What are the best small Dodge trucks? Small trucks are in demand nowadays as more people want to save money on fuel. In this article, I’ll describe the best small Dodge trucks including their features and specs.
The five best small Dodge trucks are as follows:
- Ram 700
- Ram 1000/1200
- Ram 1500
- Ram 1500 Classic
- Ram Dakota
If the Ram 700 and Ram 1000/1200 are not available in your area, your choices would be the Ram 1500 and Ram 1500 Classic.
It’s worth noting that while many call them “Dodge” trucks, they are branded as “Ram” trucks. The Chrysler Group restructured the Dodge brand in 2009. Its cars went under the Dodge brand, while its trucks went under the Ram truck brand. So these trucks were once called Dodge Ram trucks, but now they are just called Ram trucks.
Read on to learn more about these small Dodge trucks including all of their key features and specs.
Small Dodge Trucks
1. Ram 700
The Ram 700 was first sold in Mexico in 2014 when they re-branded the Fiat Strada as the Ram 700. They also released the Fiat Strada in Chile as Ram V700 Express.
The Dodge American brand manufactured by FCA US LLC in Michigan is a subsidiary of the American-Italian company Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.
The Ram 700 (Fiat Strada) is a supermini vehicle with a maximum loading capacity of 1,543 pounds and a cargo space of 69.7 inches by 51.7 inches.
2. Ram 1000/Ram 1200
Next on our list of the best small Dodge pickup trucks is the Ram 1000 and Ram 1200. The Ram 1000 and Ram 1200 are sold in Latin America after being manufactured in Brazil as a Fiat Toro.
Ram 1200 is the Fiat Fullback sold in the United Arab Emirates. It is a midsize pickup and the precursor of the Ram 1500. This compact Ram pickup truck measures 206.5 or 211.4 inches long, 68.9 inches high, and 70.2 inches wide. Its towing capacity is around 1,500 pounds.
3. Ram 1500
The Ram 1500’s total length is 229 inches, its width is 79.4 inches, and its height is 77.5 inches. In general, the Ram 1500’s bed is 67 inches (5’7″) or 76 inches (6’4″) long and 66.4 inches wide. For specific sizes, the Crew Cab’s bed is 5’4″ or 6’7″, while the Quad Cab’s bed is 6’7″.
Although the Ram 1500 is smaller than the other models in the group, it still has a powerful towing capacity. It can tow as heavy as 2,300 pounds on its back, and 12,750 pounds on a trailer. As proof of this impressive feat, experts acknowledged it as a multi-awarded light-duty truck in the U.S.
The truck’s high-quality steel frame and exemplary off-road performance are reinforced by security measures and features that would certainly help you drive safely.
An example of this feature is the Uconnect® 4C Information System that provides a 12-inch touchscreen over split-screen functionality. This system integrates a multi-function tailgate and a 360-degree camera to give you a surround-view of the exterior area.
The Ram 1500’s exterior colors/coatings come in many vibrant colors: Patriot Blue Pearl-Coat, Diamond Black Crystal Pearl-Coat, Delmonico Red Pearl-Coat, Steel Metallic, Billet Silver Metallic Clear-Coat, Granite Crystal Metallic, Pearl White, and Bright White Clear-Coat. Its interior also has Frost, Black, or Indigo colors. You can choose the color shade that you prefer.
You can choose from a 5.7L Hemi V8 with optional eTorque that will produce 395 hp and 410 pound-feet of torque, or a 3.6L V6 engine with 305 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. Typically, the EPA estimate is 22 MPG CITY and 32 MPG HWY.
Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, 3500 Weight
The Ram 1500 has several models, and they are as follows:
Tradesman
The Tradesman offers all the standard features of a Ram 1500. Its Uconnect® touchscreen is smaller at 5 inches. This trim also comes with a 40/20/40 split-bench and is stylishly designed with vinyl.
It also features a rear backup ParkView camera and an electric brake that would make driving easier for you. The Tradesman’s body length is 241.8 inches, with a body height of 77.4 inches and a body width of 82.1 inches.
Big Horn/Lone Star
The EPA-estimate of the Big Horn is 25 MPG HWY and 20 MPG CITY. It features a voice-controlled, leather-wrapped steering wheel with chrome bumpers and grille. One difference it has from the basic features of the Ram 1500 is its Uconnect’s 8.4-inch touchscreen.
The Big Horn and the Laramie feature the 5’7″ bed space. This model also has bumpers, a side step, and a chrome grille. It has the same measurements as the Rebel as well. The body length measures 232.9 inches with a body height of 77.6 inches and a body width of 82.1 inches.
Laramie
This model is different from the Tradesman and Big Horn because of its large Uconnect® 12-inch touchscreen. Additionally, it provides 20-inch aluminum wheels and heated ventilated seats. It also has a functional tailgate that the Big Horn doesn’t have. However, the Laramie doesn’t have the side step.
The Laramie’s Quad Cab dimensions are 77.7 inches (body height), 228.9 inches (body length), and 82.1 inches (body width). Its dimensions are somewhat similar to the Laramie Longhorn, except that it’s four inches shorter than the Longhorn.
Laramie Longhorn
Crafted with style and durability, this model features a Southwestern vibe with full premium leather, upholstered, and heated seats. It can also tow up to 11,290 pounds with its 5.7L Hemi V8 engine.
Laramie Longhorn’s length is 232.9 inches, with a width of 82.1 inches and a height of 77.7 inches. It has the same Uconnect® 12-inch touchscreen as the Laramie as well.
Limited
The 12-inch touchscreen Uconnect feature provides information that you would need during your drive. Also, this trim has a premium speaker system with the most speakers at 19. Its towing capacity is also impressive as it can tow up to 12,750 pounds.
This model’s length is 241.8 inches, with a body height of 77.5 inches, and a body width of 82.1 inches. So, more or less, it has almost the same dimensions as those in the lineup.
Rebel
The Rebel’s dimensions are the same as the Laramie Longhorn trim: body height – 77.6 inches; body length – 232.9 inches; and body width 82.1 inches. Then the interior is accented with dark ruby shades. A newly added feature is ELocker’s electronic rear locking mechanism.
4. Ram 1500 Classic
Next on the list of the best small Dodge truck is the Ram 1500 Classic. Typically, the Ram 1500 Classic is 229 inches long and 79.4 inches wide. Its body height is 77.5 inches. The bed length for all Ram 1500 is the same at 76.3 inches or 67.2 inches. The Ram’s bed width is 66.4 inches and is 21.5 inches deep.
Its engine is similar to the Ram 1500 as well. It uses a 5.7L Hemi V8 engine with optional eTorque. Moreover, this engine can produce 395 horsepower and 410-pound feet of torque.
Additionally, you have another option to use the 3L EcoDiesel V6 engine that produces 240 horsepower and 420 pound-foot of torque. The Classic also has an EPA rating of 22 MPG CITY and 32MPG HWY.
The exterior exudes class and durability with its Classic Black, Olive, or Hydro Blue colors. The Classic Blackout Package features a black body, black rear bumpers, black aluminum wheels, and black grille.
The interior of the Ram 1500 Classic is no less impressive than the Ram 1500. Its automatic Temperature Control guarantees that you feel comfortable inside the vehicle. Moreover, a heated steering wheel ensures that driving is comfortable as well. You can also conveniently charge your phones, tablets, or laptops on its 12–volt outlet.
The Ram 1500 Classic models are as follows:
Tradesman
For the Tradesman 4×2 Regular Cab, its dimensions are 74.4 inches (body height), 231 inches (body length), and 79.4 inches (body width).
It also operates with a 5.7L Hemi V6 engine, delivering 410 pound-feet of torque and 395 horsepower. Additionally, this model has more space than the others because of its Cargo Management System.
Express
This model uses the 3.7L Pentastar engine, producing 305 horsepower with 269 pound-feet of torque. Like the Tradesman, it also has a Cargo Management System that allows more storage space inside the vehicle.
The Express Quad Cab’s dimensions are 77.7 inches (body height) and 79.4 inches (body width), with a maximum payload of 1,700 pounds.
Warlock
The Classic Warlock is slightly bigger by a few inches than the rest of the lineup, with its 78.8 inches height and 79.4 inches width. But it has the same maximum payload as the Express at 1,700 pounds. It also has a bigger wheel at 20-inches.
The Express uses a 5.7L Hemi V8 engine producing about 495 horsepower. Moreover, the model’s black color emanates a “Warlock” classic design with its black-designed tow hooks, bumpers, taillight, and headlight.
Laramie
The Ram 1500 Classic Laramie’s dimensions are 237.9 inches (body length), 77.9 inches (body height), and 79.4 inches (body width). It also features an Electronic Stability Control, and a Trailer Sway Control that would help maintain the vehicle’s stability when connecting to a trailer.
Its maximum towing capacity is 9,010 pounds. The Ram 1500 Classic Laramie is a small dodge truck that you can find useful in specific tasks.
We’ve discussed the Ram models for the small Dodge trucks. Now, let’s proceed to the new small Dodge truck that is still in the building process.
5. 2021 Dodge Ram Dakota
Reportedly, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has confirmed the production of the Ram Dakota in 2021. The Dakota will be a midsize pickup truck and the smallest, most compact Ram truck. Dakota’s platform will be based on the Jeep Gladiator’s platform, and would, most likely, resemble its features with some improvements. But, the truck’s size would be smaller.
The Dodge Dakota is not new because the company produced it from 1987 to 2011. However, they discontinued production due to decreased sales and some problems with production and marketing. Currently, the demand for compact trucks has increased anew. So, the company has decided to build a compact truck with powerful towing capabilities, state-of-the-art features, and impressive design.
Some expectations of the Dakota engine include diesel or gas V6, or gas turbocharged four-cylinder. This new model would, most likely, use a Pentastar 3.6L V6 engine turbocharged powertrain too.
Ram Dakota Dimensions
The Ram Dakota or Dodge Dakota may offer both the quad cabs or single versions and the long and short boxes to have better options. The Dakota’s previous general dimensions are 202.7 inches (length), 68.11 inches (width), and 67 inches (height). The new Dakota would indeed retain this size or make it even smaller to meet smaller trucks’ demands.
If they adopt Dakota’s previous measurements, it would be more compact than the Ram 1500 and Ram 1500 Classic. The old towing capacity was 3,250 to 6,350 pounds based on the powertrain you used, and the average EPA estimated highway/city towing fuel economy is 10 MPG.
Features
The Ram Dakota’s new prototype includes a shorter bed and shorter height and may come with a four-wheel drive. Dakota’s prototype displayed four doors, but it could also come out as a two-door cab. Since the Ram 1500 and Ram 1500 Classic provides the standard technology for trucks, consumers also expect the Ram Dakota to offer all these amenities, comfort, and technology.
Examples of these features are navigation touchscreens, 360-degree camera, Assist Alert, Uconnect Information System, Lane Departure Warning, Cargo Management System, infotainment, Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind-Spot Monitoring (BLIS), Guided Parking, and other driver-assisted software.
Indeed, the company would improve the performance of the new Ram Dakota to compete with other small trucks in the market. Perhaps, the Ram Dakota will replace the Ranger when it comes to production.
History of Dodge Trucks
Chrysler established Ram trucks as an offshoot from Dodge in 2010. It also built the Ram series for genuine truck users and sales increase. They sold the Ram trucks under the Dodge Ram pickup line. From 1927 to 1928, Graham sold the Ram models under their name as a marketing company.
The facilities of Warren Truck Assembly in Michigan, U.S., and the Saltillo Truck Assembly in Mexico built the Ram vehicles. Warren manufactured the Ram 1500 series and the old Dakota, while Saltillo manufactured all the Ram truck series, plus the ProMaster van and the DX Chassis cab.
Today, Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 series are marketable vehicles to truckers who want smaller trucks, which quickly and efficiently get the job done.
Conclusion – Small Dodge Trucks
The small Dodge trucks that you can choose from are as follows:
- Ram 700
- Ram 1000/1200
- Ram 1500
- Ram 1500 Classic
- Ram Dakota
The most common and most preferred are the Ram 1500 and the Ram 1500 Classic. However, your choice should depend on your purpose in buying the truck. Pick a truck that would fulfill your requirements.
Remember to consider comfort, performance, driver-assisted systems, and durability when selecting a small Dodge truck.
Related reading:
Small Pickup Trucks – 7 Best – U.S. Market
Are RAM Trucks Still Made by Dodge?
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