Ram is venturing into a new market segment with its recently launched Rampage compact pickup truck. While the brand currently operates in Europe through a distributor, its larger models haven’t captured widespread appeal due to their substantial size. The Rampage, however, aims to fill that gap by targeting smaller and more accessible markets.
Designed and built entirely in Brazil, the Rampage sits on the Small Wide unibody platform shared with several other Stellantis vehicles like the Jeep Compass, Alfa Romeo Tonale, and Dodge Hornet. This compact truck is positioned between traditional C-SUVs and midsize pickups, attempting to capitalize on a growing demand for more versatile and maneuverable vehicles in urban environments.
Ram offers two distinct trims: the rugged Rebel and the sporty R/T. The diesel-powered Rebel boasts all-terrain tires wrapped around 17-inch wheels, emphasizing its off-road capabilities. Conversely, the R/T caters to a sportier audience with a more powerful gasoline engine, lowered suspension for sharper handling, stylish 19-inch wheels, and an aggressive body kit.
Both powertrain options—a 2.2-liter Multijet turbodiesel delivering 197 horsepower (147 kW) and 450 Nm of torque, or a turbocharged 2.0-liter Hurricane 4 gasoline engine generating 268 hp (200 kW) and 400 Nm of torque—are coupled with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive.
The Rampage is well-equipped, featuring full LED lighting, a sizable 12.3-inch infotainment system, a 10.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a premium Harman Kardon audio system with ten speakers, six USB ports, and Level 2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) as standard. The bed offers a generous cargo capacity of 980 liters (34.6 cubic feet) and can handle a payload of up to 1,015 kg (2,238 pounds).
The Rampage made its European debut at Fieracavalli, a significant horse exhibition in Verona, Italy, showcasing the brand’s commitment to this new market. While official pricing and release dates are yet to be announced, the truck’s unveiling signifies Ram’s strategic move into a more compact and popular segment in Europe.
The arrival of the Rampage differs significantly from the US market situation. Although initially rumored as a potential competitor to vehicles like the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz, import tariffs have rendered that plan improbable. Instead, Ram is concentrating its US efforts on a new ladder-frame midsize pickup based on a Chinese chassis—a direct rival to established models like the Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma.
This focus on different segments in each market reflects Ram’s calculated approach to expansion, aiming to optimize its product offerings for specific regional demands and opportunities.
