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A competitive landscape is emerging in the heavy-duty off-road truck sector. With the introduction of the Chevy Silverado HD ZR2 and the refreshed Ford Super Duty Tremor, Ram has updated its lineup, particularly with the 2025 Ram 2500 Power Wagon and 2500 Rebel HD. These updates aim to enhance design and technology, solidifying Ram’s longstanding dominance in this segment.
Extensive testing of the Power Wagon reveals its unique position, bolstered by superior off-road features. Meanwhile, the Rebel HD has significantly improved, especially with its upgraded turbodiesel engine. However, the Rebel HD’s suspension system results in a stiffer ride compared to the Power Wagon.
Power Wagon and Rebel HD: Engine specifications
The 2025 Ram 2500 Power Wagon does not offer a turbodiesel engine, unlike the Silverado HD ZR2 and Super Duty Tremor. Instead, it features a familiar 6.4-liter V-8 engine that produces 405 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque. While adequate, this engine lacks the modernity and refinement of Ford’s 7.3-liter Godzilla V-8.
In contrast, the Rebel HD comes with a standard gas V-8 engine, but also offers an optional 6.7-liter Cummins inline-6 turbodiesel for an additional $12,595. This engine delivers an impressive torque output of 1,075 lb-ft, appealing to those requiring robust towing capabilities. While it surpasses Chevy’s 975 lb-ft, it falls short of Ford’s 1,200 lb-ft. Notably, the Cummins engine has undergone significant revisions for 2025, including a new turbocharger and an upgraded 8-speed automatic transmission, boosting performance and efficiency.
Performance improvements
The modifications have enabled the Ram 2500 with the upgraded turbodiesel to accelerate from 0-60 mph in a remarkable 6.9 seconds, a clear improvement over the previous model’s 8.0 seconds. This performance boost, combined with quicker cold starts and easier maintenance, positions the Rebel HD competitively. The 8-speed automatic transmission ensures smooth, rapid shifts, maintaining performance even under load without the cumbersome nature of Ford’s 10-speed transmission when towing.
Off-road capabilities and ride quality
The ride quality of these trucks remains a defining trait. The Power Wagon, equipped with soft Bilstein shocks, offers a surprisingly smooth ride on and off the road, ideal for tackling rugged terrains. In contrast, the Rebel HD’s firmer suspension enhances towing and hauling capabilities, contributing to a harsher ride.
During testing in Nevada’s Old Kingman Highway Recreational area, the two trucks showcased their strengths. The Power Wagon, featuring an electronic disconnecting front sway bar and front locker, maintained traction over uneven surfaces. Conversely, the Rebel HD struggled with wheel spin due to the absence of these features, a disparity that became evident on gravel roads, where the Power Wagon’s softer suspension allowed for aggressive driving without compromising comfort.
Towing and payload capacities
The towing and payload capabilities highlight the differences in design philosophy between the two models. The Rebel HD can tow up to 17,130 pounds and haul 3,320 pounds with the gas V-8. These figures increase to 19,890 pounds for towing with the turbodiesel option, although the payload capacity decreases to 2,450 pounds. In contrast, the Power Wagon is primarily designed for off-road performance, with towing capabilities limited to 10,530 pounds and a payload capacity of 1,570 pounds, providing a more comfortable ride quality on rough terrain.
Design updates and interior features
The 2025 Ram HD lineup has received several aesthetic updates. The front end features revised headlights and grilles, presenting a more aggressive stance. Although the headlights have not increased in height, their new design creates that illusion. The rear design has been simplified, aligning it more closely with the updated 2025 Ram 1500.
Inside, the Ram HD trucks continue to offer superior interior quality. A standard 12.0-inch touchscreen remains, with an optional upgrade to a 14.5-inch screen that enhances functionality through digital button integration. Additionally, a new column-mounted electronic gear selector has replaced the rotary shift knob, responding to customer feedback for a more user-friendly experience.
Extensive testing of the Power Wagon reveals its unique position, bolstered by superior off-road features. Meanwhile, the Rebel HD has significantly improved, especially with its upgraded turbodiesel engine. However, the Rebel HD’s suspension system results in a stiffer ride compared to the Power Wagon.0