Argomenti trattati
The landscape of heavy-duty off-road trucks is becoming increasingly competitive as manufacturers such as Chevy and Ford introduce new models. In response, Ram has updated its flagship offerings: the 2025 Ram 2500 Power Wagon and the 2500 Rebel HD. These updates aim to defend Ram’s long-held position in this segment while enhancing the capabilities of its trucks.
With the arrival of the Chevy Silverado HD ZR2 and a refreshed Ford Super Duty Tremor, Ram’s updates to the Power Wagon and Rebel HD models come at a critical time. Both trucks feature enhanced designs and cutting-edge technology. Notably, the Rebel has received significant improvements to its available turbodiesel engine option, making it a more formidable contender.
Power Wagon’s enduring legacy and engine options
Unlike its competitors, the 2025 Ram 2500 Power Wagon does not offer a turbodiesel engine option at present. Instead, it continues to rely on the robust 6.4-liter V8 engine, delivering 405 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque. While this engine is reliable, it falls short compared to Ford’s more modern 7.3-liter Godzilla V8.
Conversely, the Rebel HD is equipped with the standard gas V8 engine, but it also offers a powerful 6.7-liter Cummins inline-six turbodiesel as an optional upgrade for $12,595. This engine boasts a remarkable 1,075 lb-ft of torque, appealing to those who prioritize towing capacity in their trucks. Although this torque figure exceeds that of Chevy’s 975 lb-ft, it still lags behind Ford’s impressive 1,200 lb-ft.
Engine enhancements for 2025
The 2025 model year introduces substantial modifications to the Cummins turbodiesel engine, including a redesigned turbocharger, a new intake manifold, and upgraded oil and fuel filter setups. Additionally, Ram has transitioned from a six-speed automatic transmission to an eight-speed automatic, improving acceleration from 0-60 mph to 6.9 seconds, a significant reduction from the previous 8.0 seconds.
These changes result in enhanced cold starts and simpler maintenance, allowing drivers to experience smoother transmission performance, particularly while towing. The eight-speed automatic transmission is known for its quick, seamless shifts, offering a more refined driving experience compared to Ford’s ten-speed transmission.
Suspension and off-road capabilities
Despite various enhancements, the suspension systems of these trucks remain distinct. The Power Wagon features a more comfortable ride due to its softer Bilstein off-road shocks, designed primarily for off-road crawling. In contrast, the Rebel HD, with its stiffer suspension setup, sacrifices ride comfort for enhanced towing and hauling capabilities.
The Rebel can handle impressive towing capacities of up to 17,130 pounds and payloads of 3,320 pounds when equipped with the gas V8. However, these figures increase to 19,890 pounds for towing and decrease to 2,450 pounds for payload with the optional turbodiesel engine. The Power Wagon, designed for different purposes, has a towing capacity of 10,530 pounds and a payload limit of 1,570 pounds, prioritizing ride quality over sheer hauling capability.
Real-world performance on rugged terrain
During testing in the challenging terrain of the Old Kingman Highway Recreational Area in Nevada, the differences between the two trucks became apparent. As the Rebel struggled with traction due to its lack of an electronic disconnecting front sway bar and front locker, the Power Wagon maintained its composure, keeping its front tires grounded and ensuring better grip.
On rough gravel roads, the Power Wagon’s superior suspension allowed for a comfortable ride, enabling it to traverse uneven surfaces at higher speeds. Meanwhile, the Rebel’s firmer setup required a more cautious approach to avoid discomfort for the driver.
Design updates and interior features
With the arrival of the Chevy Silverado HD ZR2 and a refreshed Ford Super Duty Tremor, Ram’s updates to the Power Wagon and Rebel HD models come at a critical time. Both trucks feature enhanced designs and cutting-edge technology. Notably, the Rebel has received significant improvements to its available turbodiesel engine option, making it a more formidable contender.0
With the arrival of the Chevy Silverado HD ZR2 and a refreshed Ford Super Duty Tremor, Ram’s updates to the Power Wagon and Rebel HD models come at a critical time. Both trucks feature enhanced designs and cutting-edge technology. Notably, the Rebel has received significant improvements to its available turbodiesel engine option, making it a more formidable contender.1
With the arrival of the Chevy Silverado HD ZR2 and a refreshed Ford Super Duty Tremor, Ram’s updates to the Power Wagon and Rebel HD models come at a critical time. Both trucks feature enhanced designs and cutting-edge technology. Notably, the Rebel has received significant improvements to its available turbodiesel engine option, making it a more formidable contender.2
With the arrival of the Chevy Silverado HD ZR2 and a refreshed Ford Super Duty Tremor, Ram’s updates to the Power Wagon and Rebel HD models come at a critical time. Both trucks feature enhanced designs and cutting-edge technology. Notably, the Rebel has received significant improvements to its available turbodiesel engine option, making it a more formidable contender.3