2023 RAM Rampage pick-up revealed in full

The 2023 RAM Rampage has been revealed in full in its native Brazilian market as a slightly smaller, car-based alternative to the Volkswagen Amarok and Toyota HiLux.

No, the Rampage isn’t the ladder-frame dual-cab 4x4 ute that RAM is planning for global markets including Australia (which could be called the Dakota and will debut in EV form soon), but it is still pretty big and does offer a decent payload.

The monocoque platform-based Rampage twin-cab – RAM’s first mid-size pick-up in over a decade – measures 5028mm long, 1886mm wide and 1780mm tall, and is capable of lugging up to 1015kg in its tub.

Three trim levels are being offered in Brazil – wearing the Rebel, Laramie and R/T nameplates – along with two powertrain options, with the default engine choice for the Rebel and Laramie being a 127kW/380Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel.

Optionally available is a significantly pokier 203kW/400Nm 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four that’s said to accelerate the Rampage to 100km/h in 6.9 seconds and a 220km/h top speed in flagship R/T guise, thanks to its more road-focused wheel and tyre combination.

The lesser petrol grades are claimed to hit 100km/h in 7.1sec and will eventually reach 210km/h, whereas the more sedate diesel variants will top out at 186km/h after dispatching 0-100km/h in 10.1sec.

Both mills are paired as standard with a nine-speed automatic transmission driving all four wheels via a full-time 4x4 system.

But while the diesel variants predictably lose out in terms of outright performance, they have the last laugh when it comes to payload capacity given the petrol utes are only rated to carry up to 750kg in their 980-litre tubs, compared to the previously referenced 1015kg.

What makes this feat even more impressive is that the Rampage features independent suspension at both ends – MacPherson strut front, multi-link rear – as well as ventilated disc brakes all round.

RAM Brazil has been coy in terms of the Rampage’s specific off-road capabilities in that it references a ‘4x4 Low’ mode, but not a fully-fledged dual-range transfer case.

However, it does cite sill clearances of between 257mm and 264mm depending on the variant and approach, ramp-over and departure angles of 25.7, 23.9 and 27.5 degrees respectively for the base Rebel.

For reference, the lower and more athletic R/T offers clearance angles of 25, 23.1 and 24.5 degrees respectively.

Hill descent control is standard on all versions, while the Rebel and Laramie ship with 17- and 18-inch all-terrain rolling stock.

Speaking of standard equipment, much of which could also be fitted to the Dakota, Rebel variants of the Rampage come with a 10.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment system supporting wireless smartphone mirroring.

Also standard is adaptive cruise control, wireless phone charging, a rotary gear selector, 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, 17-inch alloys, LED projector headlights, powered tailgate, LED tub light, USB ports and dual-zone climate control.

Stepping up to the Laramie adds silver 18-inch alloys, chrome exterior trim, auto-dimming rear-view mirror and brown leather accented upholstery.

Headline gear on the R/T meantime includes a sports suspension tune, unique decals, grey suede upholstery, red contrast stitching, dual sports exhaust, black exterior trim treatment, R/T drive mode and a black headliner.

First Brazilian deliveries of the new Rampage will start in August, but the model is yet to be confirmed for any other markets at this stage.

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