But we still wouldn’t make it our daily driver unless that driving always included miles off-road
March 2, 2024 at 13:05
The 2025 model year introduces a bunch of significant changes for Ram, with none perhaps as important as the discontinuation of the HEMI V8. Nevertheless, the all-new top-end Tungsten trim doesn’t suffer for it, as we revealed a few days ago. But what about the more adventurous Rebel trim, though?
In the past, the Rebel was available with a V6 or a V8, but for the 2025 model year, the only engine available is a straight-six twin-turbocharged unit. In the Rebel, Ram calls it the SST, and it makes 420 horsepower (313 kW) and 468 lb-ft of torque (633 Nm). These figures are improvements over the outgoing HEMI, which made at best 395 hp (294 kW) and 410 lb-ft (555 Nm) of torque outside of the 707 hp TRX.
Is it possible that this off-road-focused pickup is still enjoyable without the roar of a V8? Will it improve simply because it boasts more power and torque? To find out, we conducted tests both on-road and off-road in and around Austin, Texas. Simply put, the new 2025 Ram Rebel can tackle nearly any challenge a truck owner might face, and with an as-tested price of $82,130, it had better deliver on its promises.
The Rebel is a unique beast in the Ram 1500 lineup. It’s one of only two that comes standard with the new SST engine. In fact, the twin-turbo inline-six is the only engine one can get in the Rebel. It also comes standard with an eight-speed automatic gearbox and four-wheel drive.
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Review: 2025 Ram 1500 Tungsten With Inline-Six Turbo Sets A New High Bar
The engine sounds similar to the more potent 540 hp High Output version in the Tungsten, but it has some key differences. The pistons in the SST are cast, not forged like those in the former. The normal SST engine builds 22 pounds of boost whereas the High Output engine builds 28.
The SST boasts a compression ratio of 10.4:1 and a redline of 5,800 RPM. On the other hand, the Tungsten features a 9.5:1 compression ratio but can rev up to 6,100 RPM. Similar to the top-of-the-line Tungsten trim, the Rebel also comes equipped with a 3.92 rear axle ratio and an electric on-demand transfer case. Ram has yet to release fuel economy figures, but we anticipate an improvement over the HEMI, which achieved 15 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway.
How Does The Interior Feel?
Slipping into the cabin of the new Ram Rebel feels far more akin to a luxury SUV than it does a traditional truck. The supportive front seats feature the Rebel wordmark stitched into the seatback, the center storage console has contrast stitching, and the steering wheel has a bright red texturized bezel around the controls.
Our test unit had the Rebel Level 2 package complete with leather upholstery, a 14.5-inch infotainment system, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and even a 10.2-inch front-passenger display. The switchgear looks high-end too and Ram did a great job of combining physical control knobs and switches into what initially looks like a touchscreen-centric layout.
The entire system runs on Uconnect 5, an interface that we found very easy to navigate and hard to fault. It responds quickly, looks polished, and allows for countless configurations. Our truck also featured amenities such as a panoramic sunroof and a 19-speaker sound system, making it both luxurious and capable.
The storage situation is very good as well. The center console storage bin is gigantic, and there are also some hidden spaces under the rear seats. Additionally, the cargo box boasts multiple tie-down points, a sliding track system, a bed light, and a 115-volt household-style power outlet.
The bed can handle up to 1,910 pounds of payload and the truck can tow up to 11,560 pounds – that’s more than what the Tungsten is capable of. If the zombie apocalypse started tomorrow, the Ram Rebel might be one of the most comfortable and capable ways to tackle it with.
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A Truck That Goes Almost Anywhere
Driving this Ram reminds me of the animal that it’s named after. Living breathing rams are well known for their ability to traverse just about any sort of terrain. They’re powerful and they’re bold and the Ram Rebel is too. It’s taller than the rest of the family and our test truck sported bold graphics that left no question about what trim it was. The towing mirrors, hood vents, and tall grille stand proudly, and people on the road notice this truck.
In a straight line, it’s what I’d call a “not slow” truck. Under heavy throttle, the eight-speed automatic takes a moment to select the right gear, the low-inertia turbochargers spool up, and the engine propels the truck forward more quickly than in the previous Rebel.
At the same time, this isn’t a true competitor to the Ford Raptor. It’s less sharp and its Goodyear tires, while quiet compared to some, don’t aid in steering responsiveness or feedback. After driving the Tungsten trim, it’s clear that the Rebel is significantly down on horsepower against it too.
Read: 2025 Ram 1500 Debuts As A Twin-Turbo City Slicker With Fancy Tungsten Trim
Just like a real ram, the Ram Rebel isn’t particularly nimble or quick to change direction when it’s trundling forward at speed. This is a large and heavy vehicle, and while it soaks up bumps like a champ, it’s not what we’d call rewarding to drive on public roads. The difference between suspension setup and tire choice is dramatic when compared to the Tungsten trim – and even more so versus an everyday SUV.
Of course, then there’s the primary reason the Rebel boasts that suspension and tire choice: off-road adventures. When the pavement runs out, the Rebel doesn’t have to stop, thanks to an additional inch of ground clearance and multiple drive modes. The ability to switch from RWD to 4WD high and 4WD low allows the Rebel to tackle various terrains, whether in a focused and capable manner or a fun and playful way.
That was abundantly evident during a long off-road course at The Videre Estate, where Ram demonstrated just how capable the Rebel truly is. After lowering tire pressures to just under 30 psi, Ram’s people guided us down steep, rock-laden hills, through muddy low spots, and up slick, grassy embankments—all without a hint of drama.
At one point we tested out Ram’s downhill assist feature that maintains a slow maximum speed and can basically allow the driver to focus completely on steering as they traverse a tricky trail. Technology like the multi-camera system enables better line choosing from the comfort of the driver’s seat and a readout on the infotainment system enables easy monitoring of vital components.
Having driven a number of vehicles off-road including the GMC Sierra AT4X I can confidently say that the Ram Rebel proved more impressive in the limited testing available. Despite a number of obstacles that appeared to be quite challenging, the Rebel never once slipped up or struggled to keep moving forward.
Conclusions
The Rebel is an interesting trim for Ram. It somewhat stands alone both in the 1500 lineup and in the larger segment. It’s not truly a Ford F-150 Raptor fighter, as it’s not as sharp on the road nor as capable off-road. At the same time, it’s more comfortable than a Raptor.
On its own merits, the RAM Rebel is a pickup that few people need. The ideal buyer is someone who frequently ventures off-road, regularly tows or hauls items in the bed, and desires a cabin that approaches luxury levels. Additionally, this individual must be willing to invest this amount of money in a single vehicle rather than purchasing two more specialized ones.
Remove the need for frequent off-roading, and every other Ram model in the lineup will offer a superior on-road driving experience. Eliminate the necessity for towing and hauling, and a large SUV would provide a more enjoyable on-road driving experience and greater practicality as well.
Still, for the few who truly need (or simply like) a truck like this, it’s more luxurious than a Raptor and goes toe to toe with anything that General Motors builds. It’s full of advanced features that a whole family can enjoy. It has a newly developed engine that’s more powerful and more efficient than the one it replaces. And frankly, it has a presence that will likely stand out in traffic for the foreseeable future too. For the truck owner who needs a vehicle that can do almost anything at a satisfactory level, the Rebel is a very capable option.