Compact Pickup with Potent Performance
Let's embark on an exploration of a vehicle with the heart of an American stallion and the nimbleness of a South American jaguar: the 2024 Ram Rampage. We've seen a revolution recently in the trucking world, with the upsurge of midsize and compact segments. And in this unfolding saga, Ram, a stalwart holdout, is bringing forth its own contender.
What's stirring in the cauldron of American automotive industry? Picture a small pickup, carrying the strong lineage of Ram's characteristic design, yet built with a unibody structure akin to the Ford Maverick. The Ram Rampage, already launched in South America, is this creation, rumored to make a splash on American shores soon. The design for this whippersnapper is expected to be borrowed from its larger siblings, yet riding atop the platform it shares with siblings like the Jeep Compass, Alfa Romeo Tonale, and Dodge Hornet.
Under the hood, the Ram Rampage comes powered by a robust 2.0-liter Hurricane I4 gas engine. Sporting 272 horsepower and a solid 295 lb-ft of torque, this is no slouch. It's the same powerhouse used by the Dodge Hornet, and it makes a solid case for the Rampage in the American market. Down South, there's a diesel variant, but chances are, we'll see a more eco-friendly 1.3-liter plug-in hybrid for its stateside counterpart, offering efficiency and sustainability without sacrificing power.
Digging into the different flavors, we're looking at three trims: the rugged Rebel trim, the more luxurious Laramie trim, and the sporty R/T Sport model. It's like the choice between a rich, smokey barbeque, a succulent grilled steak, or a fiery jalapeño chili – each offering a different kick, but all equally satisfying to the adventurous spirit.
We're still in the world of speculation as to when the Rampage will ride into the American sunset. A trusted source whispered to The Drive about its imminent debut, with production likely shifting to Mexico to circumnavigate the Chicken Tax. This move seems quite plausible, especially considering the rising popularity of compact trucks like the Maverick.
Now, you might be asking, “Why Rampage?” Well, it's a name that has roots. In the early 1980s, the Dodge Rampage was a small, unibody pickup, and Dodge brought it back with a concept in 2006. It's a name that suggests power, agility, and heritage, leaving the door open for the Dakota to come back as a smaller body-on-frame truck.
The Maverick took the budget route, but Ram seems to have other ideas with the Rampage. In Brazil, where it has launched, the Rampage comes with all-wheel drive, leather seats, a 12.3-inch infotainment display, and a digital instrument cluster as standard. Starting at a little over $50,000 in Brazil, we can expect a lower price here due to tax differences, but it would likely still be north of the Maverick’s $22,595 starting price.
And if you're still wondering about a midsize Dakota, the jury's still out on that one. There are rumblings of a concept, taking cues from the Ram 1500 REV, but it seems we may need to wait a little longer to see if it materializes.
So there you have it, the 2024 Ram Rampage. It's a gust of fresh air in the pickup world, for those with a taste for adventure, a respect for heritage, and a demand for efficiency and style. It's proof that sometimes, you don't have to go big to go anywhere. The world's your oyster, whether you're camping in the wilderness or navigating the urban jungle, and the Rampage is built to take you there.
Pros:
- Robust Performance: The Rampage comes equipped with a potent 2.0-liter Hurricane I4 gas engine, providing 272 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. This engine is likely to deliver robust performance, making the Rampage a capable compact pickup.
- Hybrid Option: There's the probability of a 1.3-liter plug-in hybrid variant for the American market, offering a more eco-friendly and efficient option for those concerned about fuel consumption and emissions.
- Trim Options: With the Rebel, Laramie, and R/T Sport models, the Rampage presents a spectrum of customization options to suit different lifestyle and driving preferences.
- High-end Features: The Rampage offers premium features like all-wheel drive, leather seats, a 12.3-inch infotainment display, and a digital instrument cluster as standard.
- Unibody Construction: Like the Ford Maverick, the Rampage will have a unibody construction, which typically provides better ride comfort and fuel efficiency compared to body-on-frame vehicles.
Cons:
- Price: With a starting price likely to be north of the Maverick’s $22,595, the Rampage may not appeal to those looking for a budget compact pickup.
- Uncertain American Release: As of the present, there's no confirmation on the Rampage's American launch, which might deter potential buyers looking for a definite timeline.
- Possible Absence of Diesel Variant: The absence of a diesel variant, which is popular in South America, might be a dealbreaker for some American consumers who prefer diesel engines for their better fuel efficiency and torque.
- Limited Information: As the vehicle is still largely under wraps, the limited information available about performance, fuel efficiency, and user experience might not inspire confidence in potential buyers.
- Competition: The compact and midsize truck market is becoming crowded, with offerings like the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz already gaining popularity. The Rampage will have to fight hard to carve out its niche.
