The automotive world is a lot like Rom-Coms. The “will they/won’t they” conversations about certain models getting canceled or whether or not to bring certain makes and models to the U.S. is a constant source of drama and speculation. The new Ram Rampage pickup truck has been the most recent example of this back-and-forth. Rumors have been born and died multiple times about whether or not the U.S. will get the new Brazilian Ram Rampage. This Morning, The Drive reports that an anonymous informant confirmed that the Ram Rampage is coming to the States and could debut as early as late this year. 

Is the Ram Rampage coming to the U.S.?

According to The Drive, a “well-sourced informant with inside knowledge of Stellantis plans” told the publication that the Rampage was coming to America later this year. This news comes on the heels of two Rampages being spotted in heavy camo driving around Colorado. While seeing foreign market cars driving here doesn’t mean anything, it is strange that it’s so heavily wrapped when the truck already debuted in South America. 

The rumor mill has been working overtime on this model. As such, skepticism is completely reasonable, maybe even wise. The Drive explains that adopting a car domestically that was made for a foreign market is quite difficult. There are several reasons for this, but likely the most difficult is the 25% Chicken Tax. One possible way around this was presented by The Autopian. Stellantis has a facility in Mexico where the production lines are only working on the Jeep Compass. It just so happens that the Ram Rampage shares a chassis with the Jeep Compass. 

What engine is in the Ram Rampage? 

Another potential helpful detail in this mystery is that the Ram Rampage is believed to include the turbocharged 2.0-liter Hurricane 4, already being used in Stellantis products like the Jeep Wrangler. The spicy new motor in the Jeep makes a whopping 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. There is also a 2.2-liter turbodiesel being considered for the little Ram pickup truck. The good news is that if the model already uses engines that run in the States, it would make the process much easier to sell here. 

It’s time for Ram to make a small pickup truck

The Drive mentions that Ram has been pretty forward with wanting to bring a small pickup truck to the American market to do battle with the Ford Maverick. The success of the Maverick has driven many automakers to reconsider the small truck segment. Former CEO Mike Koval mentioned last year that the firm was “actively and aggressively” looking to make its small truck dreams come true. The idea is that Ford clearly can’t keep up with America’s demand for a small, cheaper pickup truck. The wait times and closed books have proven that point well. 

The success of the strange little Hyundai Santa Cruz further proves that point. Despite its odd shape and size, it is gaining market share because the Maverick does not have enough inventory. This isn’t to say that the Hyundai isn’t also a strong competitor. It is unique, interesting, and exciting.

While none of these bits of data are hard proof, the bigger picture shows a big gap in the market, a viable product to fit that gap, a desire from Ram to be the company to do it, and the logical situation to execute. We can’t promise a Ram Rampage here in the U.S., but we can say that the stage sure seems to be set for a new Ram pickup truck.