Which of these heavy-duty trucks is the smarter pick for your next hauler? The Ram 2500 lineup is known for serious capability, modern comfort, and a wide range of trims to match different needs. For 2026, the Big Horn and Rebel trims offer two very different personalities: one practical and value-focused, the other rugged and off-road ready.
Our comparison guide walks you through how the Big Horn stacks up against the Rebel so you can decide which one fits your lifestyle best.
Key Takeaways:
- The Big Horn is a value-oriented trim that blends capability, comfort, and price.
- Big Horn is best for affordability, towing, and daily usability.
- Rebel is best for off-road toughness, sportier look, and enhanced suspension.
- Since performance capability is similar, the biggest difference is ride feel, styling, and intended use.
Do the 2026 Ram 2500 Rebel and Big Horn Have the Same Engine?
Both trims share the same engine configurations. On Ram’s official specs site, the Rebel comes standard with a 6.4-liter HEMI V8 engine producing 405 hp, paired with an 8-speed automatic. The Big Horn also supports the 6.4L HEMI V8 (at least in some configurations). Transmission across these trims both use an 8-speed automatic. There is also the option for an upgrade with a 6.7-liter High-Output Cummins turbo-diesel. The 6.7-L Cummins high-output diesel has 430 hp and 1,075 lb-ft of torque.
Does the 2026 Ram Rebel Have Better Features than the Rebel Trim?
The Big Horn is offering daily comfort and usability with Premium cloth seats, a 12-inch touchscreen, and 2nd-row in-floor storage bins. It also comes equipped with a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot and Dual-zone automatic climate control to make sure the passenger is comfortable as well. Both trims can access the Ram’s onboard power options, which is great for off-grid use. The Rebel focuses more on power and toughness with Bilstein gas-charged shock absorbers for improved off-road damping. It can also come with optional auto-level rear air suspension to help with unpredictably sized loads. It has all of the same safety features, and then some, such as advanced lighting and blind-spot monitoring.
How Much Can the 2026 Ram 2500 Rebel Tow?
Both can get the job done, but the clear winner here is the Rebel. This is what this truck was designed for, as the shocks take the base towing abilities of the truck, and take the towing experience to the next level: it becomes a more qualified off-road truck. According to Ram, here are the base towing stats you can expect on this truck:
- Max gas towing: 17,750 lb
- Max diesel (with the 6.7L Cummins) towing: 20,000 lb
- Max gas payload: 3,930 lb
- Max diesel payload: 3,600 lb
Should I Get the Rebel or Big Horn Trim for my 2025 Ram 2500?
The Rebel’s “off-road” attitude doesn’t change the fundamental tow/payload capabilities if the core powertrain and gear are the same—it primarily adds off-road hardware, not a different towing engine. If you plan to take your 2500 off the beaten path or want extra durability and trail-friendly hardware built into the trim, the Rebel offers more specialized gear. The Big Horn is designed for buyers who want a heavy-duty truck with solid comfort and modern tech, without going all-in on off-road gear. It’s a practical blend of work-ready capability and thoughtful daily-driver features.
The best way to tell the difference between these two amazing trucks is to see the differences in person. Visit Alan Jay CDJR Wauchula today to learn more and take them for a test drive.