2026 Ram 1500 Rebel review

TheRam 1500full-size pickup was updated earlier this year, and the range is already expanding.

Finally unleashed upon Australian soil: the Ram 1500 Rebel. For years, whispers of this off-road beast have tantalized Aussie drivers. Now, bypassing the V8 roar for a different kind of punch, this rugged dual-cab arrives, ready to conquer terrains previously untouched by officially imported Ram Trucks.

Down Under transformation! The Ram 1500 Rebel, fresh from the US, undergoes a radical metamorphosis at Walkinshaw Automotive in Melbourne. There, it’s meticulously reborn as a right-hand drive beast, ready to conquer Aussie roads.

More than just a simple steering wheel switch, crafting a right-hand drive vehicle is a symphony of engineering. Picture hundreds of bespoke components, conceived and meticulously crafted by the same trusted suppliers who furnish the original pickup. This transformation is born from a rigorous Australian development program, ensuring peak performance and unwavering reliability on Aussie roads.

Imagine a Ram reborn: factory-warranted and virtually indistinguishable from its original brethren. The transformation is so seamless, so meticulously executed, you’d never suspect the cab and chassis were once separated, only to be flawlessly reunited. This isn’t just a rebuild; it’s a resurrection, adhering to the same exacting standards that birthed the original.

Watch: Paul’s video review of the Ram 1500 Rebel

The Rebel isn’t just a Ram 1500 with badges; it’s a trail-ready beast injected with off-road DNA. Imagine this: an extra inch of ground clearance courtesy of a suspension lift, coupled with legendary Bilstein shocks soaking up every bump and rut. Then there are the 32-inch all-terrain tires, clawing for grip on any surface. Finally, a redesigned front bumper dares you to point it towards the untamed. This isn’t just an upgrade; it’s a transformation.

Imagine sinking into sculpted red seats, each stitch whispering defiance. Rebel insignias blaze throughout the cabin, a constant reminder of untamed power. Outside, a colossal "Rebel" decal explodes across the truck’s flanks. Beneath the bold exterior lies a suit of armor: rugged skid plates shielding vital components. Command any terrain with a flick of the wrist, effortlessly switching between 2WD and 4WD, conquering asphalt and wilderness alike.

Gone are the days of the rumbling Hemi V8 in the facelifted MY25 Ram 1500. Enter the Hurricane, a twin-turbo inline-six engine powering the ‘Standard Output’ (SO) version. While our American cousins enjoy a V8 revival, Down Under remains in the grips of the Hurricane. Will the V8 thunder ever return to Australia’s Ram lineup? Only time will tell.

Is the Rebel a worthy addition to Australia’s official Ram 1500 lineup?

How much does the Ram 1500 cost?

The Ram 1500 Rebel, despite its Laramie Sport underpinnings and a treasure trove of off-road goodies, lands at a cool $141,950 (before on-roads). Ouch, right? But before your jaw hits the floor, consider this: you’re saving almost twenty grand compared to the top-dog Limited. That’s Picanto money! Think of it – a rugged Rebelanda zippy little city car for the price of just one supremely luxurious truck. Suddenly, that price tag doesn’t sting quite so much, does it?

| Model | Price before on-road costs | | — | — | | 2025 Ram 1500 Laramie Sport | $141,950 | |2025 Ram 1500 Rebel|$141,950| | 2025 Ram 1500 Limited | $159,950 |

"Locking horns with the off-road-ready Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ZR2, the Ram 1500 TRX muscles into the scene. While the ZR2 commands a hefty $141,500beforeyou even hit the asphalt, it stands alone as the last V8-powered, full-size pickup you can snag straight from the factory."

While both vehicles command a premium over the Ford F-150, whose top-tier Lariat LWB nudges $141,000 once it hits the road, they still offer a somewhat gentler hit to your wallet than Toyota’s Tundra.

The Tundra arrives in two formidable flavors: the Limited, priced at a cool $155,990 before you hit the asphalt, and the Platinum, commanding a kingly $172,990, plus on-road costs. Choose wisely; both promise an unforgettable ride, but only one will reign supreme in your garage.

Buckle up, Aussie truck lovers! Ram Trucks Australia is poised to unleash a storm of new Hurricane-powered Ram 1500s before the year’s out. Rumor has it, a more accessible Big Horn model is on the horizon, promising to deliver that signature Ram muscle without breaking the bank. Get ready to rumble!

To see how the Ram 1500 stacks up against its rivals, use ourcomparison tool

What is the Ram 1500 like on the inside?

It might look even tougher on the outside, but the Ram 1500 Rebel is as luxurious as ever inside.

Forget elbow bumps and awkward silences. Inside, this vehicle boasts enough room to comfortably stage a one-person play. Your passenger might as well be in a different time zone, finally offering the blessed gift of personal space we all crave.

Forget the photos. They lie. They shrink the sprawling tech landscape dominating this cabin. Somehow, engineers managed to make a massive 14.4-inch infotainment screen appear almost… modest. In reality, the portrait touchscreen isn’t just big; it’s a monolithic presence, swallowing dashboard real estate like a digital black hole. Seeing it in person is believing it.

Dive into a digital sea! This car’s interface overflows with menus and icons – a veritable galaxy of options. Forget physical knobs; nearly every setting bends to your will here. The upside? Cord-free bliss with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The catch? Android Auto awkwardly hogs only half the screen.

Beyond the driver’s seat lies a co-pilot’s playground: a touchscreen gateway to native satellite navigation. But this isn’t just about backseat driving; the passenger display, shielded by a clever privacy film, remains invisible to the driver, eliminating any chance of distraction. It’s a high-tech toy, more dazzling than genuinely essential, but undeniably cool.

While the sleek screen tantalizes with its modern aesthetics and snappy responsiveness, disappointment lurks beneath the surface. Sadly, it exists within its own walled garden, offering no blissful integration with the Apple or Android ecosystems. Yet, credit where it’s due: both this screen and the central infotainment system boast crystal-clear visuals, lightning-fast reactions, and intuitively labelled menus that banish confusion, even for tech novices.

The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster isn’t just a screen; it’s a Rebel’s cockpit. The custom "Rebel" branding, splashed across the top and showcased in a bold startup animation, announces its arrival. While it isn’t drowning in customization options, the razor-sharp resolution and dynamic displays keep the information flowing and the driver captivated.

Inside the Rebel, red isn’t just a color it’s a statement. Forget subtle; think bold declarations, splashes of defiance setting it apart from the mundane 1500 crowd. Metallic crimson highlights the steering wheel and dash, a devilish gleam catching the eye. Sink into the seats, where ‘Rebel’ is stitched into the fiery red upholstery, a constant reminder you’re not just driving, you’re making a statement.

It all looks fairly tasteful, with the right amount of red highlights to prevent it appearing tacky.

Climbing into the Rebel’s cabin is a bit of an adventure. Forget side steps; it’s more of a vault. Thankfully, Ram equipped it with hefty grab handles and cavernous door openings, so hauling yourself in is less of a struggle and more of a… well, a slightly undignified ascent.

The leather-clad steering wheel feels good in your hands, but its sheer size is comical. Imagine piloting a ship, not driving a car. Reaching for drive mode or gear selection becomes an awkward stretch, a mini-workout interrupting your drive. And forget about paddle shifters; those sporty flicks are reserved for volume control. Audio adjustment takes precedence over performance, apparently.

Forget fumbling for controls. This car boasts a single, elegant stalk. The climate? Mostly managed through a crisp digital interface, save for a couple of conveniently placed shortcut buttons. A minor learning curve, sure, but hardly a deal-breaker. Whatisimpressive is the sheer solidity. Knowing this machine was meticulously disassembled and reconfigured from left- to right-hand drive, you’d never suspect a thing. It feels factory-fresh.

Forget fighting over charging ports. The center console is a cavern of connectivity, boasting a removable tray and enough space to swallow a small backpack. Power up EVERYTHING with ten USB-A and USB-C ports, an HDMI jack for gaming on the go, dual wireless charging pads, and a classic 12V outlet perched conveniently above the infotainment screen. Say goodbye to low battery anxiety forever.

Forget the throne room; the second row reigns supreme. Legroom stretches into infinity, headroom kisses the clouds. You’ll find more space back here than in some stretched-out limos.

The rear seats offer limousine-like space for three adults, but clambering in requires a bit of athleticism – think scaling a small hill. Once inside, the completely flat floor grants even the middle passenger blissful foot freedom, a welcome reprieve from the usual driveline tunnel intrusion.

Sink into the embrace of the new red and black upholstery, a striking visual feast beneath the expansive panoramic sunroof, both offered as standard. But beneath the rugged, practical rubber floor lies a secret – hidden storage compartments, perfect for stashing away your treasures. Need more space? Simply lift the seat bench to unlock a cavern of possibilities.

Nestled behind the expansive center console, rear passengers discover a haven of connectivity and comfort. Twin air vents deliver climate control, while a quartet of USB-A and USB-C ports ensure every device stays charged. Heated outboard seats add a touch of luxury. Though lacking the opulent rear ventilation or massaging front seats of the top-tier 1500 Limited, the space remains a supremely comfortable retreat.

The tub? Forget about it. It’s colossal. Imagine parking the top-selling Ford Ranger next to the Rebel. The Rebel’s tray stretches a full 200mm further, a veritable canyon more space. And getting to all that glorious room? A power tailgate dances open and shut at your command.

The standard spray-in bedliner hints at rugged utility, but where are the iconic RamBox storage bins? Vanished. Ram sacrificed them at the altar of maximum bed space, prioritizing room for weekend warrior gear. Notice that full-size dirt bike dominating the press photos? That’s the point.

Freeing up space by ditching those boxes means you can finally shut the tailgate even when hauling larger items, adding an extra layer of security for your precious cargo. You’ll find four integrated tie-down points ready to secure your load. One thing to note: a tonneau cover is an optional upgrade, unlike the standard inclusion found on other Ram 1500 models.

The Ram 1500 doesn’t just flirt with capability, it commits. A beefy tow bar, standard issue across the entire range, means you’re always ready to haul. Flat tire got you down? No worries. A full-size steel spare is on board. And those bold black ‘Rebel’ stickers plastered across the rear? Consider them a badge of honor, standard kit here, even if our friends across the pond have to pay extra.

| Dimensions | Ram 1500 Rebel | | — | — | |Length| 5916mm | |Width| 2474mm | |Height| 2006mm | |Wheelbase| 3672mm | |Tub length| 1702mm | |Tub width| 1295mm | |Tub depth| 543mm | |Tub volume (SAE)| 1.5m³ |

To see how the Ram 1500 stacks up against its rivals, use ourcomparison tool

What’s under the bonnet?

The Rebel roars to life with the "Standard Output" heart of Ram’s new beast: a 3.0-litre twin-turbo straight-six Hurricane engine. Unleashing 313kW and a colossal 635Nm of torque, it’s ready to tear up the terrain. Craving even more muscle? Only the Limited model unlocks the "High Output" variant, pushing the boundaries of power with a staggering 400kW.

| Specifications | Ram 1500 Rebel | | — | — | |Engine| ‘Standard Output’ 3.0L twin-turbo petrol inline-6cyl | |Power| 313kW | |Torque| 635Nm | |Transmission| 8-speed torque-converter automatic | |Drive type| Switchable 4-wheel drive | |Fuel economy (claimed)| 10.74L/100km | |Fuel tank capacity| 98L | |Kerb weight| 2612kg | |Payload| 893kg | |Braked towing capacity| 4500kg (70mm tow ball), 3500kg (50mm tow ball) | |Gross vehicle mass (GVM)| 3505kg | |Gross combination mass (GCM)| 7711kg | |Emissions standard| Euro 5 |

Fuel economy figures for the Rebel remained elusive during our brief encounters. However, after a spirited half-hour behind the wheel, one Rebel’s trip computer flashed a thirsty 13.3L/100km – a glimpse into its fuel appetite.

To see how the Ram 1500 stacks up against its rivals, use ourcomparison tool

How does the Ram 1500 drive?

Most of the Rebel’s mechanical enhancements relate to ride and handling, which means it’s just as quick as before.

Even with the "low-output" Hurricane turbo-six under the hood, the Rebel still knows how to throw a party. While we didn’t strap our testing gear to it at the launch, our previous encounter with the same engine – propelling a MY25 Ram 1500 Laramie Sport and Limited – yielded a blistering 0-100km/h time of just 5.8 seconds. Consider that your appetizer.

The proving ground was a swamp. Every horsepower felt like it was fighting a losing battle against the deluge. Still, even swimming in a downpour, the Rebel clawed for traction. We’re betting on a roughly six-second sprint to 100 km/h once the tarmac dries. That would leave the old 5.7-liter V8 Ram 1500 eating its dust, but the higher-output Limited models would still pull ahead. And let’s be honest, the Laramie Sport’s stickier tires would likely give it the edge in a drag race, even in these conditions.

Forget wrestling for traction in 2WD. Launching the Rebel demands 4WD Auto – its electronic brain instantly juggling power between axles to conquer any surface. Dare to floor it in 2WD on damp asphalt? Prepare for a white-knuckle ballet of spinning tires, as the Rebel claws its way to 100km/h in a smoky, sideways spectacle.

The traction control, however, feels like a safety net woven from thick rope. It only intervenes once the tires are screaming for mercy, preferring a dramatic loss of grip to subtle power modulation. Not ideal, but it does allow for some playful oversteer, a welcome rebellion against the Hurricane’s otherwise muted soundtrack.

Forget polite conversation. Let’s talk primal screams. While the Ram 1500’s Hurricane six might win a drag race against the outgoing Hemi V8 – sipping only slightly less fuel – it loses the war for your soul. That twin-turbo whistle can’t hold a candle to the chest-thumping thunder only eight naturally aspirated cylinders can deliver. Park a Hurricane Ram next to a Silverado 1500, and it’s not horsepower you’ll miss, it’s the visceral growl, the gut-punching rumble that reminds you what real American muscle sounds like. The Hemi is dead; long live the V8.

Truthfully, the standard Ram 1500 engine packs more punch than you’ll likely ever unleash, especially when the pavement ends. While the High Output option roars with untamed American muscle, attempting to tame that beast on a winding trail? Good luck. The standard engine offers the perfect balance of power and control for navigating off-road adventures.

Before tearing up the trails, let’s wrangle the Rebel’s road manners. While it boasts trail-ready Bilstein shocks and a lifted stance, beneath the surface lies a suspension setup echoing the Laramie Sport’s coil-spring DNA, begging the question: can this off-road warrior tame the blacktop?

At 2600kg, it commands the road with a poised confidence you’d expect. While minor road imperfections occasionally whisper through the chassis, the overall ride is luxuriously compliant – arguably even more forgiving than the air-suspended embrace of a Ram 1500 Limited.

The steering possesses a satisfying heft, guiding the Ram 1500 with laser-like precision, belying its imposing two-meter-plus girth. Newcomers to the large-truck world might initially find navigating cramped quarters a tad daunting. However, the Rebel’s composure through bends is remarkable, and it shrinks in perception as the road opens up, becoming surprisingly nimble on the highway.

Visibility is generally good, although the Rebel’s bulging hood is a constant presence in your forward view. While the side mirrors are generously sized and parking sensors plentiful, the absence of a surround-view camera feels like a glaring oversight considering its price point.

On the asphalt, the Rebel might raise eyebrows. But unleash it on the trails, and suddenly, itclicks. Yes, thrashing a six-figure machine through the undergrowth feels sacrilegious. But missing the point entirely.

The Rebel isn’t built to conquer the Rubicon, but rather to orchestrate your escape. Picture this: the sun bleeds across the Oodnadatta Track as you navigate red dirt roads, or hauling your bikes to that elusive trailhead. The Rebel thrives not on extreme rock crawling, but on enabling your next adventure, delivering you and your gear to where the pavement ends and the wild begins.

And for those purposes it will be brilliant, with all the enhancements you need for plenty of all-terrain capability.

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Unleash its Herculean strength. With a 4.5-tonne towing capacity (harnessed by a robust 70mm tow ball), effortlessly command caravans, boats, and horse floats. Banish worries of rocky terrain with enhanced ground clearance and resilient underbody armor, conquering obstacles with unwavering confidence.

The Rebel shrugged off Lang Lang’s brutal, mud-soaked trail like it was a Sunday drive. Sure, a few deep holes earned the front end some battle scars, but we never kissed the mud. Credit goes to those tenacious all-terrain tires, clawing for grip when the going got truly nasty.

The Rebel’s one Achilles’ heel? That imposing hood can become a visibility vulture when navigating tight trails, turning vehicle placement into a bit of a guessing game. But unless you’re planning on swimming through a swamp or scaling a near-vertical rock face, the Rebel’s got the guts to conquer almost anything. For a mud-slinging, rock-crawling, no-holds-barred exposé of its off-road prowess, head over to the childcareman.xyz YouTube channel.

Safety wasn’t a concern, thankfully. The only hiccup we encountered was the lane-keep assist system getting a bit overzealous whenever we flirted with the lane markings.

| Off-road dimensions | Ram 1500 Rebel | | — | — | |Track front and rear| 1741mm front, 1729mm rear | |Ground clearance| 240mm (front axle), 221.5mm (rear axle) | |Approach angle| 20.9º | |Departure angle| 22.2º | |Ramp breakover angle| 19.2º |

To see how the Ram 1500 stacks up against its rivals, use ourcomparison tool

What do you get?

There are currently three variants in the MY25 Ram 1500 lineup, though more are expected to follow.

2025 Ram 1500 Laramie Sport equipment highlights:

• Standard Output Hurricane engine
• 20-inch alloy wheels

• 275/55R20 tyres
• Full-size alloy spare

• Reflector LED headlights
• LED front fog lights
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Panoramic sunroof
• Proximity entry with push-button start
• Power tailgate with one-touch close function
• Power sliding rear window
• Rear privacy glass
• Lockable, drainable and illuminated RamBox storage compartments
• Spray-in tub liner
• Electronic parking brake
• Trailer brake controller
• Automatic lowering and retracting side steps
• Five drive modes (Auto, Sport, Tow, Snow, Off-Road)
• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
• 14.4-inch infotainment screen
• 10.25-inch front passenger infotainment touchscreen
• Wired and wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
• Satellite navigation
• Dual wireless smartphone chargers
• 19-speaker Harman Kardon sound system
• 5 x USB-C outlets
• 1 x HDMI port
• Power-adjustable pedals
• Electrochromatic rear-view mirror
• Power-adjustable front seats

• 8-way adjustment
• Driver’s memory
• 2-way power lumbar
• Heating
• Ventilation

• Heated outboard rear seats
• Second-row in-floor storage bins with removable liners
• Dual-zone climate control

The Rebel adds:

• 18-inch gloss black alloy wheels

• Full-size steel spare

• 32-inch Falken Wildpeak 275/65/18 all-terrain tyres
• Bilstein off-road dampers
• Underbody skid plates
• Unique grille
• Rebel decals
• Powder-coated front and rear steel bumpers
• Red and black interior

It misses out on RamBox cargo units, power side steps, fold-down rear centre console and ventilated front seats.

Over the Laramie Sport, the Limited adds:

• High Output Hurricane engine
• 22-inch alloy wheels

• 285/45R22 tyres

• Air suspension with three modes (Normal, Aero and Off-Road)
• Projector LED headlights and tail-lights with unlock animation
• Daytime running lights
• Proximity lighting with Ram logo projection
• Massaging front seats
• Ventilated outboard rear seats
• Digital rear-view mirror

To see how the Ram 1500 stacks up against its rivals, use ourcomparison tool

Is the Ram 1500 safe?

The Ram 1500 hasn’t been tested by ANCAP.

Standard safety equipment highlights:

• Front, front-side and curtain airbags
• Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)

• Junction assist
• Pedestrian and cyclist detection

• Adaptive cruise control
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Driver fatigue monitoring
• Evasive steering assistance
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Lane departure warning
• Lane-keep assist
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Reversing camera
• Tyre pressure monitoring

The 1500 Limited adds:

• Driver fatigue detection
• Evasive steering assist
• Intersection assist
• Traffic sign recognition
• Surround-view camera
• Front parking sensors

To see how the Ram 1500 stacks up against its rivals, use ourcomparison tool

How much does the Ram 1500 cost to run?

Roaring onto Aussie roads with unwavering confidence, every RAM truck is fortified with a 3-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. Think of it as a handshake guaranteeing adventure without limits. And to keep your RAM 1500 purring like a well-fed lion, schedule a service pit stop every 12 months or 12,000 km – whichever comes first to ensure peak performance.

| Servicing and Warranty | Ram 1500 | | — | — | |Warranty| 3 years, 100,000km | |Roadside assistance| 3 years, 100,000km | |Service intervals| 12 months or 12,000km | |Capped-price servicing| – |

Ram Trucks Australia doesn’t offer capped-price servicing.

To see how the Ram 1500 stacks up against its rivals, use ourcomparison tool

childcareman.xyz’s Take on the Ram 1500 Rebel

Forget practicalities; the Ram 1500 Rebel is pure, unadulterated American muscle unleashed on Australian soil. It’s no wonder the standard Ram 1500 reigns supreme here, but the Rebel? The Rebel rips up the rule book, throwing down a gauntlet to anything resembling tame off-road performance. If you crave adventure, the Rebel doesn’t just deliver; it conquers.

Forget everything you thought you knew about value. The Ram 1500 Rebel isn’t just rugged; it’s a steal. Somehow, Ram has managed to pack serious off-road chops into this beast without charging a penny more than the Laramie Sport, the gateway to the hurricane-force winds of their revamped engine lineup. We’re accustomed to the off-road kings of the mid-size truck world think D-Max and HiLux demanding a king’s ransom for their trail-ready upgrades. The Rebel throws that playbook out the window.

Okay, here’s a revised version:

"Sure, down here, the MY25 Ram 1500 already commands a hefty price tag north of $140,000. But the sheer value proposition of scoring either a standard Ram or this rugged, off-road-ready variant without shelling out extra is a definite win in our book, especially considering the impressive arsenal of gear it packs. The single compromise? A whisper less grip when you’re carving up the asphalt."

The Rebel leaves little room for complaint, and the future of the Ram 1500 lineup has us eagerly anticipating what’s next. Yet, a ghost from Ram’s past still haunts our dreams: the Hemi V8, a legend we can’t help but yearn for.

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