A small 2024 Ram Rampage pickup is heading to Brazil, where it’s billed as a game-changer.
While Ram’s been wholesale focused on its electric 1500 REV pickup for folks here in the States, there’s more going on beyond our market. Take Brazil, where the automaker just teased its new pickup for South America built with the help of its Auburn Hills, Michigan-based engineers. This small truck occupies the same space as the Ford Maverick and the company reportedly dusted off an old nameplate to bestow upon its latest creation: the Rampage.
From what we can see in the video below, the so-called 2024 Ram Rampage concept brings in some familiar styling from the Ram 1500 half-ton. The prominent headlights and Ram badge on the tailgate are two dead giveaways there, while this truck also sports a “Turbo” badge on the hood. According to Mopar Insiders, that could be a nod to Stellantis’ 2.0-liter ‘GME T-4’ turbocharged inline-four engine, which may make its appearance here. We know that engine in Jeep models including the Compass, Grand Cherokee and Wrangler, as well as the Dodge Hornet and is the entry-level powertrain for Alfa Romeo’s models. A 2.0-liter turbodiesel could also be in the cards, and may even be the standard powertrain option.
Since we’re ostensibly talking about a truck here, though, the Ram Rampage reportedly gets unique springs and shock absorbers designed to handle its heavier curb weight and payload. The truck may get a front-wheel drive configuration, but it’s pretty likely Ram will offer an all-wheel drive version for a premium.
Too bad we (probably) won’t see it here at all
Brazilian website Autos Segredos shares even more information on the Ram Rampage, including dimensions and trim levels. According to their report, this truck measures out to 197 inches long, 73 inches wide and 71 inches tall. That’s ever-so-slightly smaller (at least in length and height) than the Ford Maverick, while this truck will obviously also ride on a unibody architecture.
Like Stellantis’ other new models, the 2024 Ram Rampage will launch with a Uconnect 5-based infotainment system, at least on some trims. We don’t get any view of the interior, but it could pack a sizeable display, as that company’s tended to do that with its other models, including the Ram 1500. Brazilian and other South American customers will see a trim walk similar to what we know here in North America, with staples like Big Horn, Laramie and even Rebel. Night Edition will also be among the options.
Ram offers up a preview of what’s coming in the video below (that may or may not be too useful, depending on whether you speak Portuguese):
Sadly, there’s absolutely no indication Ram will entertain bringing this truck to the North American market.
Even though the company mentions its co-development with American engineers, that’s no signal they’re going to actually launch it for U.S. customers. Considering just how successful the Maverick is here — Ford dealers sold more than 21,000 so far this year, beating the Ranger nearly two-to-one — it seems like a bit of a missed opportunity, if you ask me. You could also argue the same thing for the Chevrolet Montana (also sold in Brazil), though it’s unlikely we’ll see that here anytime soon either, if at all.
Silver lining: There’s still plenty of hype around the Ram Dakota potentially making a comeback, which is perhaps where the automaker’s mindset is at right now. Midsize trucks are massively popular and that will probably be far more palatable for American truck buyers.
