Raptor vs Reaper….vs Rebel? Whether the Ram brand wants it or not, introducing a “tougher” version of the Ram 1500 and labeling it with an “R” name is going to automatically draw comparisons. The Ram 1500 Rebel was officially introduced today at the Detroit Auto Show.
Ram Rebel vs Ford Raptor vs Chevy Reaper?
In truth, the Ram Rebel will be in closer competition with trucks like the Toyota Tundra TRD, Ford FX4 and even the Z71. But again, by branding it a Rebel and kicking it off at one of the major auto shows, the Ram brand is inviting other comparisons.
And while it isn’t going to tackle any off-road conditions with anywhere close to the same ease as the Raptor or Reaper, the Rebel does have a little something going on in terms of capability. It features an air suspension that gives it a little more ride height than the traditional Ram 1500, and has an off-road drive setting as well. You wouldn’t necessarily take this truck off-roading in extreme conditions, but it has a bit more going on than the traditional light duty trucks.
Under the hood of the Rebel will be engine options that we are all familiar with. The 3.6-liter V-6 and more capable 5.7-liter V-8 will be the two available. And it will come in either 4×4 or 4×2 settings. The 33-inch tires, stiffer control arms, tuned stabilizer bar and other features will also improve the ride height and make it off-road worthy in certain occasions.
Cosmetically, the Rebel is very Raptor-esque as well, with features like a blacked-out grille, billet skid plate and a sport hood.
The fact that the Ford Raptor is getting a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 for the 2017 model year will likely fuel the Ram Rebel vs Ford Raptor vs Chevy Reaper comparison even further. But, the Rebel likely only has a name theme in common with the other two.
Andy P
Oct 19, 2015 at 8:05 am
Ford’s strange infatuation with the ecoboost is laughable. I want to meet the person that actually buys a Ford Raptor with a v-6 ecoboost. I suppose they’ll look just as foolish as the one sad person who buys the Rebel with the v-6…just say no.
Ross
Aug 20, 2016 at 8:48 pm
It seems to me there is no competition with the Rams. They are different in intended use. The Rebel is a beautiful, practical truck built for every day use. Not so with the Raptor or Reaper. While I’d like to take a wild ride in a Raptor or Reaper, I wouldn’t buy one because they are not what most people need-including me; they are toys, and very nice toys. My son has the king of beasts Ram Power Wagon, again, not practical, but one hell of an off-road toy. However, once again, it is not a competitor for the Raptor or Reaper; they all have a different use for different buyers.
All that being said I want a Ram Limited. Love them!!!!