2020 Ram 1500 Rebel Crew Cab EcoDiesel Review and Test Drive

This week we are taking a look at the beautiful 2020 Ram Rebel Crew Cab 4x4 with the EcoDiesel engine.

This is a serious off-road pickup, but it’s also a joy to drive on the pavement. I liken it to a little brother to the Ram 2500 Power Wagon I reviewed last April.

Powertrain

Under the hood we find the 3rd Generation V6 Ram turbocharged EcoDiesel that is actually made by Ram affiliate, Fiat. As usual with diesels, the horsepower looks low at 260-horses, but the torque is strong at 480-pound feet, and that’s what is important. It is hooked to a very responsive 8-speed automatic transmission. You have other engine choices in the Rebel, including the 5.7 HEMI.

Exterior

While this truck is outwardly good looking with its factory lift kit, Bilstein shocks, 33-inch tires and 18” wheels, the raised, cowled hood with air vents tells you this truck is tough and capable.

Interior

As you move to the inside, you see a huge interior that will comfortably seat five adults. There is a large center console between the front seats, and one thing I love about the Ram is the way the back seat folds up to reveal in-floor storage bins that sit under the all-weather floor mats.

The Rebel’s seats are embroidered with the Rebel insignia, they are very comfortable and everything is easy to reach. Large gauges are easy to read and there is the massive 12” Uconnect screen on the dash that looks like a large, vertically placed iPad. The UConnect system virtually operates everything including the 19-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, the Wi-Fi hotspot, and a host of apps you can personalize.

Safety

On the safety front, you get lane keep assist, full speed collision warning, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring and warning, and adaptive steering.

Options

My Maximum Steel Metallic review truck has roughly $21,000 in options, so it is extremely loaded. Most notable are power heated seats, a power tailgate release which is awesome, remote start, a tri-fold tonneau cover, trailer towing package, keyless entry, and a terrific surround-view camera system that allows you to see the cargo in your pickup bed.

One of my favorite options is the Ram box. They are built into each side of the bed and they are lockable and waterproof. You can buy accessories to hold shotguns, fishing rods, and more. There are plugs in the bottom for drainage if you want to put ice in there, and one of my favorite features is the toolboxes and tailgate all lock when you lock the cab doors.

Other options include the Multi-function tailgate that drops down or opens out for easy loading. Also, a Panoramic moon roof, adaptive cruise control, keyless entry, and park assist.

Fuel Economy

Fuel economy is terrific, as you would expect with a diesel. It’s rated at 21 in town and 29 on the highway, and it is actually doing a little better. Range when I filled it up was 735 miles. You can generally expect to get over 350,000 miles out of a diesel which makes the $5000 upcharge for it palatable. Plus, the diesel engine is truly whisper quiet. Towing capacity when equipped right is 11,500 pounds.

One little thing bothered me about the engine….there is just a slight turbo lag when you really step on it, but otherwise, it is a good performer.

What You’ll Pay

MSRP on this Ram as equipped, is $70,080. The only thing I can see it is missing is cooled seats, and that puts it in line with other half-ton diesels on the market.