Topic: Test Drive: 2015 Ram Rebel Crew Cab 4X4

[Autos_Editor]

While not as hard-core as the Ford Raptor, the new Ram Rebel is not afraid to get its 33-inch rubber boots a little muddy.
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[Ex-airbalancer]

I wonder if they sell any with a v6?

[redman]

A diesel would be ideal for off-roading and rock climbing, whereby high torque at low RPM are best suited.
So, FCA not only offers a diesel but has fitted one to the other Ram lineup, but I don't see it offered here and have to ask why ?

[mrthompson]

I hate the giant RAM emblems on the front & back.  Ugh.  Nice truck otherwise.

[OliverD]

A diesel would be ideal for off-roading and rock climbing, whereby high torque at low RPM are best suited.
So FCA not only offers a diesel but has fitted one to the other Ram lineup but I don't see it offered here and have to ask why ?

They strangely don't offer the Cummins in the 3/4 ton Power Wagon either.

[Ex-airbalancer]

Have to remember in the U.S., diesel is usually 25¢ more a gallon, and is Diesel engine production running at max? They may not have enough diesels to put them into all their models

[OliverD]

Yeah, in person the front emblem isn't that bad.

[Noto]

Nice write-up, Jeff!  Am I correct in assuming that the Wilson brother on the KLR = Scott?  I still want to meet this famed celebrity.

As I'm about to embark on a trans-provincial camping/hiking adventure through the Rocky Mountains, I am, indeed, envious of this truck's capabilities.  Surely the Buick will suffice, but it would be so nice to not have to worry about the vehicle 'making it' or grounding out if we decide to tackle a logging road just 'cuz .  And the icing on the cake is that I doubt the 17 year old Buick will manage better than 15L/100km through the mountains with its 160hp 3.1L V6 (with new head gasket ).  yuck.

As for the truck, it has to be said:

psshhawwww, my dad's Corolla could totally handle that.  Also - No, no it can't.  Nice trail find in the flats of Ontario!

As for the fascia:


I can only say this:

https://youtu.be/oNk6-0rDdto?t=18

I don't think it's going to be as successful in terms of styling for those looking to pay a premium for an off-roader, but it is significantly cheaper than the Raptor...soo....

[PJAvenger]

Although I am not a fan of that nose, I would indeed liked to have had the red highlights and seats in my 1500.  That looks very nice.

Noticed this vehicle doesn't have a button for 4WD Auto like mine does either, so no 4WD on demand?  That comes in handy in the winter when you don't want the lock on.

[Ex-airbalancer]

Although I am not a fan of that nose, I would indeed liked to have had the red highlights and seats in my 1500.  That looks very nice.

Noticed this vehicle doesn't have a button for 4WD Auto like mine does either, so no 4WD on demand?  That comes in handy in the winter when you don't want the lock on.

the auto 4wd only in high price models , I think Big Horn and higher

[Fobroader]

Thats cute and all.....I love when large, accountant driven corporations make something "offroady", its so cute. The Raptor was good, the Power Wagon was closer....this thing, hahahahahaha....oh thats funny. No lockers, those BFGs are not off road ready at all, all that cute plastic cladding will get removed by mother nature very quickly...also, where does one place the high lift jack to get you out of ruts. I get it, they can't make a class 7 buggy because of tree huggers and they can't put real bumpers on them because of pedestrian protection crap and the fact they will crush your little hatchback but I hate that they have all this propaganda on basically how you can conquer all mountains and put some numbers on it and go line up at the Dakar. 

[Noto]

I'm so excited to meet you and your ranting ways, Fob!

[Great_Big_Abyss]

I wonder if they sell any with a v6?

From the article:

The Rebel comes standard with the Pentastar 3.6L V6

A diesel would be ideal for off-roading and rock climbing, whereby high torque at low RPM are best suited.
So FCA not only offers a diesel but has fitted one to the other Ram lineup but I don't see it offered here and have to ask why ?

They strangely don't offer the Cummins in the 3/4 ton Power Wagon either.

I questioned this myself, especially when my Dad bought a PowerWagon in 2010.  Apparently the factory mounted winch takes up the space where the diesel's intercooler would otherwise go.  ALSO, the diesel weighs considerably more than the Hemi, which would be a detriment to it's off-roading ability.  Finally, the Hemi apparently offers better low speed throttle response than does the diesel.  These are the reasons I've gleaned from Chrysler by reading various reviews and articles over the years.

Now, from a personal objective point of view:  The Hemi offers more than enough grunt to surmount any situation it may find itself in.  410 lb-ft of torque is what the Cummins made in the Rams from the 90's. 

[Ex-airbalancer]

I wonder if they sell any with a v6?

From the article:

The Rebel comes standard with the Pentastar 3.6L V6

[/color]

Just because it is offered does not mean they sell any 

[Great_Big_Abyss]

Oh, that's what you mean.

Totally misinterpreted that.

[PJAvenger]

Although I am not a fan of that nose, I would indeed liked to have had the red highlights and seats in my 1500.  That looks very nice.

Noticed this vehicle doesn't have a button for 4WD Auto like mine does either, so no 4WD on demand?  That comes in handy in the winter when you don't want the lock on.

the auto 4wd only in high price models , I think Big Horn and higher

The Rebel is quite a bit higher than the Big Horn, sitting just below the Longhorn and Limited.  Alas, the interior is model specific.

[DriverJeff]

Nice write-up, Jeff!  Am I correct in assuming that the Wilson brother on the KLR = Scott?  I still want to meet this famed celebrity.

Yup.. that's the only brother I know of.  Last I heard from him, he was in an ex Soviet hospital operating room in Estonia (posted a creepy photo on Instagram/Twitter yesterday). 

[Stilllovetrucks]

A regular cab and a 6' box would be the best for youthful midlife crisis adventures......... but no way at $60k......

Someone come in with a fun truck at $28k puhleeeeeease......

I do love all the design cues...... the big ram on the tailgate was on the little junior truck years ago......

[Fobroader]

A regular cab and a 6' box would be the best for youthful midlife crisis adventures......... but no way at $60k......

Someone come in with a fun truck at $28k puhleeeeeease......

I do love all the design cues...... the big ram on the tailgate was on the little junior truck years ago......

You can probably find a killer SRT10 Ram at about the $30k mark and if you are looking at an SVT Lightning, thats easily doable for way under $30k. If you want to go offroad, again, way cheaper ways to do it for under $30 and trucks and offroad, not really. If you are looking for a basic truck truck, do not go new, find a nice, used beater truck and use that around the house.

[Stilllovetrucks]

How come no puts yellow turn signals on their tail lights ??  chevy did for a couple years and abandoned it.......
All red for any vehicle now is just too ancient and less safe....