The Return of a Favorite
Ram has announced the return of the 1500 Rebel X pickup for the 2026 model year. This decision was made due to significant customer demand. The new model is based on the standard 1500 Rebel with the Level 2 equipment package but has received a number of unique updates.
Off-Road Arsenal
The vehicle received a serious boost in off-road capability. Key changes include a suspension raised by one inch (25 mm), Bilstein shock absorbers, and an electronically locking rear differential. The package also includes front tow hooks, a skid plate, and black 18-inch wheels fitted with 33-inch off-road tires.
A feature of the Rebel X is the Rough Road Cruise Control system, specifically designed for off-road driving. It allows maintaining a speed of up to 20 miles per hour (32 km/h), automatically adjusting suspension damping and steering effort depending on the terrain.
Exterior and Interior
Externally, the pickup is distinguished by unique “Rebel X” graphic decals on the sides and a new Tank Clear-Coat paint finish, inspired by classic military green.
The interior combines an off-road spirit with urban comfort. Standard equipment includes leather-vinyl bucket seats with red contrast stitching, a gear selector on the center console, steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, and a center console with a glass insert and red accents.
The Level 2 package also includes a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.5-inch Uconnect multimedia system. This is complemented by heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats and steering wheel, dual wireless smartphone charging, and a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.
The Heart of the Pickup
Unlike some other models, the Rebel X will not offer a V8 Hemi engine. The sole powertrain will be the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six Hurricane engine. Its power is 420 horsepower (313 kW), and torque is 469 pound-feet (635 Nm). This provides 25 more horsepower and 59 more pound-feet of torque than the V8 version.
Price and Availability
Ram has already opened orders for the new model. The starting price of the pickup is $71,930, which includes delivery. For comparison, the base Ram 1500 Rebel starts at $67,645, but with the Level 2 package, its price rises to $70,440. Thus, the difference with the Rebel X is not significant. However, the price of the new model is already approaching the cost of the more powerful off-road Ram 1500 RHO, which starts at $76,390.
Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis stated: “The Rebel X was a customer favorite last year, so we’re bringing it back.” He added that this model “hits the sweet spot of leading-edge technology, interior comfort, and true off-road capability, all in an aggressive look backed by America’s best powertrain warranty for full-size pickups and vans.”
The return of the Rebel X is part of Ram’s active brand expansion, which is preparing several more new products, including a new Dakota and a full-size SUV. It is clear that the manufacturer is trying to fill all niches in the market, offering both powerful and more balanced models. The choice in favor of a turbocharged inline engine instead of the traditional V8 may raise doubts among brand loyalists, but the technical advantages and efficiency of the new powertrain will likely be a compelling argument. Competitive pricing, where for a small premium over the version with the equipment package the customer gets a dedicated model with unique characteristics, is a smart marketing move to attract attention.