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As the landscape of heavy-duty off-road trucks evolves, competition intensifies. The introduction of the Chevy Silverado HD ZR2 and the redesigned Ford Super Duty Tremor has prompted Ram to update its 2025 models, the 2500 Power Wagon and 2500 Rebel HD. Ram has long been a dominant player in this segment, but competition is eager to challenge its reign.
Both the Power Wagon and Rebel HD showcase significant enhancements in design and technology, while the Rebel HD boasts improvements to its available turbodiesel engine. A thorough review reveals that while the Power Wagon excels in off-road capability, the Rebel HD has emerged as a more formidable contender thanks to its turbocharged diesel engine.
Power Wagon: sticking to the classics
The 2025 Ram 2500 Power Wagon maintains its identity with a traditional 6.4-liter V8 engine, delivering 405 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque. Although reliable, this engine does not match the modernity or power of Ford’s 7.3-liter Godzilla V8. The absence of a turbodiesel option sets the Power Wagon apart from competitors like Chevy and Ford, who have embraced the high-torque diesel market.
Rebel HD’s new diesel option
In contrast, the Rebel HD offers the gas V8 as standard, with an optional 6.7-liter Cummins inline-six turbodiesel available for an additional $12,595. The appeal for many buyers lies not only in its 430 horsepower but also in its substantial 1,075 lb-ft of torque, which is crucial for heavy-duty applications.
This updated diesel engine has undergone extensive revisions for 2025, featuring a redesigned turbocharger and intake manifold, and a shift from a 6-speed to an 8-speed automatic transmission. These enhancements have improved acceleration times, allowing the new model to achieve 0-60 mph in just 6.9 seconds, a notable improvement over the previous model’s 8.0 seconds.
Suspension systems and ride quality
In terms of ride quality, the Power Wagon stands out with its soft Bilstein off-road shocks, delivering a comfortable experience both on and off-road. This design prioritizes comfort over heavy towing capabilities. Conversely, the Rebel HD features a stiffer suspension setup, sacrificing some comfort for enhanced towing and hauling abilities.
Towing capacity comparison
The Rebel HD boasts impressive specifications, with a towing capacity of up to 17,130 pounds and a payload capacity of 3,320 pounds when equipped with the gas V8. When paired with the turbodiesel, the towing capacity increases to 19,890 pounds, showcasing its utility. In contrast, the Power Wagon is rated for a maximum towing capacity of 10,530 pounds, as it is primarily designed for off-road performance rather than utility.
During test drives along Nevada’s Old Kingman Highway Recreational area, the distinct capabilities of each truck became apparent. The Rebel HD struggled with wheel spin and lost traction on uneven surfaces due to its lack of an electronic disconnecting front sway bar and front locker. In comparison, the Power Wagon maintained traction and navigated these challenges effortlessly, demonstrating its superior off-road prowess.
Exterior and interior updates
The exterior of both models has been refreshed with updated headlights and grilles, contributing to a more aggressive appearance. While the changes may appear subtle in photographs, they enhance the trucks’ imposing presence on the road. The rear features simplified new taillights that align with the aesthetic of the updated 2025 Ram 1500.
Inside, the 2025 Ram HD models uphold their reputation for luxury. The standard 12.0-inch touchscreen now has an optional upgrade to a 14.5-inch display, incorporating digital buttons that were once physical. Additionally, the introduction of a column-mounted gear selector has been well received, replacing the previous rotary shift knob.
Both the Power Wagon and Rebel HD showcase significant enhancements in design and technology, while the Rebel HD boasts improvements to its available turbodiesel engine. A thorough review reveals that while the Power Wagon excels in off-road capability, the Rebel HD has emerged as a more formidable contender thanks to its turbocharged diesel engine.0
Both the Power Wagon and Rebel HD showcase significant enhancements in design and technology, while the Rebel HD boasts improvements to its available turbodiesel engine. A thorough review reveals that while the Power Wagon excels in off-road capability, the Rebel HD has emerged as a more formidable contender thanks to its turbocharged diesel engine.1