Ram Rampage: The American Pickup Truck That Attacks the European Market, Including Romania
Ram Rampage: imported pickup truck that aims to conquer Romania
American brand Ram, known for its full-size trucks, is making a strategic move into the European market with the official launch of the new Rampage model. This is a compact pickup truck, built on a unibody platform, which combines the brand's robust DNA with the handling requirements of the continent, becoming a premium alternative to SUVs and traditional medium pickups.
A Brazilian Origin for European Ambitions
Although it bears the Ram logo, the Rampage model is not built in the U.S. Initially launched in the summer of 2023 exclusively for South America, the European version is identical in terms of specifications and is produced in Brazil, at the Stellantis plant in Pernambuco.
The Rampage is based on the Stellantis Group's Small Wide platform, the same one that underpins the Jeep Compass and Alfa Romeo Tonale. This architecture gives it a length of about 5,028 mm, making it much easier to maneuver on the narrow streets of Europe than a Ram 1500.
Powerful Engines and Distinctive Equipment
The new Rampage is offered in Europe with two main engine and trim lines:
- Rebel version: Geared towards off-road use, under the hood is a 2.2-liter diesel engine that develops 200 horsepower and 450 Nm of torque. This variant is optimized for work tasks, offering a maximum load capacity of 1,015 kilograms in its 980-liter dump truck. The Rebel comes with 17-inch wheels and all-terrain tires.
- R/T version: Sportier, this one benefits from the 2.0-liter Hurricane 4 Turbo gasoline engine, which delivers 272 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque, making it the fastest pickup ever produced in South America. The R/T gets 19-inch wheels and a suspension lowered by 10 mm.
Both versions are equipped as standard with a 9-speed automatic gearbox and permanent all-wheel drive (AWD).
Premium Technology and Comfort
The Rampage's interior is of premium standards, featuring a 12.3-inch central infotainment screen and a 10.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Features include full-LED headlights, ambient lighting, a Harman Kardon audio system, and an advanced assistance package, including Level 2 autonomous driving.
Ram Rampage in Romania: Price and Debut Estimates
Although Ram has not yet revealed official European pricing, the commercial debut is scheduled for next year (2026). Given that the model is positioned as a premium pickup with SUV architecture (unibody), its price is expected to be competitive with well-equipped mid-size pickups on the market.
Initial estimates suggest that the starting price for the base Rampage version, most likely the diesel (Rebel), could start around 40,000 – 45,000 Euros (excluding VAT). This would place the model in the upper segment of compact and medium-sized pickups on the Romanian market, following a similar logic to its American rivals, such as the Ford Maverick, but with a higher level of equipment. The top version, the R/T, could exceed the 50,000 Euros threshold.
Implications for the local market: The Rampage could appeal to Romanian customers looking for the tax advantages of a commercial vehicle (N1 registration) combined with the comfort and technology of a family SUV. Distribution in Romania will be managed by international partner KWA, which will thus introduce a modern and stylish competitor to a market where pick-ups are highly appreciated.