The current Ram Trucks->ke4211 lineup is filled with no less than nine trim levels, three weight classifications (1500, 2500, 3500->ke4685), and more than a handful of specialty trucks like the Power Wagon and Outdoorsman. Now a new player enters the game: the 2015 Ram 1500 Rebel.

It's designed to be a fun-loving, adventurous rig with the heart of an off-roader->ke4846 and the guts to back it up. The truck gets a host of unique upgrades that separate it from the standard Ram 1500 lineup. Most noticeable is that new front grille and bumper. This marks the first time in memorable history Ram has departed from its iconic crosshair grille design. Large block lettering spell out “RAM” on the tailgate for those eating the Rebel’s dust.

Unique wheels and tires, a one-inch suspension lift, and a custom interior set the truck further apart. Offered with the standard 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 or the optional 5.7-liter Hemi V-8, the Rebel comes packing the TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission and available four-wheel drive. Sadly Ram does not offer the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel here. And yes, a two-wheel drive version is available when ordered with the Hemi.

Offered only in the Crew Cab configuration with the five-foot, seven-inch bed, the Rebel holds five people and tons of gear. The Ram Box cargo system is optional for those wanting even more space to put stuff.

Ram says the Rebel will go on sale early in the second half of 2015, so expect it in dealers in the late summer.

UPDATE 06/17/2015: The Ram Rebel officially enters production at the Warren Truck Assembly Plant in Michigan.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2015 Ram 1500 Rebel.

Update History

UPDATE 01/23/2015: We've added a series of new images from the car's official debut at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show. Check the new images in the "Pictures" tab.

UPDATE 06/09/2015: Ram has officially announced pricing for the 2015 Ram Rebel. The Hemi-powered Rebel in 2WD starts at $42,790. Selecting other options increases the MSRP. Full details are in the pricing section below.

Exterior

Bold, brash, macho, rebellious – all words that come to mind after the first glance at the Rebel. Its completely new grille design is certainly unique and won’t appeal to everyone. Those finding it attractive will likely be the target audience – those iron-pumping, protein-drinking, manly men who crave outdoor adventure and thrills. In case the front grille and metallic bumper don’t alert passer-bys, the massive block lettering along the tailgate surely will.

The Rebel’s sides are accented by fender flares borrowed (or perhaps stolen) off the Ram Power Wagon. An optional two-tone paint scheme and the unique one-piece, 17-inch wheels finish the job. The hood gets the same double-scooped treatment as the Ram 1500 Sport trim level. Unfortunately the scoops are fake.

Exterior Dimensions

Interior

Things on the inside are just as interesting. The black interior is accented by Diesel Gray accents on the center console and Radar Red splashes color on the HVAC vents, door panels, console storage area, and stitching throughout the cabin. What’s more, the seats feature Sedoso fabric inserts embossed with the same tread pattern as the Toyo Open Country A/T tires. Perhaps they’ll be extra grippy on bumpy trails.

The driver’s gauge cluster also features accents of Radar Red along with the Rebel logo on start up. New to the Ram lineup is a Smartphone holder in the center console with two cutouts for power cords. Expect this to be adopted throughout the lineup soon. Other niceties include Chrysler’s fantastic 8.4-inch Uconnect infotainment system, the rotary transmission shifter, push-button start, and the large TFT display in the gauge cluster.

Interior Dimensions

Drivetrain

The Ram Rebel is offered with two engine choices. Customers can opt for the more fuel-efficient 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 or the legendary 5.7-liter Hemi V-8. Both offer different positive attributes with corresponding drawbacks. The V-6 makes a respectable 305 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque while getting a best-in-class fuel economy rating of 25 mpg highway. The Hemi, on the other hand, offers the grunt most truck guys want. It lays down 395 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque. Both engines are mated to the award-winning TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission.

Sorry kids, the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel isn’t an option.

What is an option, however, are two axle ratios. The 3.21 and 3.92 gears are both offered with the Hemi while the more robust 3.92 gear ratio is the only choice with the V-6. This marks the first time Ram has offered such a short axle ratio with the Pentastar. Such gearing will help with low-end torque and off-the-line acceleration, but will ultimately hinder higher-speed fuel economy.

For those who want the Rebel look but without the added weight and complexity of a 4WD system, the Hemi-powered Rebel is available in 2WD. That kind of defeats the purpose of the truck, but like Kermit the Frog says, that’s none of my business.

Drivetrain Specifications

Suspension and Tires

At the heart of the Ram Rebel is a one-inch suspension lift with upgraded Bilstein shocks and a revised version of the Ram 1500’s air suspension. A softened rear anti-sway bar helps increase the truck’s suspension flex. The added height gives the Rebel a best-in-class ground clearance of 10.3 inches. It also increased the truck approach, break-over, and departure angles for less scraping on the trails.

The whole operation rides on Toyo Open Country A/T tires sized in LT285/70R17E, or simply 33-inch-tall tires. The extra rubber gives the truck added traction over wet, muddy, rocky, and even snowy terrain. Extra siping provides tons of small biting edges for gripping slippery surfaces.

Prices

Ram has finally released the Rebel’s official pricing as of June 9, 2015. The truck will come in three configurations, each with their own starting price. Each truck comes packing the same basic interior equipment and all feature the same Crew Cab, short box design. An additional $1,195 destination charge will be added to each price listed below.

Competition

2015 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro

The Tundra TRD Pro is Toyota’s entry into the four-wheel-drive fight. Fitted with remote reservoir Bilstein shocks, upgraded tires, and a performance exhaust, the Tundra offers a great choice for an all-rounder off-roader.

Power comes from the same 5.7-liter V-8 normally found in the Tundra. It makes 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque sent through a six-speed automatic transmission.

Prices for the TRD Pro starts at $41,285 for the Double Cab version and $43,900 for the Crew Cab.

2015 Ram 1500 Outdoorsman

Ram is somewhat competing with itself in this category. The Outdoorsman offers some specialized outdoorsy equipment like Mossy Oak-branded camouflage dressings on the exterior and interior, standard 4WD, and the Ram Box. The best part, the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel is optional. An aftermarket lift kit and a trip to the local Toyo tire shop makes a close competitor to the Rebel. Of course, it would still be lacking the Rebel’s new grille and other adornments.

Pricing for the Ram 1500 Outdoorsman starts at $38,430 and goes up with options.

Conclusion

The Ram Rebel is one tough looking truck that exudes a brawny persona Chuck Norris would love. The new grille design might be a drastic departure from the classic crosshair design, but it sure catches attentions. The same can be said for the rest of the truck’s appearance. The added usefulness of the raised suspension, bigger tires, available short gears, and strong front bumper make the Rebel more than just an appearance package.

While Ram says the Rebel isn’t a competitor to the Raptor, it’s hard not to wish for something of the sorts. For now, we’ve at least got this new truck and the venerable Power Wagon to feed the flames of our four-wheel-drive fantasies.