On the face of it, the 2015 Ram 1500 Rebel is just the alternative full-size pickup buyers needed to the Ford F-150 Raptor. And what a big face it has.
No Ram is particularly subdued, but the Rebel’s huge face, huge tires, huge RAM letters front and rear send it over the top in the best way possible. I’m actually kind of a fan of the bloated grille, even though it’s been a bit controversial. I’m not super convinced by the red interior accents and tire-tread pattern on the seats, but these aren’t supposed to be the trucks with the stylish interiors.
What I’m most worried about, though, is the performance. While more efficient and smooth, the Rebel with a Pentastar V6 and rear-wheel drive just seems wrong. And the optional 5.7 Hemi isn’t different enough from the option you get on other Ram 1500s. The Raptor is special because in addition to the off-road package and substantially different looks, it’s substantially more powerful than other F-150s. The Rebel won’t be as comical as a Raptor to drive.
Still, we’re going to have to wait until 2016 for the Ford. And Ram clearly knows these kinds of trucks sell more on their looks rather than their capabilities. So in terms of marketing, the Rebel is likely a winner.
Photos: Zac Estrada / Carscoops.com
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