Meet The All-New 2021 Ram 700 Subcompact Pickup:

The RAM brand pulled the covers off of its second-generation Ram 700 subcompact pickup, yesterday. The completely redesigned subcompact pickup features an all-new platform with a four-door (Double Cab) configuration, something that is unprecedented in its segment and allows the Ram 700 to not only be used as a work vehicle, but as a family hauler as well. 

The new Ram 700 subcompact pickup will be offered in three trim levels which include SLT, Big Horn, and Laramie. Both the SLT and Big Horn models come with a 1.4-liter FIRE EVO inline-four-cylinder engine making 85 horsepower and 122 Nm (90 ft.-lb.) of torque. The upper-level Laramie trim will instead come with a 1.3-liter Firefly inline-four-cylinder engine delivering 99 horsepower and 127 Nm (94 ft.-lb.) of torque. All Ram 700 models come with a five-speed manual transmission and are only available in front-wheel-drive. Two cab configurations will be available. The Regular Cab configuration will be limited to the entry-level SLT, while Double Cab models are available on all three trim levels.

Although, it is virtually identical to its corporate cousin, this time the FCA Design team spent more time to make the second-generation Ram 700 look like it belongs in the RAM lineup alongside the Ram 1500 and Ram Heavy Duty pickups. A Rebel-like grille with bold “R-A-M” text and honeycomb grille complete the unique front end styling changes, but designers also gave the subcompact logos on the steering wheel and wheels the same new “industrial” looking Ram logo as the bigger trucks in the lineup.

The complete renovation of the 2021 Ram 700 begins with the Modular Platform Pickup (MPP) platform, dedicated exclusively to the development of the new truck. With 10% more in torsional stiffness, the model increased its already recognized strength and structural durability. This is due to the use of noble steels in hot stamping and high and ultra high strength steels in 90% of their base (underbody), ensuring more security due to the better integrity of the cabin and greater energy efficiency.

Through the MPP platform, it was also possible to house a new front and rear suspension thinking about improving the vehicle’s comfort and handling. There are new springs, shock absorbers, and geometry, as well as a new suspension crossbar and stabilizer bar at the front, and a new rear axle. The new Ram 700 also features a higher ground clearance of 8.4-inches and even better approach and departure angles with up to 24º on entry and up to 28º on exit, which is best-in-class.

In addition, the new positioning of the rear suspension allowed for a greater load width in the bucket. This means that the Regular Cab models can hold 1,354-liters (or 47.8 cubic feet) of volume, while Double Cab models can hold 844-liters (or 29.8 cubic feet). The load capacity also goes further and ranges from 650 kg (or 1,433 lbs) in the five occupant version to up to 720 kg (or 1,587 lbs) in the entry configuration. That is more load capacity than most of the models of the last-generation Dodge Dakota.

Speaking of versatility, Ram brought yet another innovation to the new 700. Cargo handling is now facilitated by the rear cover, which had its handling weight damped by 60% by a new spring system without losing robustness, since it supports loads of up to 400 kg (or 882 lbs). To close the lid, the effort is minimal. The cargo compartment is also modular and received rails for accessories from Mopar, such as dividers and cargo boxes, in addition to having four lower and upper hooks, which make the space ready for different functions. With the lid locking, access to the spare tire, located below the bucket floor is also blocked to free up more space for loading.

The use of the MPP platform allowed further improvements, such as the turning diameter of only 10.7 m (or 35.1 feet), the best in the category. In addition, the new platform houses modern electronic architecture, ensuring new comfort, safety, and entertainment equipment, present only in vehicles of higher segments. The modern MPP platform allows an all-new architecture with sophisticated equipment. As standard items in all versions, the new 700  received, among other features, stability control, ramp start assistant, and advanced E-Locker (TC +) traction control.

It is a system aimed at light off-road situations, which helps in maneuvering the vehicle that is on slippery terrain and with the wheel skating. When pressing the TC + button, the equipment transfers more torque to the wheel with greater grip, causing the truck to overcome more obstacles. The function is automatically deactivated from 65 km / h (or 40 mph). The same TC + activates ABS Off-Road, a calibration that improves the braking behavior of the vehicle when it is necessary to activate the ABS on deformable surfaces (sand, earth, gravel, snow), allowing the wheel to lock for brief moments and forming material “wedges” in front of the wheel. This material improves tire grip and maneuverability, reducing the stopping distance on low-grip surfaces.

Another major highlight is the new 7-inch Uconnect touchscreen multimedia center, one of the most modern infotainment systems in Brazil. It brings sophisticated features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with wireless projection. It is possible to pair up to two smartphones. The system was developed by FCA in Brazil and is the most intuitive, functional, and friendly on the market, significantly improving the user experience with the vehicle, through the functions: navigation via Waze and Google Maps; music (Streaming | MP3); voice recognition (Siri | Google Voice); reading and responding to a “handsfree” message for SMS and WhatsApp, for example; and calendar integration.

The front doors open at 70º and the rear at 80º, facilitating access for drivers and other occupants. The center passenger also has a three-point belt and headrest. Inside, the cabin increased by 30% in volume, and now offers a number of storage compartments, which now add up to 15 liters (or 915 cubic-inches) of useful space for the most varied uses. They are special places for cell phones, bottles, cans, wallets, and other personal items, always in reach by the passengers. In addition to the largest interior space in the category, noise cancelation has been improved, thanks to the MPP platform, which provided the strategic installation of sound-absorbing material. 

The new Ram 700’s safety is guaranteed by the development of the most modern project ever carried out around a compact pickup truck in Latin America. The new suspension ensures optimum stability and handling, steering with progressive electric assistance (more direct with increased speed), LED headlights have been repositioned to help with great visualization, as well as state-of-the-art electronic features, such as controls stability, advanced traction (TC +) and ramp assistant, which facilitates starting on steep climbs.

In addition to this equipment, the new Ram 700 has a reinforced structure, which was systematically tested at the Safety Center of FCA Latam, in Betim (MG). The vehicle was evaluated in conventional crash tests, including an unprecedented lateral impact test against the pole. Four airbags fitted as standard in the Double Cab version and feature front seat belts with pre-tensioners and load limiters, and seats that protect the occupants from the whiplash effect on the cervical spine in accidents.

The 2021 Ram 700 pickup is currently being produced at the FCA Betim Assembly Plant, which also manufactures the Fiat Strada, Fiat Mobi, Fiat Uno, Fiat Argo, Fiat Fiorino, and the Ram ProMaster Rapid. The Ram 700 will be sold in Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, the Dominican Republic, and the Caribbean.

Breakdown Of Features:

2021 Ram 700 SLT:

Exterior:

• Front Bumper in Black Plastic
• Soft Opening Tailgate
• Rear Glass Protection and Ladder Rack
• Crankcase Cover (Double Cab)
• Skid Plate (Double Cab)

Inside:

• On-Board Computer
• AM / FM Stereo with USB, Auxiliary, and Bluetooth Inputs
• Multifunction Steering Wheel
• Height Adjustable Steering Wheel
• Air Conditioning
• 12-Volt Connector
• Driver’s Side Footrest

Security:

• Advanced Traction Control with E-Locker (TC+)
• ABS Brakes with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD)
• Power-Assist Steering
• ISOFIX Anchors (Double Cab)
• Electronic Stability Control (ESP)
• Hill-Start Assist
• Electronic Key

2021 Ram 700 Big Horn:

Exterior:

• 15-inch Aluminum Wheels
• Body-Color Bumpers
• Mirrors with Directional Light
• Bed Cover
• Fog Lights

Interior:

• 3.5-inch Thin-Film-Transistor (TFT) Cluster
• External Temperature Indicator
• 7-inch Uconnect Touchscreen
• Android Auto & Wireless Apple CarPlay (Optional)
• Premium Sound Equipment (Optional)
• Additional USB Port (Optional)
• Electric Rearview Mirrors
• Power Windows
• Height-Adjustable Driver’s Seat

Security:

• Tire Pressure Monitor
• Reverse Camera with Sensors (Optional)
• Remote Gas Tank Opening

2021 Ram 700 Laramie:

Exterior:

• LED Daytime Running Lights
• LED Headlamps
• LED Fog Lights
• 15-inch Diamond Style Aluminum Wheels
• 16-inch Aluminum Wheels (in Select Markets)
• Roof Bars

Interior:

• Media Center with 7-inch Screen
• Android Auto & Wireless Apple CarPlay
• Premium Sound System
• Additional USB Port
• Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel with Flat Base
• Leather/Cloth Combination Seats
• Reverse Camera with Sensors

Pricing for the 2021 Ram 700 has not been released for all markets. However, the 2021 Fiat Strada has a starting price equal to $11,630 USD for the entry-level vehicle. As for the top of the line model, it has a starting price equal to $14,628 USD.

The 2021 Ram 700 will be offered in five exterior colors for all models, Banchisa White, Monte Carlo Red, Vulcano Black, Bari Silver, and Silverstone Gray. Laramie models get an additional choice of Alaska White, the same color found on the 2021 Fiat Strada Opening Edition. The new subcompact RAM will be sold in 14 countries in Latin America starting in November.