How is the truck that accelerates like a sports car?

Compact vans are proving to be a great alternative for many users. And the clearest example of this is the interest shown by the public in the arrival of this or that model. And in that sense it must be recognized that the Ram Rampage It was highly anticipated in the market.

The reasons are several. First, it should be noted that these trucks are more suitable for everyday use in urban environments. Its structure and construction are more similar to those of a car than those of a pickup truck such as a Toyota Hilux or a Ford Ranger, which have a stringer chassis.

That makes trucks compact. as comfortable as an SUV but with the versatility of having a cargo box, either to also use it as a work vehicle or to gain cargo space.

But the second reason that applies directly to the case of the Rampage is the idea that the Ram brand produces in people’s heads. This is a company whose trucks in our country are associated more with premium and exclusivity than with a work vehicle.

The arrival of Rampage opens the game to those who once dreamed of owning a Ram, but ruled it out due to both price and size. The compact pickup also has very different versions. In Clarion We had already tested the Rebel variant, more oriented towards off-road, and now it was the turn of the R/T, the sports option.

A spicy pickup

The first question that arises is whether a truck designed and decorated as a sports car makes sense. And the reality is that yes, although at some point it sounds contradictory. Differentiation is a reason for purchase. And the sportsmanship It is a characteristic desired by the majority; It is not in vain that the most admired brands are manufacturers like Ferrari or Porsche.

Unlike Ford’s Raptor line, created to go fast off-road, Rampage’s R/T aims to increase performance on the pavement. In fact, the letters that name this version mean Road and Track (Road and Track, in English), and was used in Dodge sports cars, the origin of Ram trucks.

This R/T has sport tires with good results and that are not uncomfortable. Double exhaust outlet with hoarse sound.

Built on the same platform that the Stellantis group uses to produce models such as Jeep Compass and Fiat Toro, it must be recognized that the result achieved is good and quickly refutes those who say “it’s a Toro with a Ram logo”, both structurally , the aesthetic and even the mechanical.

From the brand it was reported that for this pickup, numerous changes, so much so that the monocoque structure receives 60% renewed and redesigned parts. Also the use of high resistance steels is higher than in other models. It is also the brand’s first truck developed and produced outside of North America (it is produced in Brazil).

The figure of the Rampage in general looks more robust and larger than that of the Italian brand. And this R/T version, based on its idea of sportiness, is 10 mm closer to the ground and has a huge thin wheels designed for that sport performance.

Good quality interior but some finishes can be improved. The 12.3” screen on the center console offers a great image and is well complemented by physical commands.

But none of that would be of any use without an engine that is up to the task. The turbo gasoline engine 2.0 liters and 272 horsepower It gives it a tremendous boost. The acceleration power is very great and can go from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds. Only the Ranger Raptor or its older sister the 1500 Rebel accelerate more (6 and 6.5 seconds, respectively).

In addition to that acceleration, it is very fun to drive. The Rampage shows a dynamic behavior inappropriate for a pickup. The independent rear suspension system is responsible for maintaining good support despite the logical rolling it shows. It is even a comfortable vehicle despite the low profile of the tires (235/55 R19).

The steering is precise (especially if the R/T driving mode is activated, which modifies some parameters) and the 9 speed automatic transmission It can downshift up to four or five gears if there is a sudden high demand for acceleration. That same box contributes to being able to travel at 130 km/h with the engine rotating at 1,600 rpm.

Good rear legroom but limited width at shoulder height

The main disadvantages of the Rampage are the wide space in the rear seats, the limitation off the asphalt (especially in mud) due to the tires it comes with, and despite a great four-wheel drive system, the spare wheel. temporary size and some finishes even when the intention is to show a luxurious interior.

But the Rampage R/T has an advantage, since it offers extremely high performance and has the halo of greatness that Ram knew how to build.