The 2015 Ram 1500 Rebel was a bold entry into the off-road truck segment. This comprehensive review delves into its powertrain, exterior and interior design, infotainment system, and driving experience, offering valuable insights for potential buyers.
Powertrain: Hemi Power and a Clever Transmission
The 2015 Ram 1500 Rebel featured an optional 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 engine, churning out 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque. While not the most powerful in its class, the engine’s performance was enhanced by a smooth and efficient 8-speed ZF automatic transmission. This transmission kept revs low during highway driving, contributing to better fuel economy. Its off-road performance was also commendable, holding gears appropriately based on terrain and driver input. The steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters allowed for manual gear selection when needed. However, one minor drawback was a slight delay in acceleration when passing at highway speeds.
A 3.92 rear axle was standard, with an optional 3.21 ratio available. Both could be equipped with an anti-spin rear differential for enhanced traction. Our test model featured the 3.92 axle with anti-spin, delivering impressive climbing and acceleration capabilities. The Rebel boasted a towing capacity of 9,600 pounds and a payload capacity of 1,211 pounds.
Exterior: A Polarizing Design
The 2015 Ram 1500 Rebel’s exterior styling was undeniably bold and polarizing. The massive “RAM” badge on the tailgate and the equally prominent Ram logo on the front grille were distinctive, to say the least. Black plastic cladding helped to tone down the aggressive lines somewhat. The overall design was a departure from previous Ram models, signaling a more rugged and adventurous aesthetic.
The Rebel stood out with its chunky 285/70R17 Toyo Open Country A/T tires, mounted on dark gray wheels. While the cladding might have been excessive for some, it contributed to the Rebel’s tough and capable appearance.
Interior: Comfortable and Functional
The interior of the 2015 Ram 1500 Rebel offered comfortable, oversized seats. The high-contrast red and black color scheme, along with “Rebel” badging on the glove box and instrument panel, further emphasized the truck’s off-road focus. Embroidered Ram logos on the seats and an embossed tread pattern on the seatbacks added nice touches.
The controls were designed for easy access and use, even with gloves on. While not as ergonomically advanced as some competitors, the cabin was a pleasant and functional space. Minor drawbacks included a somewhat difficult-to-read instrument cluster and a poorly placed 12-volt power outlet. However, thoughtful features like the gripped phone holders under the infotainment screen were a welcome addition.
Infotainment: Uconnect Functionality
The 2015 Ram 1500 Rebel came equipped with Ram’s 8.4-inch Uconnect infotainment system. It offered decent functionality, although the graphics could have been sharper, and the Bluetooth interface could have been more user-friendly. Overall, Uconnect was a solid system, but improvements in navigation integration and display resolution would have been beneficial.
Driving Experience: Off-Road Prowess
The Ram Rebel’s ride was stiffer than expected due to its Bilstein dampers, providing a firm on-road experience. However, this stiffness translated into impressive off-road capability. The adjustable air suspension, offering four inches of height adjustability, allowed for customization based on driving conditions. In off-road situations, the Rebel excelled, providing ample ground clearance and communicative feedback to the driver. The chunky tires delivered excellent grip and traction on challenging terrain. On the highway, the tires produced noticeable road noise.
The Ram 1500 Rebel ultimately felt more like a larger and more capable Jeep Wrangler Rubicon than a direct competitor to the Ford Raptor. It offered a unique blend of off-road capability and on-road comfort, making it a compelling choice for adventurous drivers.
