RAM 1500 Rebel

Ram 1500 Rebel at a glance

Ram announced the Rebel on 12 January 2015, during the North American International Auto Show. It was aimed at buyers who wanted the look and ability of an off-road truck without the cost of a specialist model. Ram built it on the fourth-generation Ram 1500, the truck that introduced a five-link coil-spring rear axle in 2009 and an optional air suspension, eight-speed automatic and Pentastar V6 for 2013.

The name causes some confusion. Until 2010 the truck was the Dodge Ram; then Fiat Chrysler made Ram a stand-alone truck brand, so the Rebel was launched as a Ram 1500, without the Dodge badge. Many buyers and dealers still call it a Dodge Ram, and 1cars lists it under the Dodge brand for that reason.

Pentastar V6 and HEMI V8 engines

Two petrol engines were offered. The 3.6-litre Pentastar V6, with variable valve timing, produces 227 kW (305 hp) and 365 Nm (269 lb-ft). It came only with four-wheel drive and a 3.92 rear axle ratio. The 5.7-litre HEMI V8, with cylinder deactivation to save fuel on light load, produces 295 kW (395 hp) and 556 Nm (410 lb-ft). Buyers could choose two- or four-wheel drive and a 3.21 or 3.92 axle ratio.

Both engines drive through the eight-speed TorqueFlite automatic. To compare it with other pickups, use the 1cars comparison tool. Ram also sold the 3.0-litre EcoDiesel V6 in the Ram 1500 range from 2014, but its launch information for the Rebel listed only the V6 and the HEMI. Buyers who find a diesel Rebel of this generation should check the build sheet before paying a premium.

Air suspension, ground clearance and off-road equipment

The Rebel's main technical feature is the four-corner air suspension, which Ram calls Active-Level. It raises the truck by one inch compared with the standard Ram 1500, which improves the approach, breakover and departure angles, and it can be lifted further for rough ground. The 10.3 inches of ground clearance was the best figure in its class when the truck was launched.

Bilstein supplied the shock absorbers, tuned specifically for the Rebel, and the rear anti-roll bar was softer than on other versions to let the axle articulate more. Instead of a full locker, the rear axle uses an anti-spin differential that sends torque to both rear wheels under heavy load and frees itself on tarmac. The truck also has a powder-coated skid plate, new front tow hooks and 17-inch aluminium wheels with 33-inch Toyo Open Country all-terrain tyres.

Visually, the Rebel was the first Ram to drop the familiar cross-hair grille. It has a blacked-out grille with large RAM letters, a twin-scoop bonnet, black wheel-arch mouldings from the Power Wagon and LED fog lamps.

Rebel cabin: tread-pattern seats and Uconnect

Inside, the Rebel has red and black seats in technical vinyl with fabric inserts embossed with a tyre-tread pattern, red stitching, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The centre console has a storage bin sized for a phone or tablet.

The Uconnect system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, navigation, USB connection and premium audio was available, and optional in-cab Wi-Fi was offered. A reversing camera, rear parking sensors, six airbags and stability control with trailer-sway control were part of the safety kit. Five colours were offered: Granite Crystal Metallic, Bright Silver Metallic, Flame Red, Bright White and Brilliant Black.

Fuel economy and running costs

Ram quoted up to 25 mpg (US), about 9.4 l/100 km, for the Pentastar V6 in its launch material, a best-case highway figure. The HEMI V8 uses noticeably more, especially off-road and when towing, even with cylinder deactivation. The 33-inch all-terrain tyres and the lift add rolling resistance and drag compared with a standard Ram 1500, so real-world consumption is higher than on road-oriented versions. To estimate yearly fuel costs at your own mileage, try the fuel cost calculator.

Crash tests and safety kit

The Rebel was not tested by Euro NCAP, because Ram did not sell the Ram 1500 officially in the European Union. In the US, safety tests covered the Ram 1500 crew cab rather than the Rebel itself; the Rebel shares that truck's structure and airbags. Buyers importing a Rebel into Europe should check the individual approval and lighting rules of their country.

Rivals: how the Rebel compares

The Rebel sits between an off-road package and a dedicated off-road truck. It is more comfortable on the road than a Raptor because of the air springs, but it cannot match the Ford at speed over rough terrain. Other trucks can be browsed in the pickups section, and the strongest of them are ranked in the most powerful trucks list.