The HiLux-sized Ram Rampage looks like a Baby 1500
The exterior of the new Ram Rampage ute was unveiled in Brazil ahead of its full launch later this year, offering a 1500-like design but more manageable dimensions.
It is believed to be based on the same Fiat Chrysler Small Wide 4×4 architecture that powers the Fiat Chrysler Small Wide 4×4 jeep compass And Commander/Meridian And Alfa Romeo tonal.
This means that this unibody ute probably won’t offer quite the same off-road and load-carrying capabilities as a body-and-frame ute Toyota HiLux And Ford Ranger.
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Its design screams “baby”. RAM 1500‘ however, from its upright front end and horseshoe-shaped grille to its muscular body and distinctive taillight details.
Inside, there’s a digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
Specs have yet to be released, but reports from Brazil suggest it will be offered in familiar Laramie, Rebel and Longhorn trim levels, as well as a Night Edition, with engines initially consisting of a 127kW 2.0-litre turbodiesel and a 2.0-liter turbo engine consist four-petrol.
Both will reportedly be mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.
This isn’t the first little ute made by Ram. The brand is currently selling the Ram 700 – a facelifted and restyled Fiat Strada – in some Latin American countries such as Mexico.
Other countries in America, like Peru, also have the larger Ram 1000 – a Fiat Toro with a revised grille – in their offerings.
However, none of these vehicles are sold in the United States or Canada.
It’s unclear if Stellantis engineered the Rampage to meet US safety and emissions standards. If sold there, it would likely compete with vehicles like the bargain-basement but hot-selling Ford Maverick and the more upscale, less popular Hyundai Santa Cruz.
Both vehicles share their architecture with popular small crossovers, namely the Ford Bronco Sport and Hyundai Tucson.
It’s unclear if the Rampage will be sold in markets outside of Latin America like Australia.
The Rampage name was once applied to an even smaller compact car: the 2-door Dodge Rampage, which was sold from 1982 to 1984. It was derived from the Omni O24 coupe, which in turn was based on the Volkswagen Golf-sized Omni hatchback.
The new Rampage isn’t the only new sub-1500 Ute Ram he plans to launch.
Ram has confirmed it’s working on a mid-size electric Ute in the US, potentially reviving the Dakota nameplate that was shown to dealers there.
The company has confirmed that it was designed for international and right-hand drive markets, which means it will most likely be the case makes his way to Australia.
