After Billions in EV Investment Losses, Stellantis Leans into What Customers Want. That's Why the 2026 Ram 1500 Rebel X is Back

As I first reported a year ago, Ram introduced the Rebel X last year to celebrate the Rebel’s tenth anniversary. Now, the 2026 Ram 1500 Rebel X is back because it was so popular. The 2026 Ram Rebel X is designed for off-roading, but the new version adds even more performance as well as more in-depth off-road technology. Ram’s parent company Stellantis earlier this month revealed that it was writing down $26 billion dollars in investments into future electric vehicles. All of the major automakers have spent fortunes investing in electric vehicles that consumers don’t really want to buy. The push to go all electric was driven by government mandates. Once President Trump removed the mandates, sales for electric vehicles have fallen drastically. All of the automakers are struggling to balance future investments with actual demand.

The 2026 Ram 1500 Rebel X

The Rebel X trim is an upgrade package to the 2026 1500 Rebel. The Rebel X builds on the Rebel Level 2 Equipment Group with a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, console-mounted performance shifter, paddle shifters, premium seats with red accent stitching, a glass encased center console badge and “Rebel X” bedside graphics.

“The Rebel X was a customer favorite last year, so we’re bringing it back for more,” said Tim Kuniskis, Head of American Brands, SRT Performance, NA Marketing and Retail Strategy. “Rebel X hits the sweet spot of advanced tech, interior comfort and true off‑road capability, all in an aggressive looking package backed by America’s best full‑size truck and van limited powertrain warranty.”

2026 Ram Rebel X Innovations

Ram says the “X” treatment combines exclusive off‑road technology with added comfort and performance features to create the most advanced and capable Rebel yet.

One of the additions to the 2026 Rebel X is Rough Road Cruise Control, an advanced system only offered on Rebel X. The new tech sounds fascinating. It uses adaptive speed control and adjustable steering weight to maintain speed based on terrain, up to 20 mph. In theory, the new cruise control allows the driver to more focus on obstacles on the trail and how to maneuver around them.

The Rebel X is available with the standard output Hurricane Twin Turbo I-6. The inline six engine has 420 horsepower and 469 lb.-ft. of torque.

Rebel X features include:

• 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” center console badge
• Rebel X bedside graphics
• Rough Road Cruise Control
• Rebel X debuts Tank Clear-Coat, a new color option similar to military green

Other standard off-road content includes:

• 1‑inch suspension lift
• Bilstein front and rear monotube shocks
• Electronic locking differential (E‑locker)
• Underbody skid plates
• Front tow hooks
• 18‑inch wheels with 33‑inch all‑terrain tires

The 2026 Ram 1500 Rebel X has enhanced off-road approach, departure and breakover angles courtesy of its 1-inch lift. The Rebel X stands out with 33-inch all-terrain tires and 18-inch aluminum wheels. 

Interior Upgrades on the 2026 Rebel X

Premium features from the Rebel Level 2 Equipment Group include a 12.3‑inch digital instrument cluster, 14.5‑inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen and a 19‑speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system. Class‑exclusive technologies, like a 10.25‑inch front passenger interactive display and dual wireless charging pads, are also featured. The passenger screen is only visible to the front passenger. It allows the person to run a navigation system, view the truck’s outside cameras or simply watch their own entertainment. Having the passenger available to help while out on the trails can be invaluable, especially if the terrain is tricky or even treacherous. Heated and ventilated front seats, an eight‑way power passenger seat with lumbar, heated rear seats and a heated leather steering wheel are just some of the upgrades meant to make drivers and passengers more comfortable. 

Availability and Pricing

Orders are now open for the 2026 Ram 1500 Rebel X, with pricing starting at $71,930, including destination and the Rebel Level 2 Equipment Group. Ram calls this one of its value-added packages meaning that you get extra upgrades bundled together for a better price. 

As Stellantis struggles to recover from its investment losses, you can expect to see its brands like Ram, Jeep and Dodge grow its value offerings. All of the automakers have to offset their EV losses and the easiest way to do that is to build what customers want and will buy. 

Ram Photo

Mary Conway is a professional automotive journalist and has decades of experience specializing in automotive news analysis. She covered the Detroit Three for more than twenty years for the ABC affiliate, in Detroit. Her affection for the Motor City comes naturally. Her father ran a gas station while Mary was growing up, in Wisconsin.

Follow Mary Conway at @MaryConwayMedia and send her car news tips for future stories.