With the addition of a new off-road cruise control feature and a 420-horsepower engine, Ram revives the Rebel X for 2026. Ram has recently focused on responding directly to buyer demand.
After reinstating the Hemi V8 option, the brand has now brought back the 1500 Rebel X for the 2026 model year. Positioned near the top of the Ram 1500 lineup, the Rebel X delivers enhanced performance capability, upgraded off-road systems, and distinct styling elements inside and out.
Derived from the standard Ram 1500 Rebel, the Rebel X builds on its foundation with additional equipment. It retains the 3.0-liter Hurricane twin-turbocharged inline-six engine, producing 420 horsepower and 469 lb-ft of torque. Offered as an upgrade package based on the Rebel 2 Equipment Group, the Rebel X includes the following enhancements:
- Dual-pane panoramic sunroof
- Console-mounted leather-wrapped performance shifter
- Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters
- Premium leather/vinyl bucket seats with red accent stitching
- Red-accented glass-encased “Rebel X” badge on the center console
- “Rebel X” bedside graphics
- Rough Road Cruise Control
The Rough Road Cruise Control system stands out as a key feature. Designed for off-road use, it maintains speeds up to 20 mph while automatically adjusting suspension damping and steering effort as terrain conditions change. This allows drivers to concentrate on navigating obstacles and selecting optimal wheel placement.
The 2026 Rebel X also debuts a new exterior color, Tank Clear Coat. Inspired by Military Green, this shade will extend to select other Ram 1500 models.
The Ram 1500 Rebel X is now open for orders, with pricing starting at $71,930, including destination and the Rebel Level 2 Equipment Group. On a standard Rebel, this package typically costs $2,795, while the base Rebel begins at $65,445.
The Level 2 Equipment Group adds features such as a 14.4-inch touchscreen display, a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, a power tailgate, and power-adjustable pedals, among numerous other upgrades. Overall, the Rebel X presents a meaningful step up from the standard Rebel.
Key competitors include the Ford F-150 Tremor, which starts at $64,915. The Tremor features off-road-tuned shocks, Trail Control with Trail 1-Pedal Drive, skid plates, and other trail-focused equipment.
Adding the Tremor 402B Equipment Group raises the price closer to the Rebel X, while also incorporating a Torsen front differential, a hi-lock transfer case, and upgraded leather-trimmed seating. However, the Ford’s standard 382-horsepower V6 produces less output than the Rebel X’s Hurricane engine.
Another alternative is the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ZR2, priced from $71,800. The ZR2 includes a factory lift, Multimatic DSSV dampers, and a turbodiesel engine as part of its off-road specification.
Although Ram’s pickup sales remain strong, the brand trailed Chevrolet by more than 200,000 units in 2025 and lagged even further behind Ford.
This context helps explain Ram’s strategy of refining the 1500 range to align closely with customer preferences, whether that means restoring V8 options, expanding off-road trims, or emphasizing warranty coverage. The high-performance 1500 TRX is also slated to return, featuring a 777-horsepower supercharged V8.
Nevertheless, the current Ram 1500 generation dates back to early 2018, making it the oldest of the three major American full-size truck platforms. With Chevrolet preparing to introduce a new Silverado later this year, incremental updates alone may not be sufficient for Ram to maintain competitive parity in the segment.
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