Review: RAM 1500 Rebel brings tougher off-road edge to Aussie line-up

The RAM 1500 Rebel slots in alongside the Laramie and Limited 1500s, bringing a tougher, off-road-focused option for those who actually want to get their truck dirty and make the most of its capability.

Priced from $141,950 plus on-roads, this is the first time the Rebel has been officially offered here through RAM Trucks Australia (RTA), although non-official outlets have sold the US-spec model here previously.  

The 1500 Rebel is priced the same as the Laramie Sport at $141,950 plus on-roads, while the HO-powered 1500 Limited tops the range at $159,950 (+ORC).

JUMP AHEAD

• Driveline and performance
• On- and off-road capability
• Features and practicality
• Verdict
• Specs

Driveline and performance

The 2025 RAM 1500 Rebel comes only with the Standard Output (SO) version of the 3.0-litre twin-turbo Hurricane straight-six, good for 313kW and 635Nm.

The High Output (HO) tune stays exclusive to the flagship Limited, and there’s no Hemi V8 on the cards for Australia… at least for now. Over in the States the Hemi V8 is making a comeback in the 1500, but RTA says there are no immediate plans to bring it back here, with the focus firmly on the new Hurricane engines.

Performance truck fans needn’t stress about missing out on the Hemi or the HO, because the standard Hurricane six packs plenty of punch – more, in fact, than the old V8. It hustles the 1500 Rebel along road and track with ease. Sure, it doesn’t have that trademark Hemi howl, but the new RAM arrives with its own Rebel Yell… even if it’s a quiet one.

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Like the rest of the DT 1500 range, the Rebel runs an eight-speed auto and dual-range transfer case with a 4×4 Auto mode. That proved handy on the wet launch roads – in 2WD the rear tyres would light up with just a tickle of throttle before the traction control stepped in, but flick it into 4×4 Auto and you could bury your right foot and let the all-paw grip do its thing. The Rebel gets its own 32-inch Falken all-terrains on sensible 18-inch alloys, not the ridiculous 22s you’ll find on the Limited.

While the transmission itself performs flawlessly, the gear selector dial is fussy to use in off-road manoeuvres and far from ideal. The lack of any form of manual gear selection doesn’t help either, particularly off-road and when towing.

On- and off-road capability

The Rebel boosts its off-road prowess with Bilstein dampers controlling the IFS and live-axle, all-coil suspension. The package delivers excellent control of the big dual-cab body and tub both on and off-road, and it rides 25mm higher than other 1500 models for improved ground clearance.

Also new to the 1500 is a Selec-Speed crawl function, which works like crawl control by providing low-speed progress without throttle or brake input from the driver. This is particularly handy in technical off-road terrain, optimising throttle delivery to the tyres with traction and allowing the driver to focus on wheel placement. A selectable locking rear differential adds further capability, while model-specific underbody plates protect the undercarriage from rock rash.

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The off-road section of the launch did little to trouble the Rebel, which made light work of the muddy conditions and climbs. On gravel roads and tracks, the Bilstein suspension showed its worth with excellent body control and handling.

Features and practicality

As with other MY25 RAM 1500 models, the Rebel comes well equipped with features that are optional extras in the US but fitted as standard by RTA.

Inside, there’s a massive sunroof, a 19-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, heated leather power-adjustable front seats, and a huge rear seat with cavernous storage underneath. Up front is a 14-inch central multimedia screen, plus a second 10.25-inch screen for the passenger. The passenger display can stream movies or video on the move, as it’s not visible from the driver’s seat. A clever function also lets the passenger search locations on mapping apps and then send them straight to the main screen for the driver.

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All of these features make the Rebel’s cabin spacious and luxurious, and a very comfortable place to while away the miles. The Rebel’s interior is set apart from other models with red highlights and stitching, aimed at giving it a sportier appearance – or so they say.

At the back, the Rebel does away with the Rambox storage compartments for a more conventional cargo tub – increasing internal space, which will be a positive for many buyers. The tub still features adjustable tie-down points, a spray-in liner, powered tailgate and a rear step for easier access.

By leaving out features like the Rambox and powered side steps found on other RAM 1500s, the Rebel offers the highest payload in the range at 893kg. Towing capacity is 4500kg with a 70mm ball, or 3500kg with a 50mm.

Verdict

With improved off-road ability – thanks to upgraded suspension, underbody protection and sensible tyre choices – plus full 4500kg towing capacity, strong performance and extra tub space, the Rebel is the RAM 1500 variant that should appeal to plenty of off-road enthusiasts.

The 2025 updates to the DT series ensure the RAM 1500 will remain popular, and the Rebel only broadens its appeal to a wider audience. The Rebel is offered in all-American red, white or blue, each with bold graphics. They may not be to everyone’s taste – but each to their own.

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Specs