In an era of push button everything and “do it for me” four wheel drive systems; it’s a relief to see the manual shift transfer case remain on the floor of the 2017 Ram Power Wagon.

Mechanically unchanged from the previous model; the 2017 redesign is all appearance; inside and out. The bold graphics of the outgoing model were swapped for a more modest vertical black stripe containing the Power Wagon name (reminiscent of the 1979-80 “Macho Power Wagon” logo). The exterior has been de-chromed (thank you!) and replaced with black accents including the Rebel style mustache grille and tailgate RAM badging.

The interior also received the Rebel treatment with Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac tire tread patterns embossed in the seats, and special Power Wagon dash and instrument cluster badging.

The Power Wagon retains the off-road ready suspension with 2″ of lift of the standard model, Ram “Articulink” front suspension with sway-bar disconnecting system, locking front and rear differentials and a 12,000-lb. winch.

Despite my excitement for the manual transfer case; I wish they had left more of a distinction between the Rebel and the Power Wagon – with the two trucks looking almost identical, it depreciates the esteem that the Power Wagon name should bring.