We know that comparing the 2016 Ram Rebel vs 2016 Ram Power Wagon sounds like it is a bold and predictable story-line. Off-road, it’s pretty obvious that the 2016 Ram Power Wagon is vastly superior to just about every pickup truck that comes from the factory. Where the Ram Rebel is a 1/2-ton truck that has a few features that help it perform off the beaten path, the Ram Power Wagon is beefed-up with serious armor, axles, trick suspension and gobs of power.
So, the conclusion of the 2016 Ram Rebel vs 2016 Ram Power Wagon should be a foregone conclusion – right?
Not exactly.
Ram invited us to drive up the Backway to Crown King, Arizona in a Ram truck. We noted that the Ram Rebel we tested cost about $52,000 (nearly fully loaded) and the Ram Power Wagon was over $58,000. When comparably equipped, there is about a $5,000 difference between the two.
Engines and transmissions for the 2016 Ram Rebel vs 2016 Ram Power Wagon are the same as other Ram products in their respective weight classes. Body-styles and bed-lengths are not negotiable for each vehicle. Engine choices are limited to the 6.4-liter HEMI for the 2016 Ram Power Wagon and both the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 and Pentastar V6 for the Ram Rebel.
What separates these trucks from the rest of the Ram fleet is their off-road additions:
The 2016 Ram Power Wagon has Bilstein mono-tube shock absorbers and an anti-roll bar that can be disconnected. This allows maximum articulation when the terrain becomes challenging. Heavy-duty, lockable axles rear and front (no other truck has a fully locking, solid front axle), both axles feature 4.10:1 gear ratios.
Our 2016 Ram Rebel also came equipped with Bilstein mono-tube shock absorbers, but they are part of a suspension that is sprung by airbags. That’s right – airbags come standard in the Ram Rebel and are adjustable. Our 3.92 rear axle is an option, and it’s far better suited for off-road over the 3.21:1 rear axle. There is a fairly beefy skid-plate up front and lots of off-road decorations, including a theme-oriented interior complete with tread-matching seat inserts.
The 2016 Ram Rebel vs 2016 Ram Power Wagon question: which would you rather drive everyday if it were your money on the line? Check out this off-road adventure video and let us know what you think!
worldwide.
