FIAT Introduces CVT Transmission For New Strada Ranch Pickup!

Since its launch in July 2020, the second generation of Fiat Strada has become something of a sales phenomenon in Brazil. The subcompact “Sport Utility Pickup” (SUP) has become the best-selling vehicle in the country, showing that pickups aren’t just popular in the North American marketplace. Matter of fact, the Strada and its RAM branded twin, the Ram 700, continue to pull strong sales across Latin America.

A few months ago, our good friends at the Brazilian automotive site, Autos Segredos (Auto Secrets) shared some interesting spy photos and information about the 2022 Fiat Strada. A series of spy photos showcased that FIAT was eagerly working on a “Western”-themed variant of the Strada, to go hand-and-hand with its larger Toro Ranch offering. Autos Segredos explained that after years of customers expressing interest about automatic transmission, FIAT was hard at work on a model with a new Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) model.

Yesterday, FIAT Brazil pulled the covers off of their 2022 Fiat Strada lineup which included the new Strada Ranch trim and a new CVT transmission offering on both the popular Volcano trim and the all-new Ranch model.

According to FIAT, the new CVT automatic transmission is mated to 1.3-liter “Firefly” inline-four-cylinder producing 107 horsepower and 103 lb.-ft. of torque. The CVT transmission simulates a 7-speed automatic and offers three different driving modes.

• In “Automatic” mode, the electronic control unit constantly reads how the driver is driving and the vehicle’s situation to always adjust the best gear with a focus on economy.
• A “Manual” mode, puts the driver in control and allows the changing of the seven different gears in a sequential way by means of steering wheel paddle shifters or by the gear shifter itself.
• A “Sport” mode is aimed at those looking for a more fun and agile driving spirit. Using electronics, the adjustments in Sport mode allow for the vehicle to feel more responsive by making the throttle more sensitive, the electronic steering assistance is stiffened, and the CVT adopts shorter gear ratios.

The all-new 2022 Fiat Strada Ranch adds another level of luxury to the Strada range. The sporty Strada bodywork adopts a new grey skid plates, mudguards, Gloss Black mirrors, “Ranch”-branded fender vents, side steps, grey longitudinal roof bars, soft tonneau cover with “Ranch” logo, and 15-inch aluminum wheels all-terrain tires.

Bring at the top-of-the-range, the Strada Ranch feature LED headlamps with LED DRLs (Daytime Running Lights), F-I-A-T text script and FIAT Flag in the bottom corner, and power domed hood enhance the exterior of the Ranch model’s front styling, similar to the Fiat Strada Volcano. 

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Inside, the Ranch model features a two-tone scheme with brown elements similar to the Toro Ranch. The same tone is used in the stitching of the leather steering wheel, gear shifter boot, and leather seats (which also carry the “Ranch” logo on the backrest). The instument panel (I/P) with customizable LED screen features a “Ranch” splash start-up screen, and “Ranch” badge at the base of the infotainment system, ruges, and door sills.

Strada Ranch models also include a 7-inch Uconnect 5 multimedia system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, a wireless phone charger, USB connectors in the rear seats, rear doors that open 80-degress for easy access in and out of the cabin, and Isofix attachments for car seats.

The Strada Volcano and Ranch with the CVT transmission, include a wide range of equipment such as Stability Control with Hill Hold Assist, and advanced E-Locker Traction Control (TC+) which allows the Strada to go further by making constant adjustments to ensure the maximum traction even on slippery surfaces at up to 65 km/h (40 mph). 

The Strada Ranch’s bed can hold 844-liters (or 29.8 cubic feet) of volume. The Double Cab (Crew Cab) Strada has a load capacity of 650 kg (or 1,433 lbs), that is more load capacity than most of the last-generation Dodge Dakota midsized pickups. Mopar has also developed several accessories for those who tend to use their Strada Ranch pickups, like an actual truck.

As for pricing, the 2022 Fiat Strada Volcano with the CVT has a starting price of R$ 111,990 (or about $19,951.19 USD). The top-of-the-line Strada Ranch has a starting price of R$ 116,990 (or about $20,841.94 USD).

2022 Fiat Strada Ranch Image Gallery:

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