We’re sure Ram is sick of hearing about it. After sitting on the sidelines since the demise of the Dodge Dakota, the Stellantis truck and work van brand will finally deliver on a small truck here in the United States (and likely Canada, too). Already revealed for the Brazilian market, the Ram Rampage unibody small truck will reportedly be sold in the brand’s home market, taking the fight to the Ford Maverick.
Ram Rampage Small Truck Green Lit For USA
Per a report from The Drive, Stellantis intends to sell the Ram Rampage in the USA, and will officially debut its version the small truck later this year. This news comes after outgoing Ram CEO Mike Koval has consistently emphasized that the brand is aware of a hole in its lineup, is aware of demand for small trucks, and is looking for ways to make a small truck happen here in the USA.
Additionally, a midsized electric pickup truck has also been showcased to Ram truck dealers, which is said to look like a smaller version of the larger Ram 1500 REV electric truck.
Powering the Rampage is expected to be a 2.0L Hurricane four cylinder turbo engine. A PHEV version featuring a powertrain shared with the Dodge Hornet R/T could also be offered. Considering that heavily camouflaged test mules are still driving around, it’s also possible that the USA/Canada-spec Rampage will see some unique design changes, as well.
Where Will Stellantis Build The Rampage?
Protectionist laws that remain in place mean that if Stellantis were to sell the Brazilian built Rampage in the United States, it would be subject to a 25% tax. However, if built in any of the USMCA trade organization countries (USA, Canada, and Mexico), that extra tax would not apply. Therefore, future production of the Ram Rampage will likely happen in one of two plants: the idled Belve\idere Assembly plant in Illinois that built the Jeep Cherokee, and/or the Toluca Assembly plant in Mexico, which the Jeep Compass. The Compass, conveniently, share a Stellantis Small Wide 4×4 platform with the Rampage. As does the Dodge Hornet.
Other Small Trucks Soon On The Way
The Ford Maverick might have it easy right now, but likely not for long. Along with the Ram Rampage, reports have indicated that Nissan, Toyota, Mitsubishi, and Subaru are all mulling over small trucks for the USA and Canadian markets. General Motors is also looking at entering the fray with an electric small truck. But with the EVs being so cost prohibitive (under $40k, and GM loses money on them), it’s hard to see that being the case without some real breakthroughs in battery chemistry, supply chain abundance, and complexity reduction.
Will these small trucks replace small crossovers? Will people size down from bigger trucks? Will all of our dreams come true? Only time will tell, won’t it?
