The Ram 1500 pickup truck received a new trim level for 2016, as well as two special editions. While most of the truck was a carryover, there were some minor changes to the standard infotainment packages on select models and the Ram Rebel brought new off-road prowess to the lineup.
Key Points
- The 2016 Ram 1500 saw some relatively minor updates across the lineup from the previous year but featured a new trim level and two special editions to keep things fresh.
- The new trim was the Rebel, which was Ram’s answer to off-road packages from Toyota, Ford, and Chevrolet. The Rebel featured a raised ride height, 17-inch all-terrain tires, skid plates, and more.
- One 2016 Ram special edition, the Stinger Yellow Sport, was available nationwide. However, the other, the Yellow Rose of Texas edition, was only available in the state of Texas.
- The trim hierarchy from the previous model year was retained with the exception of the new Rebel model, which slotted between the SLT and Big Horn/Lone Star trims. The previous model year’s Laramie Limited model name was shortened to “Limited” and still served as the top-spec trim.
The Ram 1500’s Lineup Expanded for 2016 with a New Rebel Model for Off-roading Enthusiasts While Still Offering Basic and Luxurious Trims for Various Buyers
The Ram 1500’s lineup remained largely unchanged for 2016 but still encompassed a plentiful number of models to suit the tastes of modern truck buyers. Carryover trims included the entry-level Tradesman with vinyl seats and flooring as well as crank windows. Other standard features include antilock brakes, stability control, and a Class IV hitch receiver. Economy-conscious buyers could opt for the tradesman HFE with the 3.6L V6, which added fuel-saving features like active grille shutters and a stop/start system.
Value-minded shoppers could select the Express or SLT models, which packaged popular features such as larger aluminum wheels, painted or chrome bumpers, and carpeted flooring. The Big Horn trim (sold as the Lone Star in Texas) added a power driver’s seat, 20-inch wheels, remote start, and a UConnect 8.4-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth.
The Outdoorsman trim was aimed at customers who wanted a capable workhorse and was equipped with factory skid plates, an antispin rear differential, and 17-inch all-terrain tires. While the urban-minded Sport trim featured luxuries like heated front seats, dual-zone automatic temperature control, and body-color front and rear bumpers as well as pavement-oriented 20-inch wheels and tires.
Buyers who wanted the latest in truck luxury could opt for the Laramie, Laramie Limited, or top-spec Limited model, all of which featured heated and ventilated leather seats, power-adjustable pedals, 20-inch wheels, and a premium audio system. The top-tier Limited model boasted standard self-leveling air suspension, automatic high beam headlamps, and a premium wood and leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Engines and transmissions were also carried over for 2016, with the 3.6L Pentastar serving as the base engine for most models paired with either a six-speed or eight-speed automatic. The 5.7L Hemi V8 was optional throughout most of the lineup and was paired with an eight-speed auto. Also available on most trims was the 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 with an eight-speed automatic. An HFE Ram with the 3.0 EcoDiesel V6 powertrain setup can average as much as 29 mpg on the highway.
Rebel Trim Brings Off-road Capabilities and Aggressive Styling to 2016 Ram Pickup
The Ram 1500 Rebel had previously been introduced midway through 2015 as a special edition model. However, the Rebel became a standalone trim level for 2016 and slotted between the SLT and Big Horn/Lone Star models. The Rebel was Ram’s answer to more aggressive off-road packages from competitors such as Ford’s F-150 Tremor.
The Rebel comes standard with a host of rugged features that make the truck more capable when the pavement ends. It is available exclusively as a crew cab with a five-and-a-half-foot bed. Two-wheel drive is standard, as is the 3.6L Pentastar V6, while four-wheel drive and the 5.7L Hemi V8 are optional.
Additional features on the Ram 1500 Rebel include:
- Bilstein monotube performance shocks
- Four-corner air suspension system with active ride leveling
- 17-inch all-terrain tires
- Black powder coated front bumper with a unique grille
- Sport performance aluminum hood
- Black wheel flares
- Sport LED tail lamps and front projector headlights with LED fog lamps
- Rebel embossed cloth bucket seats with heated front seats
2016 Ram’s Shimmering Special Editions Add Unique Styling Inside and Out
Fans of special edition Ram pickups had a few choices in 2016, as long as they were fans of yellow. Midway through 2016, Ram introduced the 1500 Stinger Yellow Sport. The Stinger Yellow Sport was based on a Sport trim Ram but featured an exclusive Stinger Yellow exterior color, vented sport hood, and dual exhaust with chrome tips. Two-wheel drive models came standard with 22-inch wheels, while four-wheel-drive models rode on 20s.
All Stinger Yellow Sport Rams were crew cab models with the 5.7L Hemi V8. Inside the Stinger Yellow editions received contrasting yellow stitching and embroidery on black leather seats as well as black chrome accents on the trim. Production was limited to just 2,250 units.
Residents of Texas also received a yellow-hued special edition Ram of their own. Based on the Ram 1500 Lone Star (which was sold as the Big Horn trim in states other than Texas), the Yellow Rose of Texas edition Ram featured the same shade of Stinger Yellow paint as the Stinger yellow Sport but eschewed all of the other unique pieces from that edition.
From the Base Tradesman Trim to the New Off-road Rebel, the 2016 Ram 1500 is an Extremely Versatile Pickup
Though most of the Ram 1500 lineup went relatively unchanged for 2016, the expanded trim levels and standardized equipment helped broaden the truck’s appeal. The Rebel trim helped round out the lineup with its list of standard off-road-oriented equipment, making the 2016 Ram one of the most versatile full-size trucks on the market.
Photos: Stellantis
