The Ram 700 Big Horn delivers compact utility paired with everyday passenger comfort, making it a popular choice for urban fleets and light commercial work across Latin American and select international markets. Under the hood, it features a 1.3-liter Firefly four-cylinder gasoline engine that outputs 98 horsepower and 94 lb-ft of torque, paired exclusively with a five-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive. This configuration prioritizes fuel efficiency over heavy towing, achieving roughly 18 km/L combined while offering a 650-kilogram payload capacity in its Crew Cab configuration.
Choosing a small unibody pickup requires balancing daily drivability against traditional truck capabilities. Unlike full-size body-on-frame trucks, the Ram 700 uses a car-based platform that handles tight city streets and cramped parking lots with ease. If you're comparing compact trucks or evaluating whether this specific trim fits your hauling needs, it helps to examine its mechanical layout, cabin technology, cargo limits, and potential drawbacks directly.
Engine Performance and Drivetrain Layout
The 1.3L Firefly engine focuses on reliable, economical operation. It uses a chain-driven or belt-driven inline-four setup designed to maximize mileage under varying loads. Power travels to the front wheels through a manual five-speed gearboxes, which gives drivers direct control over power delivery—an asset when climbing inclines with a loaded bed.
Traction management relies on electronic aids rather than a mechanical four-wheel-drive system. The vehicle includes TC+ (traction control plus), a system that detects wheel slip on the driven axle and transfers torque to the wheel with better grip. While it won't crawl over boulder fields like a dedicated off-roader, TC+ handles muddy job sites, wet grass, and gravel tracks capably.
Interior Comfort and Technology Features
Stepping inside the Big Horn trim reveals a cabin built for daily usability rather than luxury, though it bridges the gap nicely with modern conveniences.
- Infotainment: A 7-inch touchscreen sits centrally, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- Seating: Heavy-duty dark cloth upholstery withstands daily wear from work clothes and tools.
- Steering and Controls: Audio and phone controls mount directly on the steering wheel, reducing driver distraction.
- Convenience: Power windows, central door locking, and manual air conditioning come standard.
Cabin storage includes door pockets, a deep center console, and under-seat storage areas designed to keep loose gear organized during transit.
Cargo Bed Dimensions and Hauling Capacity
The bed is where a compact truck proves its worth. The Crew Cab Big Horn provides a bed length of roughly 1,178 mm and a total cargo volume of 844 liters.
- Payload Limit: Rated to carry up to 650 kg safely within the bed and cabin combined.
- Bed Protection: Factory-installed plastic bedliner protects the steel stamping from gouges and rust.
- Tie-Downs: Ten integrated cargo hooks anchor straps and bungee cords securely.
- Cover: A standard or accessory marine-style tonneau cover shields cargo from weather and prying eyes.
Safety Equipment and Driver Assistance
Safety specifications on compact trucks often lag behind passenger cars, but the Big Horn includes standard protective equipment. Four airbags (dual front and front side-impact) protect occupants during a collision. Anti-lock brakes (ABS) paired with electronic stability control help maintain steering control during emergency maneuvers on slick pavement.
Parking tight spaces is simplified by rear parking sensors coupled with a backup camera featuring active guidance lines. These lines bend as you turn the steering wheel, showing your exact trajectory before you back into a loading bay.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Buyers transitioning from larger trucks or sedans frequently encounter a few operational pitfalls with this platform:
- Overloading the Bed: Exceeding the 650 kg limit strains the rear torsion beam suspension and alters front-wheel steering weight dangerously.
- Expecting Highway Passing Power: With 98 horsepower, passing large commercial vehicles at high speeds requires planning and downshifting.
- Ignoring Tire Pressures: Maintaining correct tire inflation is vital; under-inflated tires reduce load capacity and degrade fuel economy quickly.
- Skipping Fluid Checks: High-revving small displacement engines require regular oil level checks, especially if driven heavily under maximum payload conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Ram 700 Big Horn offer an automatic transmission?
No. The Big Horn trim pairs exclusively with a five-speed manual transmission. Automatic options are typically reserved for higher trims like the Laramie in select markets.
Can this truck tow a heavy trailer?
Its towing capacity is intended for light utility trailers (around 400 kg unbraked). It is designed primarily for bed payload rather than heavy towing duties.
Is four-wheel drive available?
The Ram 700 relies on front-wheel drive across all variants, assisted by electronic traction management systems like TC+ to handle loose surfaces.
How does it compare in size to full-size trucks?
It is significantly smaller than mid-size or full-size options like the Ram 1500, making it ideal for narrow urban streets where parking space is scarce.
For official corporate vehicle specifications and regional availability details, you can visit Stellantis. Additional safety crash-test insights and ratings can also be reviewed through organizations like Latin NCAP.
