The Ram Rebel was launched as its own model in 2015 and quickly became one of the hot sellers in the segment, accounting for more than 14 per cent of all Ram sales last year. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles says the 2020 Ram 1500 Rebel is “the most off-road capable Ram 1500 ever.”
The 1500 Rebel gets an electronic locking rear differential, Bilstein mono-tube shocks with remote reservoir, hill descent control, shift-on-the-fly transfer case, 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels wrapped in aggressive 33-inch Goodyear Duratec tires, one-inch suspension lift, a 3.92 final drive ratio, tow hooks, locking rear differential, and a full slate of steel skid plates to protect the transfer case, steering system, front suspension, fuel tank and oil pan.
The Rebel is available with two engines: a 5.7-litre HEMI V8 with 395-horsepower and 410 lb.-ft. of torque or a 3.0-litre diesel with 260-horses and class-leading 480 lb.-ft. of torque.
This is the first time a diesel has been offered in a Ram Rebel and it offers the highest tow rating of any half-ton diesel. It has undergone a number of upgrades for this application, including a new water-cooled variable geometry turbocharger, new cylinder heads, pistons and injectors. The tester had the eight.
Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic.
The tall stance atop the big black wheels and 33-inch tires is augmented with a further 2.5-cm hike when equipped, as the test vehicle was, with the optional four-corner air suspension. In addition to the height, the Rebel version of the Ram is readily identified by a raised and vented “sport” hood. There is black everywhere, from the bold black RAM lettering on the tailgate, to the wheels, bumpers, badging and grill.
The interior boasts plenty of Rebel touches, including specific seat and door panel trim, black with red accents throughout and a 17-cm colour instrument cluster. The optional ($3,895) “leather and sound” package on the Rebel I drove included a massive Uconnect 30-cm touchscreen, leather seats and a 19-speaker Harmon/Kardon audio system.
Off road, the Rebel is extremely capable, beyond where most will take a $78,000 vehicle. On the road it is comfy and capable of day-long runs. Getting up and into the cab can be quite an exercise for anyone with average or even an above-average inseam. The optional side steps are highly recommended unless you regularly test the limits. At that level they might be damaged.
There is a huge amount of room, big supportive seats, a bountiful view and lots of power. The ride is pleasant and absorbs both major and minor road blemishes with aplomb.
The sound of the big, aggressive Goodyears can become a little annoying over long spells and trying to tackle corners with any semblance of speed brings a quick reminder that this is a tall, heavy vehicle primed for off-road duty.
The Ram Rebel might be a bit of overkill if you do not regularly tackle the trails. But it sure looks butch sitting in your driveway.
The specs
Model: 2020 Ram 1500 Rebel Crew Cab 4X4
Engine: 5.7-litre V8, 395 horsepower, 410 lb.-ft. of torque, regular fuel
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
NRCan rating (litres/100km city/highway): 16.1 / 11.0
Price: $61,545 base, $78,030 as tested, including freight
Standard equipment: 18-inch alloy wheels, electronic transfer case, electronic locking rear differential, Bilstein shocks, 3.92 rear axle ratio, hill descent control, hill start assist, trailer sway control, class IV receiver hitch, LED headlights, back-up camera, auto-dimming exterior mirror, class IV hitch receiver, electronic locking rear differential, electronic transfer case
Options on test vehicle: Bed utility group (LED lights and tie-down hooks), $200; leather and sound group (leather–faced front bucket seats, 30-cm touchscreen, 19-speaker Harman/Kardon audio system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, GPS-based navigation system, heated front seats and steering wheel, power front seats), $3,895; Level 2 equipment group ( 115–volt outlet, dual zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, front and rear park sensors, power adjustable pedals, remote keyless entry and start, $3,040; tri-fold cargo cover, $650; panoramic sunroof, $1,595; deployable bed step, $50; 124-litre fuel tank, $445; active-level four-corner air suspension; $1,895; blind and cross path detection, $500; cargo management system, $1,295; trailer brake control, $375; spray-in bedliner, $550
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