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What engine came in the Dodge Rampage?

The Dodge Rampage used a 2.2-liter inline-four engine from Chrysler's K-car family.


The engine behind the Rampage


The Rampage shared its drivetrain with the Horizon and Omni, relying on the widely used 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine that powered many Chrysler compact cars of the era. It was typically equipped with a carbureted version, with some later production runs adopting fuel-injected variants as Chrysler updated the family.


Technical snapshot


These points summarize the core engine characteristics and how it was installed in the Rampage.



  • Engine type: 2.2-liter inline-four from the Chrysler K-car family

  • Fuel system: carbureted in early Rampage models; some later variants used fuel injection

  • Displacement and configuration: 2.2 L, inline-4

  • Transmission pairing: 4-speed manual or 3-speed automatic depending on trim and year

  • Platform: shared with Horizon/Omni, making the Rampage a unibody compact pickup rather than a traditional body-on-frame truck


The essential point: the Rampage did not use a V6 option; it relied on the compact four-cylinder engine that underpinned Chrysler's small-car lineup.


Context and era


Launched in 1982 and produced into 1983, the Rampage was a niche vehicle that aimed to combine car-like handling with pickup utility. Its engine choice reflected Chrysler's strategy at the time: offer a simple, efficient powertrain across multiple platforms rather than a specialized truck engine.


Summary


In short, the Dodge Rampage was powered by a 2.2-liter inline-four from Chrysler’s K-car family, typically carbureted with optional fuel injection across its short production run, and paired with manual or automatic transmissions as part of Chrysler’s small-car lineup.

Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

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Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.