Off-road rebel
Based on the Ram 2500 power wagon and available only as a 6-foot-4-inch crew cab, the Ram 2500 Heavy Duty Rebel will be sandwiched between the rims of the Laramie and power wagons when it goes on sale late in the year. It offers two familiar engine options, new off-road parts, and some unique exterior and interior elements to set it apart.
The adventure-oriented 2500 Heavy Duty Rebel features off-road suspension, a limited-slip rear differential, rear electronic locker, and standard skid plates to protect the undercarriage over rough terrain. A standard cargo hook can secure adventure gear, and a spray-on bed liner, LED lighting, and bed step are optional. The front-mounted, factory-mounted Warn Industries Zeon-12 is also available at 12,000 pounds but is only available with the standard V-8.
Although the Rebel will look a lot like the Power Wagon, it does offer distinct features including trim decals and a Mopar hood. The new off-road model will ride on 20-inch wheels wrapped in 33-inch off-road tires; 18-inch wheels will be available later.
Compatible with Powertrains
Despite its additional off-road features, the 2500 Rebel is similar to its heavy-duty counterparts when it comes to powertrain options. The base engine is a 6.4-liter V8 mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission that produces 410 horsepower and 429 pound-feet of torque. Also available is a 6.7-liter six-cylinder turbo diesel engine paired with a six-speed automatic (diesel is not currently available on Power Wagons). The latter makes 370 horsepower and boosts torque to 850 pound-feet. The 2500 Heavy Duty Rebel can tow a maximum of 16,870 pounds and a maximum payload of 3,140 pounds. For context, the 2022 Ram has a towing capacity of 2500 to 2022 pounds and a payload of 4,010 pounds.
What is inside?
Shoppers can choose from three interior configurations for the new Rebel: a bucket seat, a bench seat in fabric or leather upholstery, or a premium leather bucket seat. Technical features include a 360-degree camera system with forward vision and grid lines for off-road obstacles. The system also displays a trailer view from both sides to aid in towing setup. The newly available 12-inch digital instrument cluster offers approximately 24 customizable menus and tiles for driver information that can be saved to a user profile.
Available safety and driver assistance features include adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane departure steering assist, and blind spot warning with rear cross traffic alert.
Pricing and competition
