The RAM 1500 has cemented itself as Australia’s favourite full-size American pickup, dominating the segment for seven years running. Now, for the first time, the Rebel variant is being offered locally, slotting into the lineup as a more adventurous, off-road-focused alternative to the luxurious, cruiser-focused Laramie Sport and Limited.
It arrives with the new-generation 3.0-litre twin-turbo ‘Hurricane’ inline-six engine under the bonnet, along with uprated suspension and tyres, and treats to trick up the imposing exterior design. On paper, it looks like the most versatile RAM 1500 yet. Out on the road and the dirt, it largely lives up to that promise as well, although it stops short of being a true rival to some hardcore off-roaders.
2025 RAM 1500 Rebel: Specifications
Engine: 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline-6 petrol
Output: 313kW@5200rpm / 635Nm@3500rpm
Gearbox: Eight-speed auto
Drive type: RWD/4WD, locking rear differential
Wheels: F & R: 18×8.0, 275/65Kerb weight: 2612kg
Power-to-weight: 8.34:1 (kg:kW)
Official consumption: 10.7L/100km
Fuel tank/Fuel type: 98L/91 RON
Power efficiency: 29.25kW:L/100km
0-100km/h: 5.96 seconds*
Starting price: $141,950
*Figures as tested by Driving Enthusiast on the day. Manufacturers’ claims may be different
2025 RAM 1500 Rebel: How much does it cost?
Prices start from $141,950 for the Rebel (excluding on-roads). That’s identical to the Laramie Sport. Considering the enhancements you get here, the prices stacks up quite well. At least relative to current new-car prices in Australia.
It does lose some features, however, such as the retractable side steps and RAM’s innovative RamBox storage solution, which are standard on the other two variants. I’ll explain why later on.
2025 RAM 1500 Rebel: Interior & packaging
One of the Rebel’s standout qualities is its interior. Quite simply, it is the best in the class as far as I’m concerned. Build quality feels excellent, with solid materials and a real sense of refinement that’s rare in vehicles of this size and type. And that’s despite being converted to right-hand drive here in Australia, after being shipped over from America.
The cabin is also vast, as you’d expect, offering a huge amount of passenger space both front and rear, while storage is plentiful with deep bins, big cupholders, and clever cubbies throughout. There’s also more than enough USB-A/C ports around the place. Literally at least two for every passenger.
Technology is also a highlight. The Rebel inherits the same premium equipment you get in the Laramie Sport, including a massive 14.4-inch central touch-screen, a 12-inch digital driver’s cluster, and even a 10.25-inch passenger-side screen. Don’t worry about passengers distracting you with that screen as it features a special privacy film over the top, so it doesn’t show any display from the angle of the driver’s seat.
Add in a panoramic sunroof, 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio, dual wireless phone chargers, and heated leather seating, and it becomes clear this is no stripped-back work ute. You also get the storage boxes within the floor on both sides in the back, and more storage under the entire bench seat. Seriously, if you can’t find a spot for your things in here, you simply have too many things.
The only real compromise compared with other 1500 variants is that the Rebel doesn’t offer the RamBox storage system in the tub sidewalls. Instead, it gets a full-size tub (25mm wider), which does make sense for those carrying larger loads like dirt bikes or camping gear. Payload is rated at 893kg – the highest of the current local lineup (863kg for Laramie Sport and 782kg for the Limited) – further boosting its practicality credentials.
Unlike the other variants, this misses out on the automatically-retracting side steps as mentioned. These are only removed for the sake of improving off-road clearances, and to make it easier for customers wanting to install after-market rock sliders and the such.
Strangely, the clearance figures are only marginally better than the Laramie Sport. This offers 240mm of ground clearance at the front axle and 221.5mm at the back, up from 217mm and 220mm, respectively.
At the front you have an approach angle of 20.9 degrees, up from 20.2 in the Laramie Sport. Again, not a major difference. The ramp-over angle is 19.2 degrees, up from 18.7, and the departure angle is 22.2, up from 21.7. That’s despite coming equipped with a one-inch lift.
In our opinion, it should come with a unique front bumper to help improve the approach angle. This does feature a unique scratch-resistant coating for the front and rear bumpers, however.
2025 RAM 1500 Rebel: Powertrain & handling
Under the bonnet sits a 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline-six ‘Hurricane’ petrol engine, producing 313kW and 635Nm. This is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with RWD, 4A, 4H, and 4L driving modes. The Rebel adds a locking rear differential as well.
On the road, it immediately impresses with its refinement and smoothness. The power delivery is linear, yet when you put your foot down, it pulls harder than the old V8. We’ve tested 0-100km/h in 5.8 seconds in the Laramie Sport. This recorded a best of 5.96 seconds on a wet surface at Lang Lang proving ground, and with the Falken all-terrain tyres (275/65, front and back).
It’s a small shame the Rebel doesn’t get the high-output (HO) version of this engine (405kW), but in truth, that would probably push it into TRX territory. Even so, the standard tune offers more than enough grunt for towing, hauling, or simply enjoying a quick blast down the highway.
Fuel economy is also respectable for the segment, with an official average rating stamped at 10.7L/100km – the same as the Laramie Sport. However, we suspect this will sip a bit more than the Laramie in the real world due to the chunky all-terrain tyres.
As we’ve seen in the Laramie Sport, it is possible to see figures as low as 9.5L/100km with extended highway use. You might remember we recently drove one from Sydney to Melbourne and about one quarter of the way back on one tank (98L). That’s around 1117km. Not bad for a big beast like this.
The Rebel’s suspension setup features Bilstein off-road shocks, a one-inch lift, and 32-inch all-terrain tyres. On rough tracks, it feels more composed than the Laramie and Limited thanks to the added clearance and grip. And then the locking rear diff and added underbody protection further boost its off road capability.
However, we feel it’s not quite at the level of the Silverado ZR2, which benefits from a cut-away front bar and steeper approach angle (31.8 degrees). The Rebel, instead, strikes a balance between off-road ability without compromising on-road refinement.
On tarmac, it is remarkably comfortable and compliant for such a large truck. Ride quality is excellent with those new dampers, even with the all-terrain tyres (which often use stiffer sidewalls), and body control is well contained. It doesn’t feel nervous or unsettled at highway speeds, and the steering – while light – is predictable and precise enough for this type of vehicle.
2025 RAM 1500 Rebel: Key attractions/reasons to buy
- Segment-leading interior: The Rebel sets a benchmark for space, storage, and overall refinement in the full-size ute class in our view.
- Strong engine performance: The twin-turbo inline-six is a gem, combining smooth power delivery with serious pace. It’s quicker than the old V8.
- Generous standard features: Sunroof, leather, big screens, premium audio — it’s loaded with kit straight from the box.
- Bigger payload: At 893kg, the Rebel offers the highest payload in the latest-gen RAM 1500 range.
- Balanced capability: More off-road ready than the Laramie or Limited, yet still refined enough for daily driving. The Bilstein dampers are superb.
2025 RAM 1500 Rebel: Key considerations before you buy
- Not as hardcore as some rivals: Approach and departure angles are only marginally increased over the regular variants.
- No high-output engine option: The standard Hurricane is excellent, but the lack of ‘HO’ option will leave some enthusiasts wishing for more.
- No RamBox option: Losing the clever integrated storage might disappoint some buyers who’ve come to appreciate it on other trims.
2025 RAM 1500 Rebel: First impressions
The 2025 RAM 1500 Rebel is a welcome addition to the local lineup. It injects a tougher, more off-road-oriented flavour into the range without sacrificing the premium refinement the 1500 is known for. While it doesn’t go as far into the hardcore off-road space as some rivals, including the old TRX, it might not need to. For the majority of buyers, the blend of ruggedness and everyday usability will be spot on.
2025 RAM 1500 Rebel: Video
