2025 RAM 1500 Rebel Review

The Rebel is the latest addition to the Ram 1500 Hurricane range with a focus on going off-road. The NZ-spec is loaded with what would be optional extras if you bought one of these in the US. And so Kiwi Rebels come with the Bilstein off-road suspension incorporating a one-inch lift, 32-inch Falken Wildpeak all-terrains and underbody skid plates for the front cross member, transfer case and the fuel tank. Helping off road antics is an E-locker rear differential and five drive modes; Auto, Sport, Tow, Snow, and Off-road along with the Selec-Speed control off-road function.

Some of the key exterior changes that differentiate the Rebel from the Laramie and Limited are the front and rear powder-coated steel bumpers, which are more suited to off-road work with better off-road approach (20.9°) and departure (22.2°) angles, while the ramp-over stat (19.2°) also improves. There are also off-road plastic fender flares and a Rebel-specific grille. 

More tray

This model goes without the RamBox tray but it means you have a wider 1295mm deck. And so you can fit a dirt bike in the back (diagonally at least) and close the tailgate. The powered tailgate can be operated from inside the car or with the key and is damped. There’s a side step for climbing into the back of the spray-lined tray. It has four tie-down points and work lights, too.

You don’t get the automatic drop-down side steps, as they could take a hit while off-roading. But after driving this for a week, I would recommend getting some fixed steps fitted, as it’s a climb to get in. It’s a stealthy look too, with black out badges and trims replacing chrome. To be fair, RAM has toned down the chrome on the Laramie and Limited as well, which is what their customers like, a global trend with cars now.

Better on- and off-road?

It’s not just capable off-road, driving the Rebel on tarmac is very comfortable. I’ve often found that pick-ups with off-road enhancements can actually make a positive difference to the ride, especially on rural roads, where these things typically operate. The extra tyre sidewall and suspension travel help with bumps and potholes, making it ride smoothly. Motorway use is also very comfortable. Taking the Rebel on a long road trip, it will easily accommodate five adults with acres of space in the cab. Even with its larger size and 3672mm wheelbase, driving with an unladen tray is very refined. Pitching it into a corner, it’s never going to hold on as well as the more road-oriented 1500’s but the Wildpeak tyres are quite impressive and aren’t too loud for an off-road tyre.

Some may lament the loss of the Hemi’s sound, but the 3.0-litre inline-six twin-turbo Hurricane engine is a beast. It delivers 313kW and 635Nm of torque in smooth fashion, the full Newton count coming on at 2350rpm. However, turbo lag isn’t an issue here and the twin blowers help it keep pulling all the way to redline. This isn’t the high-output Hurricane from the Limited, but plant the pedal, and you’ll want to make sure you’re rolling in 4WD or you can light up the rears. With an eight-speed ZF box, it seems to be always in the zone, and when going easy, the new turbo engine drinks less gas, despite it having more power than the old V8.

Luxo rough rider 

The Rebel gets a unique interior colourway, finished in black leather over red, with fabric inserts and anodised red accents throughout, with Rebel logos embroidered on the seat bolsters. 

The RHD conversion job is top-notch with just a few hints as to its LHD origins. For instance, the row of buttons on each side of the 14-inch infotainment screen remains in the location found on LHD models, meaning the volume knob is a stretch, as are the trailer brake controls. But it’s minor stuff really.  You also get a massive panoramic roof, an electric rear window and a  19-speaker Harmon Kardon sound system. There’s a 10.25-inch screen for the front passenger, allowing them to act as navigator and DJ, check the cameras when you’re backing or just watch a movie while you drive. The driver gets a 12-inch display, which is very configurable. It’s definitely got a USA patriot theme going on, and while it’s more sporty inside than the Laramie and Limited, the Rebel still carries a luxury pickup feel. There’s plenty of storage with a massive centre console and some extra bins under the rear seats, with a heap of cup holders too.

Should you get one?

The Rebel is the cheapest 1500 Huricane Series here, coming in at $159,000 compared with $164,990 for the Laramie and $185,990 for the Limited. But it may well be the pick of the bunch. If you like to take your ute off-road and need to carry larger loads or dirt bikes in the tray, or tow up to 4500kg, the Rebel is the one for you. You could also consider the Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 for $154,000, which is Chevy’s off-road-oriented model. But it has a smaller towing capacity of 4200kg, and the 6.2L V8 makes slightly less torque.  

RAM 1500 Rebel
$159,990  /  11.5L/100km  /  274g/km 
0-100 km/h 5.90s
Engine  2993cc  IL6 / DI / T
Max power  313kW@5200rpm
Max torque  635Nm@3500rpm
Drivetrain  8-speed auto, on-demand AWD
Weight (claimed)  2548kg
Payload  672kg
Towing  750kg (braked 4500kg)