• by Tanya Gazdik , October 9, 2023

The 8th edition of the Rebelle Rally, the longest competitive off-road rally in America, is set to kick off Wednesday and features a sold-out lineup of 65 teams.

Partners and sponsors include Pennzoil, Iridium, Pirelli, Total Chaos, Renewable Innovations, Jeep, Yeti, Toyota, Ford, Maxtrax, YB Tracking, On X Offroad, Fox Trail Trust, Rally Navigator and Tread Lightly. 

The all-women rally takes place over 10 days and covers 1,317 miles.

While it is not a race for speed, it is an extremely challenging endurance event based on precision driving and traditional navigation. Competitors use maps, compasses, and roadbooks, known as Rebelle format; the use of GPS, cell phones and electronics is strictly prohibited.  

Competitors hail from 100 cities, 27 states and provinces, and three countries. Each team is composed of a driver and navigator only, and no outside personal support crews are allowed. 

Participants’ ages span from 23 to 75 years old and a broad range of professions, with a high number of women in STEM.. Among the 65 entries, 25 teams are fielded directly from 10 automotive manufacturers, the largest to date. 

The competition vehicles are stock manufacturer trucks, SUVs and crossovers. The rally is considered a proving ground for everyday, capable vehicles. 

Traditionally the most popular vehicle class in the Rebelle, the 55 4x4 entries range from returning favorites to newly released models. Jeep once again takes the lead in numbers with a total of 17 Jeep entries. Toyota is close with 16 entries including Tacomas, Tundras, Sequoias, 4Runners, an F.J. Cruiser and Land Cruiser. 

This year also sees the largest field of Ford Broncos with a total of nine. Notably, 2023 boasts the highest number of Lexus’ entered in the rally, with a count of four.  The 4x4 class also features four Rivian R1Ts, four Land Rovers and a Chevy Colorado.

This year marks the largest X-Cross vehicle turnout with 10 entries. Leading the charge are four Hondas: a Ridgeline, a Passport, a Pilot and a Pilot TrailSport. 

The Bronco Sport, having secured victory the past three years, is back to defend its title and adding the anticipated Ford Mach-E Rally to the field. 

Also rejoining the competition are the Hyundai Santa Cruz and the Subaru Outback. A specially modified Kia Telluride X-Pro and a BMW round out the roster.

Celebrating its fourth year, the Electrified Program continues to evolve. The groundwork for the program began six years ago with a mission to rigorously test vehicles with electric and alternative power sources. The goal is not to place these vehicles in their own separate classes or cut stages short, but to compete head-to-head against the 4x4 and X-Cross vehicles. 

EVs this year include four Rivian R1Ts and the all-new Mustang Mach-E Rally. Toyota has entered two Sequoia hybrids and a Tundra TRD Pro hybrid. Jeep also returns with a strong presence, fielding four Wrangler Rubicon 4xe vehicles.