2025 Ram Rebel 1500 Review
It’s the most affordable American ute in the Ram line-up and this twin turbo off-roader offers a great ride on and off the beaten path.
This could be the most capable full-sized ute to hit Australian roads yet.
The 2025 Ram 1500 Rebel is the latest American pick-up to be remanufactured for local conditions.
It joins the 1500 range as an off-road specialist, and also happens to be the cheapest model in the line-up.
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Ram Trucks Australia has chosen not to increase the price of the Ram Rebel. Instead, it will be set at the same level as the street-focused Laramie Sport – about $152,000 drive-away.
The Rebel comes with lifted Bilstein off-road suspension, black 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 32-inch all-terrain tyres and steel bumpers designed to improve off-road approach and departure angles.
There are extra underbody protections that add a layer of durability, while a spray-in tub liner and powered tailgate make it practical for everyday use.
The payload capacity has increased compared to the entry-level 1500 Laramie Sport, up from 863kg to 893kg, while towing remains a substantial 4.5 tonnes with a 70mm ball.
Inside, the Rebel is well-equipped, and the inclusion of physical buttons makes switching into four-wheel drive quick and easy.
Highlights include a 14.4-inch infotainment screen, 12-inch driver display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual wireless phone chargers and a 19-speaker Harman Kardon Sound system. The panoramic sunroof and LED headlights come standard.
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Under the bonnet, the Rebel features Stellantis’ new “Hurricane” twin-turbo six-cylinder engine.
It produces more power and torque than the Hemi V8 it replaces – 313kW and 635Nm – and is paired with an eight-speed automatic.
Now there’s no hiding that this is a massive vehicle, the Hurricane engine literally gives it away.
The moment you settle into the driver’s seat, you’re immediately reminded of the Ram badge — it’s genuinely impressive.
On the road, the Rebel feels strong and responsive.
There’s plenty of torque for confident overtaking on highways, and the ride stays smooth at higher speeds. Road noise does increase on the highway, though that’s expected with all-terrain tyres.
Off-road, the combination of the locking rear differential, suspension lift and all-terrain tyres gives the Rebel genuine ability.
While we didn’t push it to the extreme, it handled well on gravel roads and rutted tracks with confidence.
The Rebel’s commanding presence does come with drawbacks.
The thick front pillars create noticeable blind spots, and the overall height of 2057mm will prevent it from fitting in some undercover parking lots — just something to keep in mind.
All Rams are imported from the US in left-hand-drive and are remanufactured in right-hand-drive in Australia. The process employs around 250 workers who strip the vehicle down and rebuild it to Australian standards and specifications.
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This extensive re-engineering process is a key reason why Australia receives a higher premium on Ram vehicles compared to their value in the United States.
Overall, the Ram 1500 Rebel is a capable, well-rounded addition to the brand’s current line-up here in Australia.
Ram is giving customers an option that combines off-road ability with strong towing and payload capacity while having the ability to be a comfortable daily.
It’s safe to say it remains an excellent pick-up choice for those who want the best of both worlds.
Originally published as 2025 Ram Rebel 1500 Review
