The Chevrolet El Camino sits in an interesting spot in automotive history: a car with muscle car performance while providing some of the utility of a pickup truck. It had the sporty roofline and sleek front-end styling, as well as a truck bed that just flowed with such Midwestern style that enthusiasts fell in love. Even though production concluded in 1987, its legacy is living on in the more luxurious utilitarian vehicles of today. With the Ford Maverick and similar models, you get a capable driving option that combines powerful performance with an eye-catching yet practical design.
For the U.S., the car-based utes are mostly gone—though there’s a concept of one coming sooner than later from Hyundai—and the GMC Caballero seems forever ahead of its time, if not niche. Here are the latest rumors of a 2025 Chevrolet El Camino featuring modern tech and performance upgrades for the legendary nameplate. This guide takes you through the most incredible El Camino-inspired rides that combine modern practicality with the charm of classic muscle cars.
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#1. Chevrolet Silverado 1500 All-Terrain Sport (Modern, 2020s–2025)
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 All-Terrain Sport channels the El Camino with its rakish front face, blacked-out grille, and solid look at those aggressive wheels. Sporty styling and a 6.5-foot truck bed provide a new kind of fun driving experience, ideal for city streets or weekend hauls. A 5.3-liter V8 engine under the hood, good for 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque, thrusts this big beast forward strongly enough to not compromise on day-to-day usability.
With a starting package price of nearly $56,000 (without dealer-installed options), the Silverado 1500 All Terrain is something different for today: a stylish and competent machine that would qualify as in-off-road rolling art.
Quick Specs:
- Engine: 5.3 L V8
- Horsepower: 355 hp
- Torque: 383 lb-ft
- Bed Length: 6.5 ft
- Starting Price: ~$55,000
Performance is a different story, and this model bridges muscle-car-inspired design with practical utility for those who want a little bit of boisterous fun without completely sacrificing form or function. Chevrolet can tell you the official stuff on Chevrolet or read MotorTrend professional reviews.
#2.1968–1972 Ranchero
Ford Ranchero, an absolute best of both worlds combo – is eye-wateringly sexy 1968–1972 Ranchero GT Hardtop pickups, meanwhile, draw out the sleek fender design, add sporty trim and a load-carrying bed – a formula that wins fans with enthusiasts. The 1970 Ranchero GT packs a stout 300 to 345 HP and nearly 385 lb-ft of torque from its 5.8-litre (351 cu in) V8 engine, providing healthy performance by the standards of the day. Restored examples sell for $25,000–$40,000, making it a budgetary classic that retains the spirit of the coupe-truck.
Quick Specs:
- Engine: 5.8 L V8
- Horsepower: 300–345 hp
- Torque: ~385 lb-ft
- Bed Length: ~6 ft
- Approx. Vintage Price: $25,000–$40,000
Pairing timeless muscle-car looks with modern-day usability, this model makes a wise choice for collectors and fans of the classics. We double-checked details in the archives at Ford and on a Hemmings after-market car-review page.
#3. Chevrolet El Camino SS (Classic Icon, 1968–1972)
The Chevrolet El Camino SS is still a car popularized by lore, melding muscle-car levels of performance with the functionality of a pickup bed. Power and handling got a boost with the Super Sport variant, but it retained that sexy coupe-truck design that enthusiasts love.
Quick Specs:
- Engine: 7.4 L (454 cu in) V8
- Horsepower: Up to 450 hp
- Torque: ~500 lb-ft
- Bed Length: ~6.5 ft
- Original MSRP (1970): ~$3,200
We love the El Camino SS for its bold styling and serious power, making it an ideal mix of form and function.
#4. Dodge Rampage (1980s)
Dodge Rampage Concept – a modern interpretation of the compact car-based pickup. Some believe this is what a new El Camino should be like. Based on the Dodge Aries platform, it takes that front-drive layout, puts a small bed at the back, and makes you suddenly love practical trucks supplying sports car proportions.
The 2.2-liter inline-4 engine in question outputs approximately 84 horsepower and 112 lb-ft of torque, which should be plenty for zipping around town and nearby suburbs in utter efficiency. Costing between $5,000 and $10,000 for used or restored versions, the Rampage provides a fun answer to those who desire coupe-truck allure but do not want the bulk.
Quick Specs:
- Engine: 2.2 L inline-4
- Horsepower: ~84 hp
- Torque: ~112 lb-ft
- Bed Length: ~5 ft
- Approx. Vintage Price: $5,000–$10,000
Combining compact frugality with agility while serving utilitarian needs, it is a chic option for enthusiasts of small, compact, and agile vehicles.
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#5. Subaru Baja (Mid-2000s)
2003-06 Subaru Baja — a unique crossover of the mid-2000s that carries on the coupe-truck spirit of the El Camino. The Sport Coupe Utility seats four within its unique ute styling, small open bed and all-wheel-drive. Its on-road behavior is car-like, with the utility well-executed for practical application. The 2.5-liter turbocharged flat-4 of the Forester XT makes a less impressive 210 horsepower and 235 lb-ft of torque under the hood, which is just enough to make an already modestly powerful model relatively brisk in real-world driving.
Originally priced between $26,000 and $28,000 new ($42-45k outright), the Baja was an affordable pick for buyers seeking some style, versatility, and maybe a little something else in their daily drive.
Quick Specs:
- Engine: 2.5 L turbocharged flat-4
- Horsepower: 210 hp
- Torque: 235 lb-ft
- Bed Length: ~4.5 ft (with fold-down tailgate)
- Original MSRP: ~$26,000–$28,000
It finds that elusive sweet spot between sportiness, utility, and burliness that will likely endear it to its cult. For current Subaru specifications and reviews, visit Subaru archives on the Internet or Kelly Blue Book .
#6. Honda Ridgeline (Modern, 2017–Present)
Although the key to winning is being unique, it’s also a huge turn-off because the Honda Ridgeline basically combines a unibody structure with an integrated cabin and bed, and also benefits from a smooth, car-like ride. The mid-gate’s cargo area enhances versatility, such as for weekend projects or light hauling, but can be quickly shut to maintain a truck-like refinement.
The 3.5-liter V6 develops 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, which will provide good performance but not to the detriment of comfort. Priced from $45,000 in the case of the 2025 RTL-E grade (excl. destination), the Ridgeline provides an everyday usability belying its capability, for buyers who put a premium on both aspects and desire a family-friendly option.
Quick Specs:
- Engine: 3.5 L V6
- Horsepower: 280 hp
- Torque: 262 lb-ft
- Bed Options: In-bed trunk, dual-action tailgate
- Starting Price: ~$45,000
Mixed utility with polished style, the Ridgeline depicts coupe-truck flexibility to a fresh sort of buyer. For more information, visit the Honda website and see Car and Driver reviews.
More Cars That Look Like the El Camino
- 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz | $28,750 – A fun little pickup that drives like a car but hauls like a truck.
- 2025 Ford Maverick | $22,000 – Cheap, practical, and surprisingly sporty for a hybrid.
- 2025 Rivian R1T | $73,000 – Electric, tough, and ready for adventure.
- 1980s Subaru Brat | $5k–$10k – Quirky, compact, and surprisingly useful.
- 1980s Dodge Rampage | $5k–$10k – Small, nimble, and perfect for city cruising.
- Chevrolet SSR | 2003–2006 – Retro-styled roadster pickup with bold looks and strong performance.
- Holden Ute | AU | $20k–$66k – Sporty Aussie coupe-truck with practical utility.
Note: These aren’t your typical pickups—they’re a little quirky, full of character, and perfect if you love that El Camino vibe. Great for fun drives, weekend hauls, or just turning heads.
Conclusion
The Chevrolet El Camino was an iconic name in automotive history, recognized for its unique blend of muscle-car performance and everyday utility. Its impact can be seen across a broad spectrum of vehicles, from the classic Ranchero and El Camino SS to modern interpretations like the Chevrolet Silverado All-Terrain Sport, Honda Ridgeline, and Subaru Baja. But every model tries to rekindle a little of that spirit from the El Camino, whether through brash style, utility (a little), or performance.
With these road-ready examples, drivers can experience the heritage of this legendary coupe-truck while enjoying the reliability, comfort, and engineering advancements of today. Whether you crave raw muscle, clever utility, or a bit of both, the El Camino’s legacy lives on in every coupe-truck you see on the road.
