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Ram has a successful lineup of pickup trucks. This includes the dependable Ram 1500, the value-oriented Ram 1500 Classic, the Ram 1500 TRX off-roader, and the Ram 2500/3500 heavy duty trucks. However, Ram doesn’t currently offer a small truck in the United States to compete with the Ford Maverick, which has been a huge success. That could soon change, though, for a new Ram small truck could be even better than the Ford Maverick. 

Ram CEO Mike Koval Jr. hints at a new small Ram pickup truck

Front view of white 2023 Ram 1500 TRX, highlighting new Ram small pickup truck that could top Ford Maverick
2023 Ram 1500 TRX | Ram

Given the success of the Ford Maverick, it’s surprising that Ram doesn’t sell a small pickup truck in America. The demand for the Maverick is so high that Ford already closed the order books for the 2023 model year. The only other compact truck available in the U.S. is the Hyundai Santa Cruz, which is also very popular.

After seeing the success of the Maverick and the Santa Cruz, Ram will change its course. As detailed by CarBuzz, Ram CEO Mike Koval Jr. hinted at the automaker’s plans for a new small truck. Koval Jr. said that the new truck might be smaller than the Maverick. 

Success of Ram and Stellantis small trucks in international markets could give them an edge over Ford Maverick

Front angle view of red Ram 1200, highlighting new Ram small pickup truck that could top Ford Maverick
Ram 1200 | Ram

One of the reasons for the move to a smaller truck could be Ram’s recent success in international markets, including South America and Australia. For example, Ram has a line of subcompact trucks in South America, including the Ram 1200. Compared to the United States, where large trucks and SUVs are popular, other countries have a higher demand for smaller vehicles.

Also, Ram can utilize the resources of its parent company Stellantis, which offers small trucks through other automakers. This includes Peugeot, which sells the compact Landtrek. However, in order to appeal to discerning pickup truck buyers in the U.S., Ram would likely boost the performance capabilities if it offers a similar truck stateside. 

Could the new Ram compact truck be electric?

Koval Jr. didn’t go into detail about the features and specs of the prospective Ram compact pickup truck. However, given the push of Ram and Stellantis toward EVs, it could have an electric powertrain. 

In November, Ram will unveil the Revolution concept, the automaker’s first electric pickup truck. It will compete with other EV trucks, such as the Rivian R1T and Ford F-150 Lightning. The production version of the Ram Revolution, along with a hybrid variant, is expected to be released in 2024. 

The new Ram small truck could also offer a hybrid powertrain. In addition to its affordability and value, one of the reasons for the Ford Maverick’s success is its standard hybrid powertrain, which provides high gas mileage. Ram could follow suit with a small hybrid truck as well.

Pent-up demand for a Ram compact pickup truck

An additional reason for the likely success of a Ram compact pickup truck is pent-up demand. As the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz have shown, many people want to buy a compact truck. Ram doesn’t even offer a midsize SUV truck in the U.S., with the selection limited to Ram 1500, 1500 Classic, 1500 TRX, and 2500/3500 full-size models.

When you combine the high demand and a loyal Ram customer base, a Ram small truck would undoubtedly sell very well in the U.S. 

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Staff Writer, Producer - SUVs

Mark Putzer

With seven years of experience writing in the automotive industry prior to joining MotorBiscuit in 2021, Mark’s work can be found on dealership websites across North America. A Bachelor of Science degree in zoology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison sent Mark into the wilderness for environmental studies. Here, he discovered a passion for driving off-road trucks and SUVs off the beaten path.

During his extensive international travels, Mark developed an affinity for foreign cars and international automotive markets. Inspired by the industry-wide push toward environmentally-friendly EVs and hybrids, Mark covers topics about recent advances in the automotive industry, in addition to everything from off-road concepts to emerging EV technology.