The 2019 Ram 1500 Rebel and the 2018 Power Wagon could not be any closer on price or weight-carrying capability. They are both capable off-road trucks with similar exterior styling and 33-inch Goodyear Duratrac off-road tires. This begs a question – which one is a better buy? Which truck is best for you?
The Ram Rebel is all-new this year as a 2019 model. The pricing ranges between $46,490 and approximately $64,000. The current 2018 Power Wagon is in its last year, as the next generation of Ram HD truck is coming next year (2019). The Power Wagon pricing ranges between $49,590 (Tradesman) to approximately $63,000.
Note: all pricing information is the vehicle’s reports M.S.R.P, including destination charges. No rebates or deals are reflected in the prices used for this comparison.
Yes, you can save some money by choosing a V6-powered Ram Rebel quad cab (extended cab), but average prices for both of these trucks with V8s and options are around $55,000.
2019 Ram Rebel
The new Rebel is offered is more configurations than ever before. It can be configured it as a quad cab with a longer 6’4” bed or a crew cab with a 5’7” bed. It’s available as a 4×4 or in 2WD, and there is choice of three powertrain options. By the way, what do you think of a Ram Rebel 2WD? It’s only available with a V8. Could this be a great pre-runner?
The Ram Rebel can be configured to haul around 1,500 lbs of payload and tow a maximum of around 10,000 lbs. The Power Wagon is rated about the same.
The Rebel offers a low-range transfer case, rear axle locker, skid plates, Bilstein shocks, and hill-descent control.
Here are some additional starting prices.
- 2019 Ram 1500 Rebel V6 eTorque quad cab: $46,490
- 2019 Ram 1500 Rebel V8 crew cab: $50,485
2018 Ram Power Wagon
The heavy duty 4×4 off-road truck only comes in one configuration: crew cab, shorter 6’4” bed, with a 6.4L HEMI V8 and a 6-speed automatic transmission.
If you start with a Ram HD 2500 crew cab with the shorter 6’4” bed and select a 6.4L HEMI V8, you can then add a “Power Wagon” package to it.
The Power Wagon offers ultimate off-road components: front & rear solid axles with lockers, disconnect-able front sway bar, special suspension configuration that offers more wheel travel than a regular Ram HD. Oh yea, there is also a winch hidden inside the front bumper.
Here are some additional starting prices.
- 2018 Ram HD 2500 Tradesman w/ Power Wagon package: $49,590
- 2018 Ram Power Wagon: $54,540
Which truck is best for you? Is it the new Rebel or the Power Wagon?
If you are looking for ultimate off-road capability in a full-size truck, and are willing to sacrifice some everyday maneuverability and fuel efficiency – the Power Wagon is the choice. Since it was born from a heavy duty truck, it will also handle towing a trailer with confidence.
If you are looking for a slightly smaller package that is much more fuel efficient, and don’t see yourself needing a front locker or a winch – then Rebel is it. Oh yea, the new Rebel has a much more comfortable and luxurious interior.
There is more nuance to the off-road capability difference between the Power Wagon and the Rebel. The Power Wagon is much heavier which can handicap it in certain conditions. The Rebel does not have as much clearance or a front locker, which can handicap it sometimes.
The simplest way to explain it, as I drove both trucks on the same trail. In the Rebel, you have to pick your off-road line over rocks with more precision and care. The Power Wagon simply goes over the same rocks without touching a skid plate.
Please let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
