The RAM 1500 has fascinated me ever since I first saw it idling in the Molito area in Alabang. It looked like a massive middle finger to practicality and common sense. And I want one. Not because I’m impractical and abhor common sense. But it just calls to me for reasons known only to my future therapist.
So when the opportunity to drive one presented itself, an opportunity we were surprised existed, I raised my hand and scheduled the test drive. Even before I picked up the RAM 1500 Rebel at the showroom, I was already fretting about where to park it, where I could and could not bring it, the fuel economy, etc. But my excitement in trying out this moving testosterone on wheels overruled my doubts.
Styling
The RAM is all about presence. That humongous grille with the words ‘RAM’ spelled out could terrify small cars and tricycles that see it in their rearview mirror—the meaning of ‘ram’ as an adjective not lost on them. While the RAM may be the size of a small condominium, it doesn’t look awkward or disproportionate. Curvy body panels soften the dimensions somewhat, and its length gives it a sleek, slimming effect.
Depending on your preference and mental disposition, looking at the RAM will bring you back to your childhood playing with Tonka trucks, or it will remind you of the monsters your parents threatened to conjure if you didn’t finish your dinner. Thankfully, I’m in the former camp.
For its intended purpose and branding, the RAM makes perfect sense visually. It will surely attract attention because very few trucks look like it. Some Ford Ranger owners bastardize their pickups with lift kits and tacky body cladding trying to look half as imposing as a RAM (leave your Rangers alone; it’s a stylish and elegant pickup as is). With stock wheels and no kit, the RAM still commands attention.
Interior
The RAM interior isn’t a truck cabin, it’s a small apartment. The distance from the driver to the front passenger isn’t that different from midsize trucks—you can still hold hands with your partner easily. But the rear legroom is in a league of its own. We’re talking van-sized legroom. If the driver is a six-footer, a six-footer seated behind can still cross his legs.
Fit and finish are quite good. Inside it’s all leather and plush materials. I wouldn’t describe the cabin as ‘luxury’, but it does feel premium. Everything feels solid and chunky. Do you like a red and black theme for the cabin? Well, that’s what you’re going to get with the RAM 1500.
The massive infotainment screen dominates the dashboard. At first the screen felt too close, and I felt I leaned my head toward it too much that it was almost distracting. Thankfully I got used to it after a day. Below the infotainment screen is a deep cubbyhole with a movable console containing the two cupholders. It’s quite ingenuous, and reflects the American obsession with holding their drinks and knickknacks. The harman/kardon speakers take care of the music nicely.
Performance
Before driving this RAM, I admit I felt underwhelmed when I learned this has ‘only’ a 3.0-liter turbocharged I6 engine. When I see something this size, I expect V8 power—or HEMI V8 power. But kudos to RAM engine technology—it never felt underpowered. It moves with a roar when you step hard on the gas, and hurtles you toward the horizon. An impressive 420hp and 635Nm is generated by the engine in front, and this lets the RAM move easily on the road.
There’s power across the RPM range, too. Whether inching along in traffic or overtaking another car on the expressway, you will never look for more grunt. Despite weighing more than three tons, the RAM moves effortlessly. No surprise, it effortlessly drinks fuel, too. On a typical drive it will gulp at a rate of 5.3km/L. Some days it dipped to 3.8km/L. This might be eyebrow-raising to most of us used to practical cars, but to the RAM’s target market it shouldn’t be surprising.
Ride and handling
We don’t get to review full-size trucks often, and there are expectations for vehicles this big. Naturally, I expected the RAM 1500 to roll over bad roads and potholes with ease. And for the most part, the 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler tires easily tackle ruts that would upset typical SUVs, with the massive frame absorbing remaining road vibrations comfortably.
But never underestimate EDSA or C5 and the substandard roadwork they are built on. The RAM’s coil suspension is not immune to uneven asphalt and the undulations that result from them. It’s not noticeably uncomfortable, but you do feel the literal ups and downs of city roads. And if you encounter any flooded streets, the 246mm of ground clearance should give you confidence, even if the P5.25-million SRP might give you pause.
What I didn’t expect was the RAM to ‘shrink' after being behind the wheel for a few days. I thought maneuvering it would be awkward and nerve-wracking; there was that fear of scraping the edges of the body or hitting something beyond my line of sight.
But the RAM 1500’s decent feedback and responsive throttle inspired confidence quickly. Soon enough, it just felt like just another pickup—almost. I still had to choose parking areas, of course, as the RAM’s sheer physical size cannot be masked. But I stopped overthinking the dimensions and just enjoyed the commanding road presence and responsive drivetrain of the RAM.
Extra features
The biggest feature of the RAM 1500 is itself. Its sheer size and presence differentiates it from almost anything else on the road. This gives the American pickup a viewpoint usually reserved for large trucks. You tower over Land Cruisers, Fortuners and Montero Sports, making them look like compact SUVs.
But what most of us were excited to see was the RamBox Cargo Management System. It may sound a bit generic, but the Rambox is composed of lockable, drainable storage bins located inside the side walls of the truck bed. You can store tools, personal items and gear inside these secure bins. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to try loading cold drinks and ice in them. They don’t appear to be thermally insulated, and nothing in the spec sheet says they are, but if the RAM is parked we think they can be good for tailgate parties and camping as temporary coolers.
The RAM also doesn’t scrimp on modern conveniences. There’s adaptive cruise control, autonomous safety features like automatic braking, and even two wireless charging pads. There’s also a massive center glove box (I realize I’ve used ‘massive four times in this review) with modular compartments.
Verdict
In a way, the RAM 1500 transcends traditional evaluation. It’s too big for most Metro Manila cities. And if you really want practicality you can choose from a plethora of midsize pickups in the market—and they’re not significantly smaller than the RAM 1500. This American truck is a passion purchase. You have to want it to get it. Unless you have a big farm in the province, and your farm is doing good business, the RAM’s utility value is limited.
But for what it was designed for and its reason for being, the RAM 1500 succeeds on every level. It’s large, powerful, roomy, and intimidating. Yet it still manages to find a visual balance despite its generous proportions. If you’re just reading this to validate your desire for the RAM 1500, and you’re fully prepared to deal with its tradeoffs, just go to your dealer and get one. You won’t regret it.
SPECS: RAM 1500 Rebel
Price: P5,250,000
Engine: Twin-turbo 3.0-liter I6
Power: 420hp @ 5,200rpm
Torque: 635Nm @ 3,500 rpm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Drive layout: 4WD
Seating: 5
Score: 9/10
More photos of the 2025 RAM 1500 Rebel:
