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The heavy-duty off-road truck segment is experiencing intense competition, with major players like Chevrolet and Ford enhancing their offerings. The introduction of the refreshed 2025 Ram 2500 Power Wagon and Rebel HD is a significant development for Ram, which has long maintained a strong position in this market. These updates in design and technology aim to solidify Ram’s standing against newer entrants.
Both models feature refined aesthetics and improved capabilities, particularly the Rebel HD, which now includes a more powerful turbodiesel engine option. This addition targets buyers who prioritize performance and heavy-duty functionality.
Power Wagon and Rebel HD: Key updates
The 2025 Power Wagon remains a reliable choice for off-road enthusiasts. However, it does not offer the turbodiesel engine option available in competing models. Instead, it utilizes a familiar 6.4-liter V-8 engine, producing 405 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque. While this engine performs adequately, it falls short compared to Ford’s modern 7.3-liter Godzilla V-8 in terms of power and refinement.
Rebel HD’s competitive edge
Conversely, the Rebel HD retains the gas V-8 as its standard engine, while offering an optional 6.7-liter Cummins inline-6 turbodiesel for an additional $12,595. This engine provides a robust 430 horsepower and an impressive 1,075 lb-ft of torque, appealing to buyers focused on utility and towing capabilities. Although the Rebel HD’s torque rating exceeds Chevrolet’s 975 lb-ft, it still lags behind Ford’s notable 1,200 lb-ft.
Updates to the Cummins engine for 2025 include a new turbocharger and intake manifold, along with enhancements for easier maintenance, such as a top-loading cartridge-style oil filter. The transition from a 6-speed automatic to an 8-speed automatic transmission has significantly improved acceleration, achieving 0-60 mph in just 6.9 seconds, a remarkable improvement from the previous model’s 8.0 seconds.
Performance and ride quality
Ride quality is a defining characteristic of both trucks. The 2025 Power Wagon excels in comfort, thanks to its soft Bilstein off-road shocks, designed to provide a smoother experience over challenging terrains. In contrast, the Rebel HD features firmer dampers that prioritize capability over comfort, resulting in a more jarring ride.
Real-world performance comparisons
During an off-road excursion in the Old Kingman Highway Recreational area, the differences between the two trucks became evident. The Power Wagon, equipped with an electronic disconnecting front sway bar and front locker, maintained better traction and stability when navigating uneven surfaces. Conversely, the Rebel, lacking these features, experienced wheel spin and struggled with traction.
Furthermore, while traversing broken gravel roads, the Power Wagon’s superior suspension allowed for quicker travel without sacrificing comfort, leaving the Rebel’s driver contending with a rougher ride.
Specifications and pricing insights
The Rebel HD offers impressive towing capabilities, reaching up to 17,130 pounds with the gas V-8 and up to 19,890 pounds with the turbodiesel engine. Its payload capacity varies, supporting 3,320 pounds with the gas engine and 2,450 pounds with the turbodiesel. In contrast, the Power Wagon is designed more for off-road capability, with a maximum towing capacity of 10,530 pounds and a payload limit of 1,570 pounds.
In terms of pricing, the 2025 Ram Power Wagon starts at $74,235, reflecting an increase compared to the previous year, while the Rebel HD is priced at $70,740. These figures illustrate the ongoing challenge Ram faces against competitors like Ford and Chevrolet, which provide more modern engines at lower price points.
Both models feature refined aesthetics and improved capabilities, particularly the Rebel HD, which now includes a more powerful turbodiesel engine option. This addition targets buyers who prioritize performance and heavy-duty functionality.0