Did the 2021 Ram 700 Copy the Honda Ridgeline?
The Ram 700 snuck out under the radar. We almost missed the release, but upon laying eyes on this tiny but mighty Ram pickup truck, we think it looks like a Honda Ridgeline. So, we have to ask. Did the Ram 700 take any styling cues from the Honda Ridgeline?
The 2021 Ram 700 is out and about
Sorry, first, we’re going to have to break your heart with some bad news. The new 2021 Ram 700 is only available in Mexico and Latin America. We don’t know if Ram will bring their new mini truck to America in the next few years, but it isn’t here now.
Also, the new Ram 700 mini truck might be too weak to compete. According to cnet.net, the SLT and Laramie trim models have a 1.4-liter engine that provides 84 hp and 87-lb-ft of torque. The Big Horn trim gets a 1.3-liter turbo-four engine with 98 hp and 94 lb-ft of torque.
This small amount of power might not be so bad because this is the smallest Ram Dakota 700 ever made. However, it can only tow 800 lb and carry a payload of up to 1,600 lb.
This should handle your daily pickup truck needs, but we are used to seeing more strength in America. However, both engines are paired with a 5-speed manual transmission, so it could be tons of fun.
Did the 2021 Ram 700 copy the Honda Ridgeline?
The way the Ram Dakota looks is reminiscent of the Honda Ridgeline and its unibody frame. This is because the little Ram has a unibody frame, so good eye. Also, this means that the Ram only has all-wheel-drive instead of 4×4. But like the Honda Ridgeline, the Dakota 700 will be able to handle its own off the pavement.
However, the Ram 700 is actually a rebadged Fiat Strada. The Ram Dakota is built in the same plant in Betim, Brazil, as the Fiat Strada. The two trucks almost look identical, except for the badges and grille.
The grille is borrowed from the larger Ram 1500. Plus, you’ll notice black bumpers and steel wheels covered by plastic hubcaps. The Big Horn trim comes with a nifty cargo box for extra storage.
2021 Ram 700 features
You can get the 2021 Ram 700 in a regular cab or a double cab to suit your individual needs. Also, you can access up to 40.3 cubic feet of cargo space, which isn’t terrible. However, there are only 24.4 cubic feet of cargo space in the single cab.
If you go with the double cab, know that it can seat up to 5 passengers. However, according to TheDrive, the middle seat is pretty small. So at least four adults can fit in this truck with a small child squeezed into the middle seat.
The truck bed already comes with a bed liner installed and features a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You also get LED headlights and a reverse camera. In the Laramie trim, you’ll find leather seats and luxurious soft-touch materials.
With the tiny Ford Maverick on the way, it’s unclear why Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is keeping the Dakota 700 out of America for now. They could be testing it in other markets first or waiting to see how the Ford Maverick will perform. Also, where is the Ram Dakota 700?
