Ram Truck revamped the 1500 series for 2025, making a lot of changes that change the persona of the truck on paper, but don’t really change much in feel.
The 2025 Ram 1500 no longer has a V8 engine option, falling in line with most of the full-sized pickup makers on the market right now. Instead, there are two turbocharged six-cylinder options–both straight-liners. This means no more Ram TRX, of course, but these new sixes have more power than the outgoing 5.7-liter Hemi. The standard turbo-6 outputs 420 horsepower and the high-output (RHO) version puts out 540. The standard, non-turbo V6 is still there as well, outputting 305 horsepower. And the eight-speed automatic transmission is still standard.
The good news is that towing and hauling haven’t suffered with the engine changes. The 2025 Ram 1500 has a maximum payload of 2,300 pounds and maximum towing of 11,580 pounds. Depending on configuration.
With the new 2025 Ram 1500, my favorite Rebel model is still an option as well. This has long been my favorite trim level for the Ram. It’s a reasonably-priced off-roader with a few added interior goodies and some great looks. It’s not super-fancy like the new Titanium trim level, but it won’t require a second mortgage either.
The Ram Rebel is basically a base model Ram 1500 Tradesman with some added off-road gear. This includes an electronically-locking rear differential, a suspension upgrade with better shocks, underbody skid plates, and that aggressive Rebel hood. There’s also some convenience add-ons like a power-sliding rear window, a household-type outlet, larger touchscreen and driver information displays, and alloy wheels.
The 2025 Ram 1500 Rebel is a solid general-use off-roader, has good towing and hauling capabilities, and a nice interior. One of the reasons I like Ram Trucks so much are their interiors. There’s a spot for everything. Easy phone holders with wireless charging, a multi-functional center console, saddle bags under the rear floor mats, about 1,000 cup holders in the crew cab, and big, plush seating.
I like Ford and GM trucks too, but for interiors, the Ram models just really hit it right.
While I had the 2025 Ram Rebel, I loaded up the family and a borrowed Taxa Outdoors camping trailer and we headed into the hills west of Laramie. We camped in the woods for a couple of days, watching moose, migrating geese, and fish in the clear waters. My kids forgot about half of their tent’s parts, so they slept al fresco in the Rebel’s bed. And were perfectly fine for it.
The 2025 Rebel has a starting price of about $66,000. The comparable LT Trail Boss version of the Chevrolet Silverado is about the same price once an engine upgrade from the base level turbo-four is made. The closest Ford F-150 to compare to the Rebel is the Tremor package, which is about the same price as well.
Hauling around a family of five, including our camping gear and trailer, the Ram 1500 Rebel was a great rig. For interior comfort and daily driving, the Ram 1500 is my favorite truck.
