Ram Secures American Design Patent For Midsize Pickup
Ram has officially secured a U.S. design patent for the Rampage, its midsize pickup currently sold outside the United States.
Key Points
- Ram Rampage U.S. Design Patent Granted: Ram has received a U.S. design patent for its midsize Rampage pickup, fueling speculation about a potential North American launch.
- Midsize Truck Market Opportunity: With strong demand for small, affordable trucks like the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz, the Rampage could help Ram compete in a fast-growing segment.
- Potential U.S. Production and Powertrain: Built on a Jeep-based platform with a 2.0L turbocharged engine and available AWD, the Rampage could be produced at Stellantis’ Belvidere, Illinois plant for the U.S. market.
The patent, granted by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (hat tip to Mopar Insiders) on April 22, 2025, could point towards a potential North American debut.
Let's start this with a preface: a design patent doesn’t necessarily mean the truck is bound for U.S. showrooms.
With smaller pickups gaining traction in the U.S. market, the Rampage could represent a timely opportunity for Ram to enter the segment. Competitors like the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz have seen strong sales by offering smaller, more affordable alternatives to full-size trucks.
Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis went on record earlier this year, saying the brand needs a compact truck to be competitive in the U.S. What better way to make it happen than using a compact truck the brand already sells south of the border?
Built on a unibody platform derived from the Jeep Compass and the current Commander, which is sold in South America and Asia. The Rampage combines SUV-like dynamics with pickup truck utility. It features a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission.
To succeed in North America, Ram would likely need to introduce more affordable trims, such as a base Tradesman or entry-level Big Horn. Offering front-wheel-drive versions could further reduce the starting price, allowing the Rampage to better compete with cheap rivals like the Maverick.
Earlier this year, Stellantis Chairman John Elkann revealed Ram would build a midsize pickup truck at the previously idled Belvidere Assembly Plant in Illinois come 2027. The Belvidere plant has been without a product since the discontinuation of the Jeep Cherokee.
The facility is already equipped for unibody vehicle production and is located near Stellantis’ Kokomo, Indiana, plant, where the Rampage’s engine and transmission are built. It's understood that the 2027 Ram midsize truck should offer multi-energy choices, including gasoline, PHEV, and EV powertrain options.
For now, Ram hasn’t confirmed any U.S. launch plans, but all signs currently point to yes.
Become an AutoGuide insider. Get the latest from the automotive world first by subscribing to our newsletter here.
An experienced automotive storyteller and accomplished photographer known for engaging and insightful content. Michael also brings a wealth of technical knowledge—he was part of the Ford GT program at Multimatic, oversaw a fleet of Audi TCR race cars, ziptied Lamborghini Super Trofeo cars back together, been over the wall during the Rolex 24, and worked in the intense world of IndyCar.
More by Michael Accardi
Comments
Join the conversation
The one thing this patent does is secures the design and that no one else can use any part of it. It does not necessarily mean we will get the thing...
Did we forget about the Ridgeline?