Ram Trim Levels Review: Comparison of Rebel and Limited Trims

The RAM 1500 is a powerful and imposing pickup truck that has become a symbol of strength and reliability thanks to its unique appearance and incredible performance. Today, the Indy Auto Man dealer offers a comparative review of the RAM 1500 Rebel and Limited - two different trim levels - to give you clear answers about how the RAM 1500 configurations differ.

The RAM 1500 Rebel model was made and released in 2015. This was a kind of response to the Ford Raptor, which saw the light of day much earlier. By the time the off-road version of the RAM 1500 was released (it was the Rebel), the Ford F-150 had stopped producing the Raptor, and a generation change had occurred. The first-generation Ford Raptor has already ceased production, and the second-generation Raptor has not yet entered the market. In these two years, from 2015 to 2017, RAM Rebel seemed to have no competitors. Since mid-2016, the second-generation Raptor appeared and completely eclipsed the Rebel. They understood that this was an intermediate model, like the Tremor off-road package on the Ford F-150.

When you go to the RAM 1500 configurator, the highest trim level is the Limited. Longhorn is next, followed by Rebel, then Laramie, and then the rest. The Rebel is third in class in the 1500 line, but it can be overclocked to almost the price of the Limited and get all the options you want.

The Rebel is an intermediate trim; it remains on the market, is still popular, and priced reasonably.

Read also RAM 1500 Revolution overview.

Let's move on to the comparison.

The list of engines is the same as in the Limited trim, starting from the V-shaped petrol 3.6, the eight petrol 5.7, then the 5.7 mild hybrid e-torque, and ending with the 3.0 diesel version. The same engines were offered in the RAM Limited until recently, but in 2021 they removed the 3.6.

The RAM 1500 towing capacity varies based on a trim level, powertrain, cab/box configuration, and optional features. Here are the capacities for different 2024 Ram 1500 trims:

If the Limited trim is available only in the Crew Cab, the Rebel can also be in the Quad Cab body. That is, the rear door is shortened, and there is less space for rear passengers, but you can get a large luggage compartment. The body is 6.4 feet. The Limited trim with the maximum cabin Crew Max offers the same option. As standard, this body is 5.6 feet, but many used models have the 6.6 feet body.

In the Rebel trim, the RAM 1500 has black bumpers with a matte finish, and the headlights and the radiator grill are also dark - everything is in off-road style. It was following trends to catch up with the Raptor in terms of its performance. The sports hood also comes as standard with the same beak and grille. Likewise, the Fender trims are available in black. You can find options in the Indiana secondary market with black or black and silver wheels.

The most important difference in the Rebel suspension from all other RAM 1500s is that it has reinforced Bilstein shock absorbers. The springs are reinforced, and the suspension itself, the ground clearance is an inch higher than standard trims. The base includes all the protection that RAM offers.

Many Indiana buyers are concerned about the packaging. How rich will the Rebel be compared to the rest of its class, meaning Limited or Long Horn? In terms of finishing it will be no worse. You get all this as an option, not like in the Limited, where you get everything at once at the base price, but when it comes to used trucks, there may be no difference. The red and black design is an additional option, but the quality is just as satisfying. You lose the wood trim on the steering wheel, as it is a part of the off-road package. We can always change the steering wheel or roll it in carbon at the IAM Service Center in Indianapolis. In terms of finishing quality, with the Rebel trim, you will have no worse than the Limited edition.

If you compare the prices on window stickers, you will see the difference between the Limited base and the Rebel is more than ten thousand dollars. But used RAM trucks of different trim levels may have almost the same price, depending on the mileage and year of manufacture.

A mirror with a camera is optional in the Limited RAM trim level. With this package, you will also get a projection onto the windshield - your current speed, limits, and turn assist if you are using navigation. In the Rebel RAM truck trim level, you can also get a 12-inch display and a 19-speaker Harman Kardon system. There are heated and ventilated seats and a heated steering wheel. All electronic assistants, radar cruise control, blind spot monitoring, cross-traffic system, automatic parking - you can get all these features in a used truck, but they are optional. So, pay attention to the configuration of your RAM pickup when buying.

Despite the Rebel and Limited being the most popular RAM trim levels, the range of options in Indiana used car dealerships is impressive. Below, we gathered the most interesting configurations of the RAM 1500.

The SRT-10 is the most charged version of the pickup truck with a load index of 1500, which was equipped with both a three-seater and a full-size cab, as well as the legendary V10 Viper engine similar to that installed on Dodge Viper cars. The modification can boast 22-inch wheels, reduced ground clearance, and a sports body kit. Short wheelbase modifications were available only with manual transmission, and Quad Cab - only with automatic transmission. The Dodge Ram SRT-10 is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the fastest mass-produced pickup truck on the planet.

The Rumble Bee is a stylish (usually rear-wheel drive) RAM trim level with a 5.7L V8 HEMI engine. This modification has only a short three-seat cabin, reduced ground clearance, 20-inch wheels, and a tuned exhaust system. On the rear of the body, Rumble Bee has a stripe with a corporate image. All cars of this trim are either in black or bright yellow.

Only 2,000 cars of this modification were produced from January to December 2006. The Dodge RAM Night Runner came with 20-inch chrome wheels, a 5.7L HEMI V8 engine, tinted headlights, and signature Night Runner graphics.

The Dodge Ram 1500 R/T was introduced in the summer of 2008 at the Chrysler showroom in Chelsea, Michigan. This RAM truck trim is equipped with a 5.7 liter V8 HEMI engine with a power of 390 hp and a torque of 412 lb-ft, with a 5-speed automatic transmission.

The improvements affect not only the stuffing but also the appearance. This trim has a radiator grille (finished in black), a new front bumper, a double exhaust pipe, chrome-plated wheels with five spokes, and external parts painted in body color.

The Laramie Longhorn is a special edition of the Laramie trim, launched on September 23, 2010, and is still one of the most luxurious in the RAM truck lineup.

The Laramie Longhorn's design is inspired by traditional handmade men's fashion toys, such as old-school pocket watches, cowboy boots, collectible guns, and leather saddles. The brutal harmony of metal and leather is still unparalleled.

​The Night Ram has body-colored bumpers, a black grille, black optics, black letters on the rear side, of course, black running boards, the blackest wheels, and black tires with white letters. In the cabin, of course, everything is no less black, the seats are fabric but heated, and you can optionally add a dual-zone climate, adjustable pedals, and electric seats.

RAM 1500 trim levels can meet any tastes and needs. We hope that this overview will help you make the right decision. Visit the IAM used truck dealer center in Indianapolis to test and buy your best RAM.