For those in search of a lifestyle pick-up truck, options have been (and still are) rather limited. With the Americans dominating the segment, the RAM Rebel 2018 carves a niche for itself and does its best to stand out in front of its more popular rivals, the Chevrolet Silverado, Ford F-150, and GMC Sierra. Although the RAM isn’t the benchmark-setter in its class, it does put up a tough fight with plenty on offer bundled at a great price.
Exterior
Although RAM trucks have been known for their lavish use of chrome, the Rebel opts for a slightly different approach with black decals and darkened trim that exude a menacing aura. The bold lettering that embellishes the grille is aggressive, as are the non-functional vents that sit proudly atop the bulging hood.
Complimenting its two-tone paint scheme and 17-inch alloys are a thick bash plate and an air suspension set-up that guarantee sufficient amount of ground clearance and safety when venturing off-road. Speaking of fun in the sand, the RAM Rebel is also armed with large ‘RAM Boxes’ on either side which come equipped with an in-built drain plug to store ice, drinks, and food items for that upcoming picnic.
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Interior
Large on the outside and just as spacious on the inside, the cabin of the 2018 RAM Rebel is comfortable and very well designed with several neat touches. Large enough to transport five adults in limo-like comfort, the American pick-up truck is home to an 8-inch infotainment screen, a 9-speaker Alpine audio system, heated seats, heated steering wheel, a sunroof and plenty more.
Despite taking design cues from upmarket offerings, the location and design of the rotary gear selector is a bit of a mismatch to the rest of the pick-up truck’s rugged interior. Plenty of storage space allows for added practicality, while the in-built phone holder (rubber clip) is both ingenious and revolutionary since it allows the cupholders to be used for actual drinks. Other manufactures, please take note.
Drive
With 395 horsepower and 556 Nm of torque available on tap, the RAM Rebel isn’t lacking any grunt. Its 5.7-liter Hemi V8 is tough, reliable, and powerful, but most importantly daily-friendly, with cylinder deactivation switching off cylinders when cruising at highway speeds for better fuel economy. On tarmac, the Rebel’s low torque availability equates to head-pinning acceleration that surpasses its rivals.
Off the beaten path, the RAM Rebel feels more at home with its sizable dimensions unaffected by the openness of its surroundings. Four levels of adaptive air suspension ensure adequate clearance over dunes and crests, while the 8-speed automatic transmission allows drivers to shuffle through cogs manually should need be. Power delivery is available in three modes (2WD, 4WD Low, 4WD Lock) with the latter splitting the distribution of power evenly between the front and rear wheels.
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Verdict
The Rebel is RAM’s answer to the Chevrolet Silverado, Ford F-150, and GMC Sierra. While it simply cannot compete with the monstrous Raptor, the Rebel sits comfortably below it, offering plenty of tech and practicality at a fraction of the price. For AED 235,000 it’s a lot of car and you really can’t go wrong.
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