2020 Ram 1500 Rebel Crew Cab 4×4

Supremely capable, dependable strong
By Durhl Caussey
Durhl Caussey
Durhl Caussey
February 15, 2020Updated: February 15, 2020

Welcome to the third generation turbocharged Rebel. Stronger than ever.

The 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 engine is for the first time available on Ram 11500 Rebel. It features best-in-class performance with a torque of 480 lb-ft and a towing capacity of 12,560 pounds. All this power is governed through an 8HP75 8-speed automatic transmission.

Other engine options are a 3.6L Pentastar gasoline V6 and two flavors of a 5.7L HEMI V8.

The availability of the EcoDiesel makes a great, affordable half-ton diesel pickup with a price tag starting at $38,585 with destination charge. However, the Rebel I drove listed for a whopping $49,485. The Ram 1500 Rebel 4X4 achieves 19 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.

The transmission occasionally appeared to groan or struggle slightly through the cycle, which caused a slight tremor in the steering wheel.

Rebel stands strong with an invincible attitude. The suspension has an one-inch lift versus the stock ones, giving a 9.7-inch ground clearance and a rugged posture. LED head lamps with dual signature, fog lamps, and tail lamps help Rebel make you safer and more noticeable.

Epoch Times Photo
Suspension with an extra 1-inch lift. (Courtesy of FCA Media)

The unique black grille, together with steel black front bumper and 18-inch gloss black wheels, contrast the Flame Red Clear-Coat exterior paint. These black parts come from the $525 Black Appearance Package.

Four-Wheel Drive, electronic locking rear axle, skid plates, tow hooks, and Hill Descent Control let the Ram Rebel take on tough terrains. At the same time, you also have finer things like the dampened tailgate, which offers an even and consistent assist in all environments. All this beauty rests on 18-inch aluminum wheels.

Inside, there was a major focus on the available Rebel 12 package, which adds a 12-inch infotainment touchscreen that controls the 19-speaker Harman Kardon Premium Sound System. Software smart is provided by Uconnect 12 with Navigation. This $2,995 package also brings luxury leather-trimmed bucket seats.

Epoch Times Photo
The interior of the Rebel. (Courtesy of FCA Media)

On top of the heated, luxury trimmed bucket seats, additional comfort and convenience are provided by heated steering wheel and SiriusXM Traffic Plus.

Standard safety equipment on the Rebel model include advanced multi-stage front and rear airbags, supplemental front seat side-impact airbags, side impact beams, seatbelt pre-tensioners, brake assist, and rear parking sensors.

Other available safety and convenience features include Full Speed Forward Collision Warning Plus, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Lane Keep Assist, and Automatic High Beam.

Rebel’s excellent interior and strong work ethics, positive hard buttons and knobs (Yeah! for knobs) provide access to entertainment and comfort features. All the items and contents mentioned above helps Rebel to compete quite nicely with rivals like the Ford Raptor.

Rebel handles well off-road even at high speeds and it stops with a perfect balance. Rebel climbs like a mountain goat along narrow trails, but never loses its poise and sophistication on paved roads.

Warranty Coverage
3-year/36,000-mile Basic Limited Warranty
5-year/60,000-miles Powertrain Limited Warranty
5-year/60,000-miles Roadside Assistance

Durhl Caussey writes a column read around the world. He may be reached at this paper or [email protected].