Went to test drive a 2026 RAM Rebel 1500 with 3.0L Hurricane engine

[wachuko]

So I had to stop by the dealer yesterday to have the emergency brake fixed in my 2024 Jeep Gladiator Mojave X. While waiting I made the mistake to wander into the sales side and got talking to a salesman there, next thing I am behind the wheel of a well equipped 2026 RAM Rebel 1500.

I am not going to lie... I was so tempted. I really liked everything about. Yes, I know, it is not a Jeep. It did not feel as huge as the Ford F150 and the GMC Sierra I test drove last year... It is bigger than the Gladiator, that is clear, but it felt just right. A more comfortable interior without being ridiculous huge. Ventilated seats, good sound system, interior layout felt great. Engine response felt amazing. This one had the air suspension, that was great, but not something I want in it, if I ever jump ship...

What saved me from a stupid impulsive action was the huge amount I still owe on my Gladiator . But man it was a close call... this is why I try to stay away from dealers...

At a minimum, I sure hope that engine comes to the Gladiator.

A couple of photos of the one I tested.

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[ShrimpHappens]

I feel ya. My bass club fishing partner has a newish F-150, and the spaciousness and power are mighty tempting sometimes.

 

[Lunentucker]

3 liter inline 6 @420hp?

 

[wachuko]

3 liter inline 6 @420hp?

Yes, that one.

 

[wachuko]

I feel ya. My bass club fishing partner has a newish F-150, and the spaciousness and power are mighty tempting sometimes.

My brother has a newer F150 that he lets me borrow when I am visiting. I always joke with him that I can't drive such a humongous vehicle... I spoke to him today, too funny, turns out he is looking to change it for a Rebel. He was at the dealer looking at this one when I called him!!

 

[ChrisNLA]

I really like the Ram trucks - I am particular to the Warlock package that they have.

I'd have to buy one with the Hemi though. I really like the Hurricane but it looks like a nightmare to work on if you keep it past warranty term.

 

[Tom2020Glad]

That's one thing that will almost always be tempting to many of us.......that new car feel and smell. I agree, it's super hard to walk off from driving something that feels good.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

So I had to stop by the dealer yesterday to have the emergency brake fixed in my 2024 Jeep Gladiator Mojave X. While waiting I made the mistake to wander into the sales side and got talking to a salesman there, next thing I am behind the wheel of a well equipped 2026 RAM Rebel 1500.

I am not going to lie... I was so tempted. I really liked everything about. Yes, I know, it is not a Jeep. It did not feel as huge as the Ford F150 and the GMC Sierra I test drove last year... It is bigger than the Gladiator, that is clear, but it felt just right. A more comfortable interior without being ridiculous huge. Ventilated seats, good sound system, interior layout felt great. Engine response felt amazing. This one had the air suspension, that was great, but not something I want in it, if I ever jump ship...

What saved me from a stupid impulsive action was the huge amount I still owe on my Gladiator . But man it was a close call... this is why I try to stay away from dealers...

At a minimum, I sure hope that engine comes to the Gladiator.

A couple of photos of the one I tested.

I think they are also a good looking truck......
The Ram 1500 we had as a loaner a while back was huge, though, waay too big for us. It felt like we were swimming in it, and without power steps, we struggled getting up into the thing.
Nice truck, but huge.

The one you checked out looks lower profile, and yeah, I'd love it if that I6 would come into JT.

 

[wachuko]

I think they are also a good looking truck......
The Ram 1500 we had as a loaner a while back was huge, though, waay too big for us. It felt like we were swimming in it, and without power steps, we struggled getting up into the thing.
Nice truck, but huge.

The one you checked out looks lower profile, and yeah, I'd love it if that I6 would come into JT.

Looking at the specs, it is actually just as big, if not slightly larger, than the F150. So my mind was playing tricks on me. But it just felt smaller and more cozy on the inside than the F150...

Oh well.... I keep telling him those trucks are too large for me, but maybe I am getting use to them from the times I have been using his.

 

[Jrgunn5150]

Everyone who has been behind the wheel of the Hurricane really enjoys it.

 

[DenCoGladiator]

I had a 2021 Ram Rebel with the hemi and loved it. Ended up selling it back to the dealer after a year because it was mostly sitting in the street (wouldn't fit in garage or driveway at the house I was in at the time) while I worked from home during the whole pandemic saga and they offered me a lot more than I had paid for it. Regret it to this day. I would have gotten another one but the pricing on them now is crazy.

 

[JTGuy]

What about the Ram RHO??

 

[Camaroboi13]

What about the Ram RHO??

That would be my choice

 

[wachuko]

What about the Ram RHO??

As much as I like almost everything about it…. Lousy fuel consumption. Run only on premium fuel. And currently, dealers are putting their market adjustment BS $$ to them…

But it must be a fun drive…

 

[JTGuy]

Let them do their market adj and they can rot on the lots. Remember the Bronco adjustments that the dealers said would be there forever ,,, LOL.

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