Can the 2015 Ram Rebel challenge the Ford Raptor going up the side of a mountain to 14,000 feet and take down the raining champion?
The Ford SVT Raptor is the reining champion of the factory-sourced off-road pickup trucks in the light duty category. However, the Raptor is no longer on sale and the next generation truck is more than a year away. Can the latest challenger – the 2015 Ram Rebel – dethrone the current champion?
How about taking both trucks up a steep and challenging Rocky Mountain trail to nearly 14,000 feet of elevation? The truck that can do it in the most comfortable fashion wins. This is where ample ground clearance, good approach and departure angles, tires, and traction are paramount.
The Ram Rebel brings a modified air suspension with additional clearance and Bilstein shocks. The tires are the Toyo Open Country all-terrains. It also uses an “rear anti-spin differential, which turns both rear wheels in tandem when increased torque is applied”. This differential works automatically without driver input.
The 2014 Ford Raptor uses a unique suspension setup with FOX Racing off-road shocks and BFGoodrich T/A KO all-terrain tires. The Raptor is using a driver-engaged rear locking differential.
These two trucks are closely matched with the crew cab configuration and powerful V8 engines. The Rebel uses the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 with 395 horsepower. The Raptor is powered by the 6.2-liter V8 with 411 horsepower.
Watch this side-by-side off-road trail review of the 2015 Ram Rebel versus the Ford SVT Raptor.
