Summary
- The upcoming Ram Rampage mini truck could offer value for money and become a more premium option in the compact pickup segment, potentially posing a challenge to the Ford Maverick.
- The engine options for the Rampage and Maverick differ, with the Rampage featuring a diesel engine in the South American market and a hybrid powertrain expected for the North American version.
- The addition of the Ram Rampage to the mini truck market will make the segment more competitive, with manufacturers offering more optional upgrades and interesting features to attract buyers. The Rampage's emphasis on luxury could also set a new standard in the segment.
The Maverick has long been among the few limited options in the American compact pickup segment. However, this may soon change as the 2023 Ford Maverick could be the last model year to get all the limelight before the upcoming addition to the small truck market from Ram takes over.
The Ram Rampage mini truck has already been released for the South American market, and the North American version may be launched soon. Like its sibling, the Ram 1500, the Rampage promises to shake up the market upon its arrival, which may lead to the Ford Maverick facing stiff competition. With that being said, here are all the reasons why the Rampage could spell trouble for Ford's compact pickup.
10 The Rampage May Offer Value For Money Like The Ram 1500
The base option for a 2023 Ford Maverick costs around $24,000+ which makes it quite affordable. The Ram Rampage is priced at a USD equivalent of around $50,000+ for the South American market. Brazil has significant taxes imposed on vehicles, so we will definitely see the American version of the truck priced at a much more affordable price point, and it is estimated that the base variant could possibly start from $34,000.
While this is nowhere near the price bracket that the Maverick is positioned at, it can still possibly become a more premium option in the mini truck segment, offering a range of exciting options and luxury. This could prove it to be an option that offers value for money, especially since Ram may position it as an option for every budget just like the Ram 1500.
Ford Maverick Pricing
| Maverick Trims | Pricing |
|---|---|
| XL | $24,000+ |
| XLT | $27,000+ |
| Lariat | $30,000+ |
Ram Rampage Estimated Pricing
| Rampage Trims | Pricing |
|---|---|
| Laramie | $34,000 (est.) |
| Rebel | $36,000 (est.) |
| R/T | $46,000 (est.) |
9 Maverick And Rampage Engine Options
In terms of engine options, we can only currently compare the South American market Rampage against the 2023 Ford Maverick for the American market. While the numbers are relatively close, it is worth noting that the Rampage comes with a diesel engine compared to the Maverick's hybrid engine which is standard.
Once the American version of the Rampage comes out, we'll know for sure what kind of hybrid powertrain it comes equipped with. Ram will possibly drop the diesel engine for the North American market and get a hybrid one instead while keeping the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine saved up for higher trims.
Ram Rampage Engine Options
| Ford Maverick Engines | Horsepower | Torque |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5-Liter Hybrid | 191 hp | 155 lb-ft |
| 2.0-Liter EcoBoost | 250 hp | 277 lb-ft |
Ford Maverick Engine Options
| Ram Rampage Engines | Horsepower | Torque |
|---|---|---|
| 2.0-Liter Turbo-Diesel | 170 hp | 280 lb-ft |
| 2.0-Liter Turbocharged | 268 hp | 295 lb-ft |
8 The Compact Pickup Segment Gets More Competitive
Currently, there are only two options in the mini truck segment, the Hyundai Santa Cruz and the Ford Maverick. With the upcoming Ram Rampage mini truck, this segment might finally gather steam and become more competitive with manufacturers trying to offer more optional upgrades and interesting features.
This isn't the first time a truck from Rampage promises to make the segment more competitive. When the second-generation Ram 1500 truck was introduced during the '90s, it had a similar impact and the Rampage could possibly create the same effect.
7 The Rampage Might Provide Top-Tier Luxury
The Brazilian Ram Rampage gets impressive standard tech such as a 22.6-inch screen, a 12.3-inch Uconnect infotainment system, and a 10.3-inch instrument panel, along with several optional upgrades such as suede upholstery, a 10-speaker sound system from Harman Kardon, power-adjustable passenger seats, and high-quality interior fabrics.
Seeing the South American Rampage mini truck offer plenty of luxury throughout all its trim levels is exciting. This means that we can expect Ram to package the American version with similarly impressive tech and luxury. On the contrary, the Ford Maverick is more of a workhorse that doesn't emphasize luxury.
6 How The Mini-Trucks May Size Up Against Each Other
Both the Maverick and Rampage are mini trucks and as such, they have relatively compact dimensions when compared to the bigger pickups available throughout the market. We can currently only compare the South American Rampage to the 2023 Ford Maverick, and they both size up pretty closely.
Maverick and Rampage Dimensions Comparison
| Dimensions | Maverick | Rampage |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 199.7 inches | 197.9 inches |
| Width | 72.6 inches | 74.3 inches |
| Height | 68.7 inches | 70 inches |
| Wheelbase | 121.1 inches | 117 inches |
The Rampage has a width of 74.3 inches and a height of 70 inches. The wheelbase for Ram's latest truck is 117 inches with an overall length of approximately 197.9 inches. The Maverick comes in at 72.6 inches wide and 199.7 inches long, with a 117-inch wheelbase and a height of 68.7 inches.
5 Ford's Optional AWD Versus Ram's Standard 4x4
The Ford Maverick currently offers a front-wheel-drive platform that's standard across all its trucks, with an optional all-wheel-drive upgrade available. On the contrary, the Ram Rampage has been launched in Brazil with a 4x4 drive standard across all trims.
This indicates that the American version of the Ram Rampage may come with a similar 4x4 model that's standard across all trim levels. If that is indeed true, then this will be the first compact pickup in the segment to do so, since the only other option, the Hyundai Santa Cruz also offers AWD with only its top trims.
4 The Compact Truck Style Wars
While the Ford Maverick is a decent pickup truck that can get the job done, when it comes to an option that offers style and luxury along with versatility, currently there is a huge gap in the mini truck market. We've seen a glimpse of the Ram Rampage already, and it is just as stylish as the Ram 1500 sharing the same iconic rugged design.
The Rampage can easily turn heads with these styling characteristics, something that other trucks in the market are currently not focusing on. Additionally, it could also mean that in the near future, manufacturers may place an emphasis on styling to make sure they can compete with the Rampage in the same space.
3 Rampage And Maverick Towing Capacity Comparison
The Maverick has an efficient hybrid standard version which has a towing capacity of up to 2,000 pounds as well as a payload capacity of around 1,500 pounds. With the most powerful turbo-four engine and optional Towing Package, Ford's mini truck can handle an impressive towing capacity of 4,000 pounds.
We don't know the exact figures for towing and payload capacity for the Ram Rampage, and since the North American version might have a hybrid engine instead of a diesel engine of the South American variant, it's too soon to make comparisons in this department. What we do know is that the Rampage can easily handle a towing capacity of over 2,200 pounds.
2 Maverick vs. Rampage: Off-Roading Capabilities
The Ford Maverick offers two off-road packages. First is the more affordable FX4 which adds multiple drive modes along with Hill Descent Control and a standard 6.5-inch screen. The more expensive Tremor Off-Road Package adds AWD with an upgraded transmission cooler and drive train, along with an adjustable differential. It also appears visually different with a more rugged appearance.
The Ram Rampage has three trims for three purposes. And yes, one of these trims is geared toward off-roading. The "Rebel" package offers a compact truck that's ready to take on any terrain. On top of this, the R/T package, which is the top-of-the-line version, also offers standard features to support an off-roading experience. As soon as the American variant of the Rampage is confirmed, we'll know what off-road features it offers in more detail.
1 Comparing The Safety Features
Safety is one of the most pivotal aspects, and it's even more important for a compact truck that is made to handle off-roading in all kinds of terrains. Fortunately, both the manufacturers including Ford and Ram consider it an integral part of all of their existing lineups, which is why their vehicles offer modern safety features to ensure the safest possible experience for drivers and passengers.
The Ford Maverick comes equipped with several safety features that you can expect from a modern truck, including multiple airbags, stability control, anti-lock brakes, and much more. The Ram Rampage comes with a host of safety features for the South American market which we expect to make their way to the American market as well. These include adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, seven airbags, blind-spot monitoring, and more.