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The landscape of heavy-duty off-road trucks is evolving, with new contenders such as the Chevy Silverado HD ZR2 and a revamped Ford Super Duty Tremor entering the market. However, Ram remains committed to maintaining its dominance in this segment, which it has defined over the years. The latest models, the 2025 Ram 2500 Power Wagon and 2500 Rebel HD, have emerged with significant updates, showcasing advancements in design and technology.
While the Power Wagon continues to stand out with its robust off-road capabilities, the Rebel HD now features a notably enhanced turbodiesel engine option, positioning it as a more formidable competitor. Despite these advancements, the Rebel HD’s suspension system poses challenges for its overall performance.
Power Wagon specifications and capabilities
Unlike its competitors, the 2025 Ram 2500 Power Wagon does not offer a turbodiesel option. This model is equipped with a traditional 6.4-liter V-8 engine, which delivers 405 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque. While this engine performs adequately, it is less advanced compared to the 7.3-liter Godzilla V-8 found in Ford’s offerings.
The Rebel HD starts with a gas V-8 engine but offers an optional 6.7-liter Cummins inline-6 turbodiesel engine for $12,595. This engine’s appeal lies not only in its 430-hp output but also in its remarkable 1,075 lb-ft of torque, crucial for those relying on their trucks for heavy-duty work. This torque rating surpasses Chevy’s 975 lb-ft but falls short of Ford’s 1,200 lb-ft. The 2025 model incorporates substantial revisions, including a new turbocharger and improved intake manifold, enhancing acceleration and performance.
Performance improvements
Thanks to these updates, the Cummins turbodiesel engine now achieves 0-60 mph in just 6.9 seconds, a significant improvement from the previous 8.0 seconds. These enhancements also facilitate quicker cold starts and simplified maintenance, making it an attractive choice for buyers. The accompanying 8-speed automatic transmission provides efficient, smooth gear shifts, further enhancing the driving experience.
Rebel HD’s capabilities and ride quality
Ram Heavy Duty Chief Engineer Doug Killian has acknowledged the demand from Power Wagon enthusiasts for a turbodiesel option. However, he noted ongoing engineering challenges, particularly regarding oil pan clearance with the Power Wagon’s front suspension. Currently, the Rebel HD caters to those seeking a balance between off-roading and utility, with a towing capacity of up to 17,130 pounds and a payload capacity of 3,320 pounds with the gas engine.
When equipped with the turbodiesel, towing capacity increases to an impressive 19,890 pounds, though payload capacity decreases slightly to 2,450 pounds. In contrast, the Power Wagon is limited to a maximum towing capacity of 10,530 pounds and a payload limit of 1,570 pounds. This limitation facilitates a smoother ride, as its suspension system prioritizes comfort over raw hauling power.
Comparative off-road performance
During off-road tests in Nevada’s Old Kingman Highway Recreational area, differences between the two models became evident. The Rebel, lacking an electronic disconnecting front sway bar, struggled with traction, often lifting a wheel off the ground. In contrast, the Power Wagon maintained better traction and stability, demonstrating its superior off-road capabilities. Additionally, the Power Wagon’s softer suspension allowed it to navigate uneven terrain at higher speeds with ease, while the Rebel’s firmer setup resulted in a harsher ride.
Design evolution and interior updates
Both the Power Wagon and Rebel HD have undergone design revisions, featuring updated headlight and grille designs. The new grilles present a bolder appearance, while the rear of the trucks has been streamlined for a cleaner look. The Power Wagon continues to utilize 18-inch wheels with 33-inch all-terrain tires, while the Rebel opts for larger 20-inch wheels with the same tire size.
Inside, the 2025 models retain the luxurious feel of their predecessors, offering options for a 14.5-inch touchscreen alongside the standard 12.0-inch display. The interior remains user-friendly, with a column-mounted electronic gear selector now standard across all models, a change driven by customer feedback. This shift away from the dash-mounted rotary shift knob has been well-received by fans of traditional gear selectors.
Pricing and market positioning
While the Power Wagon continues to stand out with its robust off-road capabilities, the Rebel HD now features a notably enhanced turbodiesel engine option, positioning it as a more formidable competitor. Despite these advancements, the Rebel HD’s suspension system poses challenges for its overall performance.0
While the Power Wagon continues to stand out with its robust off-road capabilities, the Rebel HD now features a notably enhanced turbodiesel engine option, positioning it as a more formidable competitor. Despite these advancements, the Rebel HD’s suspension system poses challenges for its overall performance.1