By Vivek Lalchandani × Krishan Narsinghani × Vaughn Lowery
2020 will be remembered as the year of Covid-19. Some people went so far as to think the world would come to an end. Now think about a perfect vehicle for the end of the world situation. You’d want something big, practical, tough, and hi-tech, right? The 2020 Ram 1500 Rebel checks all those boxes and then some. 360 Magazine got to spend some time with the Ram and we were massively impressed. So now the question arises, would we pick it over the best-selling F150?
Design
Ram prioritizes presence and power in its exterior design. The Rebel takes the philosophy to another level. Front and center is a huge, imposing Ram logo which is more common nowadays. However, what’s not common is the Hulk Hogan looking mustache surrounding the logo. Talk about showing presence. Truck enthusiasts will also find two front mounted tow hooks, front and rear skid plates, black accents throughout, and slightly higher ride height. Out back there is a dual exit exhaust setup which is a unique touch in the pickup segment with every other truck having rear side exit exhaust. One place the Ram loses out is the rear tailgate functionality. Ford incorporates a step and hand grip, while Chevy does a step on either side of the rear bumper, and GMC has the new Multi-Pro tailgate and its various opening techniques. The Ram is simply dampened and open either down or sideways. Other design details around back are fairly typical with pick up vertical taillights to comply with rules and another immense Ram logo painted matte black. With this sleek makeover, it’s safe to say the truck has an aggressive profile all around.
Performance/Capability
Most people will purchase the monstrous truck for its looks alone; however, few may solely buy it for it’s capability. Those who do will not be disappointed. Ram set out to create one of the world’s best off road trucks with the Ram Power Wagon. In doing so, they built a platform that can perhaps only be rivaled by the Ford Raptor. The Rebel stands to benefit from this platform more than any other trim, combining both on and off road manners. Owners will thirst for power and exhaust note from the base 3.6L Pentastar V6 with a mild hybrid system that’s good for 305 hp and 295 lb/ft of torque. Good news is there are two optional 5.7L V8s, both pushing 395 hp and 410 lb/ft of torque. One is a mild hybrid which is the sweet spot in the range with its extra 130 lb/ft for launches. For more utilitarian users, there’s also an available 3.0L Ecodiesel with 260 hp and 480 lb/ft of torque. All models are excellent in class on fuel economy with the V6 at 19/24, V8 models at 15/21 and 17/22, and diesel at 21/29 city/highway. All numbers increase slightly with 4×2 equipped. All engines can tow 7100 lbs other than the diesel which is rated at 7200 lbs.
Driving this monster was thrilling on and off road. On road, drivers get a sense of power and security towering over other drivers with 33-inch all terrain tires on 18-inch wheels. Sedans and coupes look pitiful in comparison while even most other trucks feel small. Handling and suspension are exactly what you expect from a giant truck that’s dull, soft and bouncy. Put some extra weight in the bed to fix the bounciness and you’ll have an SUV-like driving experience thanks to the available four corner air suspension. Ram is also the only truck manufacturer to include coil over suspension versus traditional leaf springs. Looking at the automobile is pleasant in itself, but wait til you try off-roading. Feel comfortable tackling almost any type of terrain. To test, we took it on a slight rock crawl course and it didn’t fail to amaze as it glided across the bumps and all without as much more quiet than one would expect. Rest assured, it’ll do just fine in the snow and rain that most owners never steer away from.
Interior
Some may say this beast is the The Rolls Royce of trucks after sitting inside this beast. With perfect appointments and a red trim, families can enjoy riding in style with plenty of room. In this crew cab configuration, notice a larger back seat and slightly smaller bed. Leather seats for this upgraded version give a nice touch of luxury worth noting. Hands down, the technology is gawking with a 12.3-inch screen. All essential climate control features are still hard buttons, which is surprisingly familiar and appreciated.
The mighty vehicle lives up to the hype in all aspects of design, interior and performance. It beats the class leading F-150 in every way, save for the tailgate functionality. Buyers will be tremendously surprised by the amount of luxury and attention to detail in this monster. The days are gone where trucks are only for work. Instead, trucks are the most practical vehicle anybody can buy. Ram looked ahead and realized they are one of the only profitable divisions of FCA and threw everything in the kitchen sink at this truck. With that being said, the crew cab starts at $47,990 for the Rebel trim. The base Tradesman starts at $32,145 and pricing can go past $90k with all premium upgrades. Worth it? Hell yes. In every single way.
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