The Ram 700 Bighorn serves as a popular subcompact pickup truck tailored for Latin American markets. Based on the Fiat Strada, it bridges the gap between daily urban commuting and light utility work. If you're looking at this small-format truck, you'll find a five-passenger crew cab layout, front-wheel-drive architecture, and a 1.3-liter Firefly four-cylinder engine. It isn't a heavy-duty mud-plugger, but it handles rough roads, rural paths, and tight job sites with surprising agility.
Understanding what this light utility vehicle can and can't do helps set proper expectations. It's built for efficiency, easy parking, and sensible hauling rather than rock crawling or heavy towing. Let's break down the exact mechanical specs, cabin features, payload limits, and everyday realities of living with a Bighorn-trim model.
Engine Specs and Performance
Under the hood, the Ram 700 Bighorn runs on a 1.3-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine. This powerplant pushes out roughly 98 to 100 horsepower and about 95 to 99 lb-ft of torque. Power routes to the front wheels through a five-speed manual transmission.
You won't break any drag-racing records with these output numbers. Instead, the engineering focus centers on fuel economy and low-end responsiveness. The engine tuning helps the truck pull away cleanly from stops even when the bed has cargo in it.
- Engine Type: 1.3L Firefly Inline-4
- Horsepower: ~98-100 hp
- Torque: ~95-99 lb-ft
- Transmission: 5-speed manual
- Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive (FWD)
Hauling and Payload Capacities
Small dimensions don't mean zero utility. The crew cab configuration features a dedicated cargo box designed to handle daily supplies, gear, and equipment.
The truck delivers a payload capacity reaching up to roughly 1,433 to 1,653 pounds (650 to 750 kg) depending on the exact build year and occupant count. That's plenty of room for bags of cement, camping gear, or lumber. Towing capability sits lower, rated around 882 pounds (400 kg), meaning it's meant for light utility trailers rather than heavy campers or boats.
Interior Layout and Comfort
Inside the cabin, the Bighorn trim strikes a balance between rugged utility and everyday comfort. You get durable grey Trek cloth seats designed to withstand daily wear and tear.
The five-passenger crew cab layout gives you four full doors, making it much easier to load passengers or secure items in the back seat area. Storage cubbies are scattered throughout the center console, and the dashboard includes essential connectivity ports like USB and auxiliary inputs alongside a 12-volt power outlet.
Off-Road Realities: What It Can and Cannot Do
Marketing brochures often paint small trucks as rugged adventurers, but it's important to look at the hardware objectively. The Bighorn is a front-wheel-drive vehicle with standard street geometry and light suspension tweaks.
It handles unpaved dirt roads, gravel tracks, farm lanes, and muddy campsites quite well thanks to decent ground clearance and light weight. However, it lacks four-wheel drive, locking differentials (outside of select electronic traction aids), and heavy-duty skid plates. You shouldn't take it down severe off-road rock trails or deep sand dunes where a traditional 4x4 body-on-frame truck is required.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Buyers transitioning from full-size American pickups often misjudge subcompact trucks. Keep these points in mind:
- Overloading the Hitch: Don't expect to pull heavy trailers. Respect the sub-900 lb towing limit to protect your transmission and brakes.
- Expecting 4x4 Capability: Remember that power goes exclusively to the front wheels. Don't plunge into deep mud or snow drifts assuming standard truck capability.
- Ignoring Tire Pressures: Because the vehicle is light, maintaining correct tire pressure is vital for stable highway handling and carrying maximum cargo safely.
For more details on current Ram utility lineups and specifications, you can check official resources at Ram Trucks or review global model announcements via Stellantis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Ram 700 Bighorn available with an automatic transmission?
Most standard configurations for this model year rely on a five-speed manual gearbox. Check regional dealer specifications if you're searching for specific automatic variants.
Can the Ram 700 be imported into the United States?
No. The vehicle is built primarily for Mexico and other Latin American markets and does not comply with North American safety and crash standards required for US or Canadian registration.
How does fuel economy compare to larger trucks?
Because of its small displacement 1.3-liter engine and lightweight frame, it offers significantly better fuel efficiency than mid-size or full-size trucks, making it ideal for city delivery work.
Does the Bighorn have air conditioning and power windows?
Yes. The Bighorn trim includes modern conveniences like power windows, air conditioning, and basic infotainment connectivity to keep daily driving comfortable.
