New 2021 Ram 700 Is More Than 47% Of A 1500

• The Ram 700 is based on the Fiat Strada pickup.

• It is available in many South American markets including Mexico.

Many carmakers around the globe build and sell pickups – it’s not just an American thing. What is, however, is a full-size over-the-top capable truck like the Ram 1500. Some markets, namely in South and Latin America, are a little more size-conscious and prefer compact, yet capable, pickups. Enter the Ram 700.

In fact, FCA produces and sells a few small pickups, namely the Toro and the Strada. The latter has just been updated for the 2021 model with new LED headlights flanking a new larger RAM-like front grille, among other visual enhancements. Onboard, the 700 gains a 7-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and other functionalities.

Although far from big, in every sense, the nearly 15-foot long pickup truck is still quite capable, and versatile as it is offered in three versions. Depending on trim and accessories, the Ram 700 can haul up to 750 kg (1,650 lb.)  even though it is powered by a very modest naturally-aspirated 88-horsepower 1.4-litre 4-cylinder engine or a turbocharged 109-horsepower 1.3-litre mill. Powerplants might be modest however it’s the fact that it is offered only as a FWD vehicle with a 5-speed manual transmission that ultimately would make it a failure in the US and Canada.

Having said that, carbuzz.com has reported that a Fiat Toro was spotted driving around the southern US this past summer so maybe something small is cooking over at RAM.