When the Stellantis CEO, Antonio Filosa, announced the company’s investment plans, he made it clear that Ram will play a huge role in the company’s future. Two smaller trucks are destined to be sold in the North American market. The Ram Rampage compact truck is already popular in South America and according to Ram’s European website is currently on its way to several European markets. Speculation is that it will be built in North America as soon as late next year as a 2028 model.
The Current Ram Rampage
The 2026 Ram Rampage is a compact, unibody pickup truck manufactured in Brazil and sold in South America. I reported in 2023 that several people saw the highly camouflaged truck testing in Michigan. It looks like it will be about the same size as the Ford Maverick, which right now has very little competition.
According to the Ram European site, the 2026 Ram Rampage comes in two powertrains. The main powertrain is Stellantis’ popular 2.0-liter turbocharged Hurricane 4-cylinder engine. It is rated at about 270 horsepower. A turbo-diesel engine is also offered in South America and some areas of Europe but is unlikely to make it to America.
The Ram Rampage is being built in a Stellantis plant, in Brazil, that also built the Jeep Renegade, Jeep Compass and Jeep Commander. The Rampage is built on the same chassis as the Jeep Compass. Filosa did not indicate where the Rampage could be built in North America, but there are several plants in North America that are currently idle. Jeep has said previously that it plans to build a new version of the Compass at its idled plant in Belvidere, Illinois. The plant is currently being retooled to build the Jeep Cherokee hybrid. Seeing as the Rampage rides on the same compact chassis as the Compass, it makes sense that the Compass and the Rampage could be built at the same facility.
Direct Competition for the Ford Maverick
Ford has had huge success with its well-priced Ford Maverick. Buyers proved that they wanted an affordable pickup. They are especially popular in metropolitan areas where drivers want the option of a pickup bed for hauling but need to be able to find parking. The Ford Maverick even has a street truck version called the Maverick Lobo. Filosa did not go into details about possible trim levels for the Ram Rampage.
Rampage is Already a Proven Performer
From Ram’s perspective, the best thing about the Rampage is that the company has already worked the bugs out in South America. It has already been on the market for at least three years, so when it comes to America, it should be ready to go. When I wrote about it three years ago the 4x4 was shown climbing hills and driving off-road. According to Ram, “Every Rampage is built to dominate. Its intelligent 4x4 auto traction automatically distributes torque between axles, while 4x4 Low mode stands ready to tackle the toughest, low-grip terrains with ease.”
When to Expect the Rampage
Ram insiders aren’t giving any dates as to when we can expect to see the Rampage. If retooling starts soon, we may very well see it sometime during the 2028 model year. Ram is not expected to import it because of the tariffs and their effect on the lower price model. It is expected to be the lowest priced Ram in the lineup and aimed directly at younger buyers. The sooner Ram can get it to market the better.
Image by Ram
About the Author
Mary Conway is a professional automotive journalist and has decades of experience specializing in automotive news analysis. She covered the Detroit Three for more than twenty years for the ABC affiliate, in Detroit. Her affection for the Motor City comes naturally. Her father ran a gas station while Mary was growing up, in Wisconsin. Follow Mary at @MaryConwayMedia on X and on Facebook, and send her car news tips for future stories. Mary Conway is an esteemed automotive and business reporter who was inducted into the Michigan Journalism Hall of Fame in 2019. Mary is a member of the Automotive Press Association, Rocky Mountain Automotive Press, Society of Professional Journalists, and NATAS.
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