Stellantis has recently unveiled the 2024 Ram Rampage, a brand-new pickup truck set to stir up the automotive market. However, North American truck enthusiasts might need to temper their excitement. This compact pickup, although generating considerable buzz, is currently slated exclusively for Argentina and Brazil. For the foreseeable future, the Rampage will not be available for purchase in North America, leaving many to wonder if this appealing truck will ever cross continents.
The name “Rampage” itself is not new to the Stellantis family, echoing back to a smaller pickup produced in the 1980s under the Dodge banner. That original Rampage, based on the Omni hatchback, carved out its own niche. Now, the 2024 iteration aims to recapture that spirit, albeit with a modern twist and for a different market.
The 1983 Dodge Rampage, a classic predecessor to the 2024 model, showcasing its unique design and compact truck roots.
Like its 80s namesake, the 2024 Dodge Rampage utilizes a unibody construction, distinguishing it from traditional body-on-frame trucks. Visually, the Rampage strongly resembles a scaled-down version of the immensely popular Ram 1500. Its exterior styling cues are unmistakably American-influenced, suggesting a design language familiar to fans of the Ram brand.
Inside the cabin, the 2024 Rampage adopts a design philosophy tailored for its target market. Eschewing the large, portrait-style infotainment screens seen in the Ram 1500, the Rampage opts for a more conventional landscape-oriented widescreen unit. Initial glimpses from Stellantis suggest the interior design leans towards the Dodge Hornet, sharing a similar aesthetic rather than directly mirroring other Ram or Jeep models in the Stellantis lineup.
Powering the 2024 Rampage is the familiar 2.0-liter “Hurricane” turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, a staple within Stellantis’ North American offerings. This engine is found in vehicles like the Jeep Compass and Wrangler. While exact specifications for the Rampage remain forthcoming, industry experts anticipate performance figures closer to the Wrangler’s output of 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, rather than the Compass’s 200 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. This suggests a focus on robust performance suitable for a pickup, even in the compact category.
Full specifications and pricing details are expected closer to the Rampage’s launch in late 2023. Given its South American market focus, competitive pricing is anticipated to be a key factor in its success.
Market Potential and North American Prospects
The 2024 Rampage appears poised to be a significant success in its designated markets. Its size and features align well with the growing demand for versatile and efficient pickup trucks. The popularity of the Ford Maverick in North America, a similarly sized competitor, naturally raises questions about the Rampage’s absence from the North American market. The strong reception of the Maverick demonstrates a clear appetite for compact, capable trucks in the region.
Whether Stellantis will reconsider a North American version of the Rampage remains to be seen. Public demand and market trends could potentially influence future decisions. For now, the Dodge Rampage 2024 is set to make its mark in South America, leaving North American consumers to observe from afar and perhaps hope for a change of plans down the road.
The 2024 Ram Rampage, showcasing its modern design and hinting at its capabilities as a compact pickup truck.
