Three Reasons to Look Forward to the Ram Rampage

Dodge withdrew from the midsize pickup market after discontinuing the Dakota in 2011. That said, Dodge exited the pickup market in 2009 when Ram became a separate division. Despite the nomenclature, they are all part of the same company. Excitingly, Stellantis is bringing the company back into the small truck segment with the introduction of the compact Rampage, set to debut as early as the 2024 model year.

Limited Market

It’s rather strange that there are currently very few compact (read midsize) pickup trucks available in the U.S., considering their past popularity when the roads and off-roads were filled with Dakotas, Comanches, and unnamed Toyota pickups. Not everyone desires a massive truck, and there exists a substantial untapped market for midsize pickups. Recently launched in Brazil, the Ram Rampage has swiftly made its mark, with Motor1 reporting that the initial batch sold out in an astonishing 28 minutes. The second round of Rampages was equally sought-after, finding buyers in less than 24 hours. While some may argue that the Brazilian market differs from the U.S. market, the universal appeal of well-equipped midsize pickup trucks is undeniable.

Style

While the Ford Maverick may be budget-friendly as a compact truck, its utilitarian design may not captivate enthusiasts as it lacks visual appeal, and the interior’s cheap plastic finish diminishes its overall charm. The Hyundai Santa Cruz offers a touch more style but leans towards a family crossover SUV rather than exuding the ruggedness of an off-roader. On the other hand, the Rampage showcases the same rugged and bold styling reminiscent of the Ram 1500, condensed into a smaller package. Taking inspiration from the second-generation Ram released in 1994, it inherits a radical retro design that stands out as the most captivating pickup on the road. Each successive generation has built upon this iconic design, ensuring that the Rampage remains an eye-catching vehicle tailored for conquering the wilderness.

Engine Options

Creating a visually appealing compact pickup with a bold name like the Rampage would be in vain if it falls short on power and fails to live up to expectations. However, enthusiasts will be delighted to know that the compact Rampage offers several engine options, all of which are equally impressive. The top-tier engine is a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four, boasting a swift 0-60 acceleration in just 6.5 seconds, which is quite commendable. In addition, there is a base-model diesel four-cylinder engine that offers lower horsepower but compensates with higher payload and towing capacity. Regardless of the engine choice, all models come with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Although it appears that the diesel engine might not be available in the American version, there may be an even more enticing alternative in store.

Check out the existing Ram Truck lineup here at University Dodge. Check out our latest Ram Trucks inventory, including the latest Ram 1500 and Ram Heavy Duty, and schedule your test drive today! Follow University Dodge on social media to stay up to date with the latest Ram Truck news, including the possible arrival of the 2024 Ram Rampage.

Photo Source/Copyright: Stellantis