Driving Experience of the Ram 1500 Rebel - The Ultimate Off-Road Truck
Introduction
Today, we are testing the remarkable Ram 1500 in its Rebel variant, specifically designed for off-road adventures. It’s important to note that the Ram Rebel is not a direct competitor to the Ford Raptor; the Raptor is a different beast altogether, tailored for high-speed off-road driving. The Ram Rebel, being an upgraded version of the Ram 1500, is more comparable to the Ford F-150 or the Chevrolet Silverado. Let’s delve deeper into the Ram Rebel during our experience today.
Exterior Design
Right away, you can recognize the Ram Rebel by its distinctive black accents, starting with the front grille, which is black instead of chrome, unlike other Ram models. The Rebel also features black fender flares and a unique hood design with prominent vents that are purely decorative plastic pieces.
However, the metal skid plate at the bottom is not just for looks; it provides increased ground clearance and added protection for the front and underside of the truck, enhancing confidence when tackling unpaved roads. The Ram Rebel truly stands out as one of the most aggressive-looking trucks in its class.
From the side, the Rebel is equipped with running boards along the doors to assist with entry. To further ease access or loading in the back, it features an air suspension system that can be controlled directly from the vehicle key. Additionally, the Rebel includes "Ram Boxes" above the rear wheels, which can serve as storage compartments for tools and can be drained of any liquids through a special opening.
At the rear, one of the main attractions of owning such a vehicle is the massive truck bed, which is also equipped with a movable divider to secure items during transit. Of course, you can always purchase a cover from the dealer to enhance the protection of your cargo.
Interior Design
Upon entering the cabin, it’s immediately clear that this is the Rebel variant, thanks to the prominent Rebel logos throughout the interior. This version features dark red accents on the dashboard, instrument panel, and doors, along with leather seating.
One thing I noticed inside the Rebel is the prevalent use of lightweight plastic, which made me handle everything with utmost care to avoid accidental breakage. I hope that the 2019 model will include more premium materials like metal or carbon fiber to enhance the interior quality and reflect the ruggedness of the exterior, especially at the price point of 244,000 AED.
Passengers in the rear seats enjoy ample space, particularly beneficial for camping enthusiasts; the rear seats can fold up to create a completely flat surface, perfect for playing cards or even sleeping, especially with the small rear window that opens electrically.
Technological Features
The Ram Rebel comes well-equipped for a truck in this segment; it offers keyless entry and ignition, dual-tone leather seats with power adjustments and heating, a dual-zone automatic climate control system, and the "Uconnect" entertainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, navigation, and Bluetooth connectivity with voice commands.
The driver benefits from an information display on the instrument panel that can be controlled via buttons on the steering wheel, along with cruise control and gear shift buttons on the steering wheel.
What particularly caught my attention was the mobile phone holder. Nowadays, smartphones are an essential part of our lives, and it often ends up getting placed in cup holders or storage spaces that are either too big or too small. However, Ram has ingeniously provided a dedicated phone holder that securely holds your device in place and keeps it visible, with special openings for charging cables, accommodating two phones at once. I wish this simple yet brilliant invention were available in every vehicle.
Driving Performance
It’s not surprising to find it challenging to drive this type of vehicle in city streets due to its size and length. However, with the Ram Rebel, this has become easier thanks to the rear parking sensors and camera, along with an air suspension system that provides a smoother ride, which pleasantly surprised me given the truck’s 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine that generates 395 horsepower and 556 Nm of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission controlled via a dial on the dashboard.
Yet, the true capabilities of the Ram Rebel shine through on rough terrains, with the air suspension increasing the vehicle’s height and providing ample ground clearance, working in harmony with the four-wheel-drive systems that greatly facilitate overcoming rocks and obstacles, making even the toughest trails feel manageable with this powerhouse of a truck.
Final Verdict
The Ram Rebel is a truck that offers substantial utility, and it is definitely a contender worth considering. However, at its price of 244,000 AED, I believe we deserve a higher quality interior and significant updates that are now available in competitor trucks. I expect the 2019 model to address these issues, but currently, with the model we have today, I think it could be a more compelling option in the market if it were priced 30,000 to 40,000 AED lower.
