneuvering through tight spaces. Another standout feature I want to mention is Ram's smart system, which can be programmed with destinations like your work or farm. With just a tap of a button, your route is set, making day-to-day navigation effortless.
Lastly, storage in the first row is great. The center console is expansive, featuring two levels of storage. There’s ample room for everything from drinks to electronics, and the sliding phone holders keep your devices secure and accessible. With Ram’s deep storage compartments, you’ll have more than enough space to keep the cabin organized, even during long trips or workdays.
Infotainment System and Technology
Ram 2500 Rebel’s infotainment system is loaded with tech, especially useful for off-roading and towing. One of the most notable features is the on-the-go camera system, which allows you to adjust and monitor your surroundings without having to step out of the truck. This is particularly useful when towing a trailer or navigating through difficult terrain. You can check your trailer hitch, surrounding obstacles, and blind spots with a glance at the screen.
The gear-shift controls are also conveniently placed to allow for crawl modes or limiting gears based on the driving situation. Whether you’re off-roading, towing, or just driving down the highway, these controls make sure you have the power and control you need.
For those who spend a lot of time in parking lots or on trails, the 360-degree camera system is great. It provides a full view around the truck, ensuring that you can park or navigate through tricky spots effortlessly. Combine that with the vertical mirrors, which pay homage to the old-school Dodge flip-out mirrors, and you get a mix of nostalgia and modern convenience that any truck enthusiast will appreciate.
As for the infotainment system itself, the 12-inch touchscreen is responsive and easy to navigate. There are multiple views and customizable options and voice-activated navigation makes long drives really easy.
2023 Ram 2500 Rebel Second Row
Let’s talk about the car seat setup. The Ram 2500 Rebel has one of the best cabs on the market for car seats because of its space. All trim levels share the same spacious cab, so you’re guaranteed a wide and roomy second row regardless of price.
The Ram 2500 comes equipped with five lower anchors and three tether anchors, allowing for versatile car seat configurations. One thing to note is the unique tether anchor setup in the middle seat—make sure to route the tether behind the seat and clip it to the outer anchor. It’s a bit unconventional, but it works well once you get the hang of it.
For this test car seat install, we used three different seats: a rear-facing Clek Foonf, a forward-facing Graco Slimfit 3LX, and a Peg Perego booster.
I can confidently say that this truck is a three car seats across machine. The middle seat is a little shallower than the others, which can make certain car seats tricky, but I am confident that there are options that will work great. Taking out the middle car seat and keeping the outboard seats installed, the bench still had enough space for me (6’2” with boots on!) to sit comfortably in the middle.
Second Row Amenities Include:
Under the seat storage
Flat-load floor option
In-floor storage bins
Air vents (not on the ceiling though unfortunately)
USB outlets
Fold down armest with car holders
2023 Ram 2500 Rebel: Wrap-Up
All in all, I’m really impressed with the Ram 2500 Rebel. It offers serious power and off-road capability, but it’s also surprisingly family-friendly. The spacious cab, ample car seat options, and all the built-in tech make it a strong contender for any family who wants a truck that can do it all.
Would you ever consider driving a truck like the Ram 2500 Rebel as your family vehicle? Let me know in the comments! And to see the latest family cars on the market, check out my recent tours:
