RAM Rampage 2023 Review

Directly calculated from the Brazilian pricing, the 2023 RAM Rampage seems expensive. The range kicks off at almost $75,000 for the Rebel Turbo Diesel and stretches to around $82,500 for the R/T petrol.

However, to put this in context, a Ford Ranger XLT 3.0 lists at almost $90,000 in Brazil.

To offset the price, all variants of the Rampage are loaded with equipment, including a 12.3-inch infotainment screen with Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay, 10.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, LED head- and tail-lights, wireless phone charging, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring and autonomous emergency braking (AEB).

The Laramie adds a leather interior, chrome external finishes and 18-inch wheels, while the range-topping R/T features sport suspension and exhaust, a gloss black roof, leather and suede interior and 19-inch wheels.

Two engines are available, a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder producing 125kW/380Nm and the ‘Hurricane’ 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder with 200kW/400Nm. Both units use a nine-speed automatic and all-wheel drive, the petrol jumping to 0-100km/h in just 6.9sec.

Let’s start with that engine. The 2023 RAM Rampage has excellent acceleration in petrol guise and the Hurricane engine makes lighter work of its 1900kg-plus mass than the turbo-diesel, especially with a load on board.

Dynamics are equally impressive for this class of vehicle. The Rampage sits on the same Stellantis platform that underpins the likes of the Alfa Romeo Tonale and Jeep Compass so unsurprisingly its road manners are more SUV than traditional ute.

Great handling, precise steering, strong braking and lots of stability make for an enjoyable drive.

While smaller in size, the Rampage is by no means tiny at 5028mm long, 1886mm wide and 1780mm tall – don’t think this is some Proton Jumbuck – and subsequently it still offers a decent load space.

The tub has a volume of 980L measuring 1055mm in length, 1385mm wide and 595mm deep, with 1055mm between the wheel-arches. Turbo-diesel models also have a very useful payload of 1015kg, matching many of our local mid-size utes.

On the downside, the 750kg payload of the petrol-engined 2023 RAM Rampage means it’s really limited to light duties, though it’s still a useful figure if you’re driving solo. RAM also makes no mention of any towing capacities.

The engines are also relatively thirsty for what they are. For the turbo-diesel, RAM claims 10.2L/100km in the city and 8.1L/100km on the highway; for the turbo-petrol, it lists 10.3L/100km and 12.6L/100km respectively.

For a smaller, lighter ute you’d hope for better figures than those typically achieved by larger versions.

The turbo-diesel is also lacking in performance. While torquey, its 10.9sec 0-100km/h claim illustrates the performance disparity compared to the petrol version.

In this instance it’s a moot point because you can’t buy the 2023 RAM Rampage – unless you happen to be reading this in Brazil.

Nevertheless, the Rampage represents a class of vehicle that would seem very at home in Australia.

The R/T, in particular, with its impressive acceleration, car-like handling and useful load space would find plenty of fans for those who like the idea of a full-size RAM TRX but are of slightly more modest means – if the price was right, of course.

2023 RAM Rampage R/T at a glance:
Price: $82,500 est (plus on-road costs)
Available: Not confirmed for Australia
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 200kW/400Nm
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
Fuel: 11.1L/100km
CO2: 264g/km
Safety rating: Not tested