Ever since bursting onto the scene 10 years ago, the Ram 1500 Rebel has set a new bar for performance in the full-size segment. Off-road-ready pickups have now become par for the course in the decade since the Rebel’s debut, but Ram’s own offering was well ahead of the curve, combining the company’s reputation for reliable, heavy-duty performance with the sort of rugged off-road equipment that allows drivers to tackle even the most challenging terrain. From its factory-lifted suspension and upsized tires to countless interior upgrades, a visit to your local Ram dealer will prove that the Rebel represents a more practical alternative to the recent slate of over-engineered––and often overpriced––off-road super trucks.
Now, 10 years on, Ram is introducing a new commemorative version of the trailblazing pickup with the debut of the Ram 1500 Rebel X. Outfitted with a generous complement of off-road equipment––not to mention some exclusive styling details and an all-new form of off-road cruise control––the Rebel X serves as the ideal showcase for everything Ram has learned about navigating the road less traveled. Read on as we explore the 2025 Ram 1500’s two off-road trims and see how the automaker is building on its considerable success in the sporty segment.
2025 Ram 1500 Rebel
The Rebel might be marking its 10th anniversary, but Ram has managed to keep the full-size pickup feeling fresh with a full slate of new features. Like every model in the 2025 Ram 1500 lineup, the Rebel has been treated to a mid-cycle refresh that includes updated infotainment tech, new lights, fresh wheel designs, and some stylish exterior upgrades that keep the truck looking as modern as ever. While these features are sure to garner their fair share of attention, it’s the addition of Ram’s new Hurricane engine that marks the most significant improvement over the 2024 model. While some might be disappointed to see the departure of the legendary HEMI V8, they’re sure to be won over by its replacement.
Here Comes a Hurricane
The inclusion of twin turbochargers allows the 3.0-liter Hurricane I-6 to outperform its HEMI forerunner, providing drivers with 420 hp in the Rebel. That’s a 25-hp improvement over the HEMI, but how does the new I-6 stack up when it comes to torque? Again, the Hurricane leaves the HEMI in the dust with 469 lb-ft of pure pulling power to the V8’s 410 lb-ft. That’s good enough to give the 2025 Ram 1500 a max towing capacity of 11,570 lbs and a max payload of 1,980 lbs.
New engine aside, it’s the Rebel’s arsenal of off-road equipment that really sets it apart from the rest of the 2025 lineup. Featuring a one-inch suspension lift, tow hooks, 33-inch off-road tires, and sturdy skid plates, the Ram 1500 Rebel has all the equipment you need to ensure peace of mind when leaving the asphalt behind. While some of today’s “off-road” models amount to little more than sporty appearance packages, Ram has taken a decidedly different approach in crafting the Rebel. The full-size pickup comes standard with four-wheel drive, an electronic locking rear axle, and a set of performance-tuned shock absorbers courtesy of the off-road experts at Bilstein.
Clever Tech Features
Ram has also made some important upgrades to the Ram’s Uconnect infotainment system for 2025. Not only has the brand replaced the 8.5-inch touchscreen with a standard 12-inch (or available 14.5-inch) display, but it also added an optional 10.25-inch screen for the front seat passenger. An available Off-Road Pages feature turns the main infotainment display into a one-stop shop for all the data you need for a successful outing. From coolant temp and transfer case status to pitch, roll, and more, Off-Road Pages allows drivers to track pertinent info at a quick glance.
The Rebel’s off-road equipment might get all the headlines, but few realize that the trim also turns the Ram 1500 into one of the more luxurious and tech-centric models in the lineup. Heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with two-way power lumbar support keep everyone nice and cozy, while an active noise control system keeps road noise to a minimum for a more serene driving experience. Clever tech features like GPS navigation and an integrated voice command system make the Rebel feel thoroughly modern, while a 115-volt auxiliary rear power outlet turns the bed into the perfect place to recharge your electronics or power some must-have outdoor accessories. Throw in HD radio, SiriusXM with 360L, and a nine-speaker audio system with subwoofer, and it’s easy to see why the Ram 1500 Rebel has become such a standout in the lineup.
Rebel X
The Rebel X represents the latest evolution of Ram’s off-road lineup. It’s a well-rounded package that turns the already-capable pickup into an eye-catching off-road machine that pays homage to a decade of Rebel-powered fun. It all starts with the Rebel Level 2 Equipment Grou, which is normally offered as a $2,495 addition to the Rebel trim. The luxury-focused package sees numerous upgrades to the pickup’s tech and comfort resume, ranging from a 19-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system and 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot to automatic power-folding mirrors, dual wireless charging pads, a driver-seat memory function, heated second-row seats, rain-sensing wipers, and a feature that turns your smartphone into another way to access and start your vehicle. Drivers will also be treated to the new-for-2025 14.5-inch infotainment screen, plus the auxiliary 10.25-inch passenger seat infotainment screen, a power-folding tailgate, and proximity approach and departure lamps that’ll help to light the way.
A Rebellious Style
Those looking to set themselves apart from the crowd will appreciate the Rebel X’s long list of exclusive appearance and styling upgrades. The Rebel is already quite the looker with its black-accent door handles, side mirrors, bumpers, and grille, but the Rebel X takes it one step further with a powder-coated bumper and Rebel 10th Anniversary side graphics that center around a distinctive “X” decal. The Rebel X has also been bestowed with an exclusive Mojave Sand paint color that evokes the sort of harsh desert terrain where the truck is most at home.
Ram has spent plenty of time gussying up the interior, treating drivers to leather bucket seats that are set off by a bold “X” logo, red accent stitching, and red seat inserts. The cab’s center console features a commemorative lid adorned with a special edition black and red metal badge, while a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob lend the interior an unmistakably premium feel. Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters give owners the chance to have a little more control over the driving experience, but it’s the dual-pane panoramic sunroof that really ties the cabin together, illuminating all the package’s premium features while creating a brighter, more open interior.
Rough Road Cruise Control
But we’re really burying the lead when it comes to the Rebel X package. While the pickup’s tech and styling advancements are there for the whole world to see, it’s an ingenious little performance feature that really distinguishes the Rebel X from its cohorts in the Ram lineup. The Rebel X sees the debut of Ram’s new Rough Road Cruise Control (RRCC) feature. Marketed as a form of off-road cruise control, RRCC handles all the busy work of off-road driving, allowing drivers to focus on the road ahead. In addition to maintaining your desired speed, RRCC will automatically adjust the truck’s suspension and steering weight in response to changing road conditions that are monitored hundreds of times per second. The feature is just as handy when descending a steep off-road grade as it is when trying to navigate a trailer through a particularly dicey stretch of road, making RRCC an invaluable addition to the storied Ram 1500.
An Impressive Record of Off-Road Performance
Between the Ram 1500 Rebel and the new Rebel X, Ram is building upon an impressive record of off-road performance. The addition of the new Hurricane I-6 is a boon to the entire Ram lineup, but the torque-rich power plant is an especially good match for the two Rebel options. Ram has taken a balanced approach in designing the models, balancing brawny off-road performance with a wealth of comfort and convenience features that make the pickups just as satisfying on paved roads as they are when speeding through the backcountry. Given the fact that the Rebel X package was introduced to commemorate the off-road trim’s 10th anniversary, it remains to be seen whether it will return for the 2026 model year. Odds are that Ram will keep the package around in some form––or bundle its features into other optional equipment packages––but if you’re looking to celebrate a decade of off-road performance and are won over by the Rebel X’s snazzy graphics, it’s probably best not to take that chance.
