All-new 2024 Rampage is a pint-sized Ram 1500 pickup

Aside from crossovers, SUVs, and MPVs, automakers can't get enough pickup trucks. Whether it's midsize, full-size, single cab, extended cab, or quad cab, pickup trucks nowadays are not only for the worksite as they can now be seen in the city and in the urban metropolis in various configurations.

With these types of trucks growing in size, it wasn't surprising to see brands like Ford and Hyundai offering something smaller. The Korean automaker brought out the Santa Cruz while the Blue Oval revealed the Maverick. Despite both vehicles having a unibody platform, these front-wheel drive compact pickups can still haul and carry plenty of cargo in their beds, as well as tow something in the back.

Ram seemed to have caught on to the idea of making a compact pickup truck and has decided to launch their own – say hello to the 2024 Ram Rampage. Designed and developed for South America, the new Ram pickup utilizes the Small Wide unibody architecture shared with the Jeep Compass and Jeep Commander, as well as the Alfa Romeo Tonale/Dodge Hornet crossovers.

Despite being smaller than its brother (the Ram 1500), the designers actually borrowed styling cues from it. From the large grille and eye-catching headlights, as well as the bold fenders and distinct bumpers, the Rampage checks out in the style department. It has squared-off wheel arches which appear to be derived from the Jeep Compass, but the unique styling of the bed reminds everyone that this is indeed the Ram Rampage.

In terms of size, the Rampage measures 5028mm, 1886mm wide, 1780mm tall, and has a 2994mm wheelbase. This makes the new Ram pick-up slightly shorter in length. As for the bed, Ram says it has a total capacity of 980 liters (or 34.6 cubic feet). Depending on the engine variant, the turbo-gas version can carry 750 kg of cargo while the turbo-diesel variant can haul more at 1,015 kg.

Hop inside and the Rampage gets a digital dashboard courtesy of an instrument cluster and a wide touchscreen infotainment system. The former measures 10.3 inches in size while the latter comes in at 12.3 inches and features the Uconnect system complete with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Below the touchscreen are a dual-zone automatic climate control panel, a wireless charging pad, six USB charging ports, and storage bins to stow away large or small items from prying eyes.

Other in-car features available include a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, power-adjustable driver's seats, brown leather upholstery, LED ambient lighting, seven airbags, and a host of advanced driver assist systems to aid the driver while on the road.

The two engine options for the 2024 Rampage are a 2.0-liter turbo-gasoline inline-four derived from the Wrangler and a 2.0-liter turbo-diesel four-cylinder. The gasoline engine makes a potent 272 PS with 400 Nm of torque while the diesel-driven motor puts out a decent 170 PS and 380 Nm of torque. Both engines are then connected to a 9-speed automatic gearbox along with an all-wheel drive system.

The turbo-gasoline can sprint from 0 – 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds and has a top speed of 220 km/h. On the other hand, the turbo-diesel version can go from 0 – 100 km/h at a slower 10.9 seconds and can only reach a 186 km/h top speed.

Production of the 2024 Ram Rampage will take place at the Stellantis Goiania plant in Pernambuco, Brazil. For now, it remains only available to South American markets. But with the Rampage essentially in the same segment as the Maverick and Santa Cruz, we won't be surprised if Ram actually decides to bring it Stateside. Now if only Auto Nation Group will decide to get it as well if it comes to North America.