The automotive world thrives on halo models that embody off-road excellence, and automakers are keen to deliver. Ford boasts the Raptor, GM presents the Colorado ZR2, Toyota champions the Tacoma TRD Pro, and Ram offers the Power Wagon. However, the Power Wagon sometimes flies under the radar in terms of media attention. Perhaps aiming to amplify their off-road presence, or simply recognizing a smart opportunity, Ram reimagined the 1500 in 2016, birthing the Rebel – a truck engineered for off-road adventures and outdoor enthusiasts.
Sporting a distinctive front grille, assertive body lines, and strategic suspension enhancements, the Rebel quickly drew comparisons to the Raptor. Yet, it didn’t quite match the Ford’s extreme prerunner capabilities. Ram has consistently refined the Rebel since its inception, and the 2019 model year marked a significant refresh. This wasn’t just a minor update; it was a substantial leap forward for the 2019 Ram Rebel.
My history with the Rebel isn’t new. Back in April 2018, I had a brief “first impressions” experience with the truck, exploring its initial highlights in Los Angeles. While insightful, that initial encounter was limited to city streets, traffic, and urban potholes. It lacked the depth I craved. Therefore, securing a 2019 Ram Rebel for a full week was essential to truly understand its capabilities and character.
Exterior Styling: A Bold Statement
The 2019 Ram Rebel makes a striking first impression. Simply walking out and seeing the Flame Red and Diamond Black two-tone Ram Rebel 2019 waiting, engine already warmed thanks to remote start, was a delight. From every angle, the truck’s aesthetics were undeniably pleasing, with the paint scheme adding an extra layer of boldness to its persona.
The sides exuded a sleekness that perfectly complemented the aggressive “face” of the Rebel. Ram maintained the signature trapezoidal grille shape, prominently featuring a large silver “RAM” logo. Below, a robust bumper incorporated a skidplate-style element, drawing attention to the subtly protruding tow hooks. The exterior design of the 2019 Ram 1500 Rebel is, in my opinion, a resounding success. The two-tone paint, distinctive wheels, and the ruggedly assertive fascia all contribute to its appeal.
The headlights underwent a significant redesign for the 2019 model, and the result is impressive. The daytime running lights (DRLs) positioned beneath the main beams are both stylish and functional, ensuring uncompromised nighttime illumination. A noteworthy feature is the cornering lights that activate during nighttime turns, illuminating the direction of the turn and deactivating as the steering wheel straightens.
The bed, while utilitarian, offered ample space at 6 feet 4 inches – standard for the Quad Cab configuration of this 2019 Ram Rebel. It featured a practical spray-in liner. Notably absent were the Rambox storage compartments in the fenders and any electrical outlets. The tailgate was manually operated, which aligns with the bed’s overall focus on functionality over frills. In essence, the bed of the 2019 Ram Rebel is its most straightforward and practical aspect, which is perfectly acceptable for a truck designed for adventure.
Interior Comfort and Technology
Matching the exterior’s cool factor, the interior of the 2019 Ram Rebel is well-executed. Accessibility and ergonomics are clearly prioritized; everything is logically placed and intuitive to use.
The centerpiece of the interior is the substantial infotainment screen, housing the UConnect 3 system. Its 8.4-inch display boasts a user-friendly interface that is both enjoyable and easy to navigate (when parked, of course). Through UConnect, you can manage climate control, navigation, music, and phone calls – the latter two also controllable via steering wheel buttons. Audio is delivered through a six-speaker system, adjustable via UConnect’s equalizer. Personally, I appreciate Sirius XM radio, and it sounded excellent even with the standard speaker setup in the 2019 Ram Rebel.
The center console houses additional controls, including trailer brake management, USB and auxiliary ports, and switches for traction control and parking sensors. The console itself is remarkably spacious, featuring a sliding cupholder/storage tray. The presentation highlighted the center console’s nearly two cubic feet of storage, a feat partly achieved by relocating the shifter and 4×4 controls to the lower dashboard.
While the Quad Cab configuration of this 2019 Ram Rebel offers less rear passenger space compared to a Crew Cab, it provides a cost saving of approximately $3,000. However, the front seats are undoubtedly the prime location in the Rebel, offering the most comfortable and feature-rich experience.
Regarding the shifter – its position on the lower dashboard is well-considered. While it lacks the traditional feel of a column or floor shifter, there’s no risk of accidental engagement while driving. It’s positioned far enough from other controls like the stereo volume and climate fan speed knobs, and its size is substantial enough for deliberate operation. Starting the 2019 Ram Rebel is effortless: remote start, unlock, enter, press brake, hit start, and shift into Drive. In the January chill, the pre-heated cabin was a welcome luxury.
Powertrain and Performance
For the 2019 model year, the Ram Rebel offers three engine options. My test model featured the “Goldilocks” choice – the standard 5.7-liter Hemi V8. This engine incorporates cylinder deactivation and variable valve timing for enhanced efficiency. Producing 395 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque, the Hemi V8 provides satisfying acceleration and power. The eight-speed 8HP75 transmission effectively channels this power to the wheels.
One notable omission in the 2019 Ram Rebel is a suite of selectable driving modes. Competitors like the Raptor offer modes like Sport, Weather, and Baja, while the Tacoma TRD Pro includes Crawl Control. The Rebel provides standard 2HI, 4LO, and 4HI modes, along with a locking rear differential and hill descent control. The absence of additional driving modes feels like a missed opportunity to enhance the truck’s off-road appeal and provide more value to owners seeking advanced off-road features in their 2019 Ram 1500 Rebel.
Overall, the Hemi V8 and 8HP75 transmission combination in the 2019 Ram Rebel is a solid pairing, backed by a 60,000-mile warranty.
Driving Dynamics: On and Off the Pavement
Behind the wheel, the 2019 Ram Rebel feels remarkably natural. The cloth seats, featuring a tire-tread-like pattern, enhance the truck’s rugged character. On the road, the cabin is surprisingly quiet, a characteristic unexpected for a vehicle named “Rebel.” This noise isolation is achieved through strategically placed active-tuned mass modules that effectively neutralize road noise. The absence of typical road buzz and drone enhances the driving experience, particularly on longer journeys in the 2019 Ram Rebel.
During my test week, persistent rain provided an opportunity to assess the truck’s composure on slick roads. The 2019 Ram 1500 Rebel maintained excellent stability and control even in wet conditions.
The Bilstein shocks of the 2019 Ram Rebel effectively managed varied road surfaces, from smooth asphalt to uneven pavement. The truck absorbed imperfections without transmitting harshness to the cabin. While aggressive throttle inputs could induce tire slippage, the truck cornered and stopped confidently, with traction control readily available when needed.
Fuel economy, typical for a V8, is acceptable. During a test drive from Temecula to Ocotillo Wells, consciously aiming for optimal MPG, the 2019 Ram Rebel achieved 17.7 miles per gallon.
Off-roading is a crucial test for any truck, and the 2019 Ram Rebel was taken to Ocotillo Wells SVRA to evaluate its capabilities. With traction control disabled, the Rebel tackled the varied terrain for hours.
Ocotillo Wells offers diverse off-road challenges, from obstacle courses to high-speed roads and whoops. While the Rebel isn’t engineered for high-speed desert prerunning like dedicated vehicles with long-travel suspension, it felt controlled and capable at speeds of 30-40 mph. The Bilstein 4600 shocks are capable, but not designed for extreme prerunning conditions.
On a makeshift obstacle course, the 2019 Ram Rebel navigated banked turns and crests with agility. Executing rooster tails and half-donuts demonstrated its playful nature. With upgraded, tunable shocks and stronger control arms, the Rebel could potentially rival dedicated prerunners. The power is certainly present; enhanced components would further unlock its off-road potential.
Final Verdict: A Fun and Capable Off-Road Truck
In conclusion, the 2019 Ram 1500 Rebel successfully fulfills its intended purpose and exceeds expectations in many areas.
Priced competitively around the Raptor’s range (base MSRP of $52,855, as tested at $55,145), the Rebel prioritizes a different kind of off-road experience than high-speed desert running. The interior fit and finish are excellent, from the red trim accents to the comfortable seats and low NVH levels. The Hemi V8 delivers expected performance, and fuel economy is reasonable for a full-size truck.
While some aspects might be considered overlooked, the 2019 Ram Rebel excels in most critical areas. It represents a significant evolution from previous 1500 models known for less inspiring powertrains and interiors. The Rebel embodies the spirit of “Most Improved Player” – exceeding initial expectations and delivering genuine driving enjoyment. It’s more than just an “off-road package”; it’s a genuinely fun and capable vehicle.
