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The heavy-duty off-road segment is experiencing significant changes as competitors such as the Chevy Silverado HD ZR2 and the Ford Super Duty Tremor make notable advances. The 2025 Ram 2500 Power Wagon and Rebel HD are set to join this competitive landscape, introducing fresh updates. Ram, a long-standing leader in this category, demonstrates its commitment to innovation with these enhancements.
Both the Power Wagon and Rebel HD present important design and technological upgrades, catering to distinct audiences. The Rebel HD features a major enhancement with its optional turbodiesel engine, improving its competitive edge. In contrast, the Power Wagon continues to carve out its niche with unmatched off-road capabilities.
2025 Ram 2500 Power Wagon
While competing models are offering turbodiesel options, the 2025 Ram 2500 Power Wagon remains unique by not currently providing this feature. Instead, it relies on a robust 6.4-liter V-8 engine, which produces 405 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque. Although reliable, this powertrain lacks the modern refinement seen in Ford’s 7.3-liter Godzilla V-8.
On the other hand, the Rebel HD boasts a gas V-8 as its standard engine, but what truly attracts buyers is the upgraded $12,595 6.7-liter Cummins inline-6 turbodiesel. This engine delivers 430 horsepower, but its impressive 1,075 lb-ft of torque is particularly appealing for those in need of serious towing capacity. In comparison, Chevy’s engine offers 975 lb-ft, while Ford’s leads with 1,200 lb-ft, placing the Rebel HD in a competitive position following its 2025 enhancements.
Engine optimizations and performance
The 2025 model year introduces significant refinements to the Cummins turbodiesel, including a new turbocharger, an updated intake manifold, the addition of glow plugs, and an 8-speed automatic transmission that replaces the previous 6-speed. These advancements lead to improved acceleration, with the time to reach 60 mph now recorded at 6.9 seconds, a marked improvement from the outgoing model’s 8.0 seconds. These enhancements ensure quicker cold starts and easier maintenance, contributing to a more enjoyable driving experience.
2025 Ram 2500 Rebel HD
Doug Killian, Chief Engineer for Ram Heavy Duty, has acknowledged the demand for a turbodiesel option in the Power Wagon. Despite recent improvements to the Cummins engine, challenges in integrating it with the Power Wagon’s front suspension have impeded progress. The electronic disconnecting front sway bar currently presents compatibility issues.
Nonetheless, Ram’s team is attuned to the competitive environment and has received feedback from Power Wagon enthusiasts eager for a turbodiesel upgrade. Killian expressed confidence in overcoming engineering hurdles, but did not confirm whether developments for incorporating a turbodiesel into the Power Wagon are underway.
Off-road capabilities and ride quality
The driving experience remains impressive. The 2500 Power Wagon offers a remarkably comfortable ride, thanks to its soft Bilstein off-road shocks designed for navigating rugged terrains. In contrast, the Rebel HD features a stiffer ride due to its firmer suspension tuning, which prioritizes towing and hauling capacity over comfort.
The Rebel HD boasts impressive towing capabilities of up to 17,130 pounds and a payload capacity of 3,320 pounds with the gas V-8 engine. With the turbodiesel, it can tow even more—up to 19,890 pounds—while the Power Wagon is limited to 10,530 pounds of towing and 1,570 pounds of payload. This distinction in purpose emphasizes the Power Wagon’s superiority in ride quality on challenging terrains.
Design updates and interior enhancements
Visually, the Ram HD lineup has undergone a redesign, particularly evident in the headlights and grille. While the headlights retain their original size, their stacked design alters their visual impact. The new grille adds an imposing presence with horizontal and vertical bars that enhance its bold look.
Both the Power Wagon and Rebel HD present important design and technological upgrades, catering to distinct audiences. The Rebel HD features a major enhancement with its optional turbodiesel engine, improving its competitive edge. In contrast, the Power Wagon continues to carve out its niche with unmatched off-road capabilities.0
Interior features and technology
Both the Power Wagon and Rebel HD present important design and technological upgrades, catering to distinct audiences. The Rebel HD features a major enhancement with its optional turbodiesel engine, improving its competitive edge. In contrast, the Power Wagon continues to carve out its niche with unmatched off-road capabilities.1
Both the Power Wagon and Rebel HD present important design and technological upgrades, catering to distinct audiences. The Rebel HD features a major enhancement with its optional turbodiesel engine, improving its competitive edge. In contrast, the Power Wagon continues to carve out its niche with unmatched off-road capabilities.2
Both the Power Wagon and Rebel HD present important design and technological upgrades, catering to distinct audiences. The Rebel HD features a major enhancement with its optional turbodiesel engine, improving its competitive edge. In contrast, the Power Wagon continues to carve out its niche with unmatched off-road capabilities.3