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The landscape of heavy-duty off-road trucks is evolving as competitors like the Chevy Silverado HD ZR2 and Ford Super Duty Tremor enter the market. However, Ram continues to define this segment with its latest offerings. The 2025 Ram 2500 Power Wagon and Rebel HD feature significant enhancements in design and technology, aiming to strengthen their market position.
Notably, the Rebel HD has seen major improvements in its optional turbodiesel engine, enhancing its competitiveness. While the Power Wagon excels in off-road capabilities, the Rebel HD is quickly closing the gap thanks to its upgraded engine, albeit with a somewhat harsher ride quality.
2025 Ram 2500 Power Wagon: A Steadfast Performer
Unlike its competitors, the 2025 Ram 2500 Power Wagon does not offer a turbodiesel engine option. Instead, it relies on a proven 6.4-liter V-8 engine, producing 405 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque. Although this engine is effective, it lacks the modern refinement found in Ford’s 7.3-liter Godzilla V-8, which provides greater power and efficiency.
Rebel HD’s Revitalized Engine Options
The Rebel HD comes standard with a gas V-8 engine but offers an optional upgrade to a 6.7-liter Cummins inline-6 turbodiesel engine for an additional $12,595. This engine produces 430 horsepower and an impressive 1,075 lb-ft of torque, making it ideal for heavy-duty tasks. While this torque rating surpasses Chevy’s 975 lb-ft, it still falls short of Ford’s benchmark of 1,200 lb-ft.
For 2025, significant revisions to the Cummins engine include a new turbocharger, an upgraded intake manifold, and improved oil filtration systems. The previous 6-speed automatic transmission has been replaced with an 8-speed automatic, resulting in enhanced acceleration. The 0-60 mph time has improved from 8.0 seconds to just 6.9 seconds, highlighting the effectiveness of these updates.
The Rebel HD and Power Wagon Experience
Despite mechanical advancements in the Rebel HD, Ram’s Heavy Duty Chief Engineer Doug Killian has noted that a turbodiesel option for the Power Wagon has not been realized due to compatibility issues with the truck’s suspension design. The Power Wagon continues to stand out with features such as a front electronic locker and a disconnecting sway bar, enhancing its off-road performance.
Performance and Ride Quality Comparisons
When it comes to ride quality, the Power Wagon excels with a plush ride, courtesy of its soft Bilstein off-road shocks. In contrast, the Rebel HD, although equipped with Bilstein dampers, sacrifices comfort for capability, leading to a harsher ride. The Rebel HD offers impressive towing capacity—up to 17,130 pounds with the gas V-8 and even more with the turbodiesel—but this comes at the expense of ride smoothness.
During tests in rugged terrains, such as the Old Kingman Highway Recreational region of Nevada, differences between these trucks became apparent. The Power Wagon’s superior suspension provided better traction and control during off-road climbs, while the Rebel struggled due to the absence of an electronic sway bar and front locker. On uneven gravel roads, the Power Wagon’s softer suspension allowed for a more comfortable experience, while the Rebel’s stiffer setup resulted in a jarring ride.
Refinements and Updates for 2025 Models
Visually, the 2025 Ram 2500 lineup has undergone a facelift, featuring new headlights and an updated grille for a more aggressive appearance. Both the Power Wagon and Rebel HD now sport a combination of horizontal and vertical grille bars, enhancing their road presence. The rear end has also been streamlined with simpler taillights that align with the brand’s modern aesthetic.
Inside, both models maintain Ram’s reputation for luxurious interiors, with updates including a standard 12.0-inch touchscreen and an optional upgrade to a 14.5-inch version. Customer feedback has led to the introduction of a column-mounted electronic gear selector, improving user convenience.
Notably, the Rebel HD has seen major improvements in its optional turbodiesel engine, enhancing its competitiveness. While the Power Wagon excels in off-road capabilities, the Rebel HD is quickly closing the gap thanks to its upgraded engine, albeit with a somewhat harsher ride quality.0
Notably, the Rebel HD has seen major improvements in its optional turbodiesel engine, enhancing its competitiveness. While the Power Wagon excels in off-road capabilities, the Rebel HD is quickly closing the gap thanks to its upgraded engine, albeit with a somewhat harsher ride quality.1