Ram is reviving the Rampage nameplate for 2028 as a compact pickup truck positioned below the full-size Ram 1500. The new Rampage targets buyers seeking affordable truck utility without the size and cost of traditional full-size pickups, following industry trends toward segment fragmentation.
The compact pickup market has exploded over the past decade. Ford's Maverick proved there's substantial demand for sub-25,000-dollar trucks that prioritize practicality over hauling capacity. Chevrolet's Canyon and GMC's Canyon twins compete in the midsize segment, while Toyota's Tacoma dominates its own tier. Ram's Rampage fills a gap between these competitors and entry-level vehicles.
The original Rampage, produced from 1982 to 1993, was a compact unibody pickup based on the Dodge Omni. It offered car-like manners with truck bed utility, appealing to first-time truck buyers and those with modest towing needs. The 2028 model will take a similar positioning but with modern architecture and capability.
Specifics remain limited at this stage. Ram hasn't disclosed engine options, payload capacity, or towing specs. The truck will likely use a body-on-frame design common to Ram's lineup rather than the unibody construction of its namesake. Expect a five-foot or shorter bed based on segment norms, though bed length details haven't emerged.
Pricing strategy will prove critical. The Maverick starts around 20,000 dollars, while the Canyon begins near 28,000 dollars. Ram will position Rampage somewhere in this range, likely closer to Maverick territory to maximize volume in the affordable-truck segment where competition remains thin.
Ram faces pressure to capitalize on the compact-truck boom. Sales of the Maverick have exceeded expectations consistently,