Earlier this week, Ram debuted a brand new compact truck very similar to the so-popular-it’s-always-sold-out Ford Maverick. Known as the Ram Rampage, the truck is a 4-door unibody pickup with a brief mattress. Ram formally stated the mannequin could be offered in Brazil. However we have been instantly suspicious that it will come to the USA as effectively.

What tipped us off? Most likely the Stars-and-Stripes taillights. No, we’re not kidding. Look:

The Rebirth of the Little Truck

Compact pickups have been as soon as in style with Individuals however disappeared from the market fully a few decade in the past. Vehicles have steadily grown bigger ever since. America’s three best-selling automobiles are all full-size vans — the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado, and Ram 1500.

Ford and Chevrolet additionally construct smaller midsize vans, the Ford Ranger and Chevy Colorado.

True compact vans sufficiently small to suit inside the footprint of a midsize automobile, nevertheless, didn’t exist for practically a decade till Ford launched the Maverick in 2022. It has been a smash hit ever since. Ford offered its complete 2023 manufacturing run of the truck in simply six days and lately warned that it expects 2024 to be related.

The Maverick is just not significantly helpful for contractors hauling sufficient drywall to complete a basement. But it surely’s excellent for weekend tasks and simple to reside with as an on a regular basis driver. It’s additionally inexpensive — beginning at simply $22,595, and gasoline environment friendly, with a hybrid powertrain in base fashions.

Rivals have lastly caught on.

Studies: Ram Rampage, Small Chevy On the Approach

The Drive reviews that “a well-sourced informant with inside data of Stellantis plans” has advised the web site that the Rampage “will certainly be dropped at the U.S. market, with a debut scheduled for later this 12 months.”

We’re nonetheless awaiting affirmation from Ram, together with specs. The logical alternative for the powertrain would in all probability be the Hurricane 4-cylinder engine discovered within the Dodge Hornet. But when Ram actually desires to make a splash (they usually so usually do), they could additionally take into account the Hornet’s different powertrain — a plug-in hybrid system that may journey as much as 30 miles on electrical energy alone earlier than utilizing fuel.

If true, the report means two of the Huge Three are again within the compact truck recreation. The third might not be far behind. In January, commerce publication Automotive Information reported that Chevrolet has its personal Maverick rival within the works, with an all-electric drivetrain.