Ram Secures U.S. Patent for Rampage Compact Pickup

Ram is making headlines again, this time for securing a U.S. design patent for the Ram Rampage — its new compact pickup that’s already gained popularity in South America. The design patent, filed on March 16, 2023, and officially granted on April 22, 2025, by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), has ignited serious buzz. But let’s be clear: a patent doesn’t mean the Rampage is heading straight to North American dealerships.

The real reason for locking down the patent could be as simple as protecting the design for merchandising, toys, or video games. Automakers often secure patents just to control how their vehicles are used and represented outside of manufacturing. So for now, there’s no official green light for a U.S. launch. However, with the way the truck market is shifting, bringing the Rampage to America could be one of the smartest moves Ram could make — if they play their cards right.

Today’s truck buyers are looking for smaller, more affordable options. Ford’s Maverick and Hyundai’s Santa Cruz have proven that a compact truck can be a huge success, selling tens of thousands of units. Meanwhile, Ram’s U.S. lineup still leans heavily on the full-size Ram 1500, with no smaller alternative. With pickup prices climbing higher every year and interest rates squeezing buyers, Ram needs a new strategy to reach cost-conscious customers.

The Rampage itself checks a lot of boxes. It rides on a modified Jeep® platform, sharing DNA with the Jeep® Compass and Commander SUVs. Its structure is tough, built with 86% high- and ultra-strength steels, and it offers real four-wheel-drive capability standard across all trims. Under the hood, it sports a strong turbocharged 2.0-liter Hurricane4 I4 engine making 268 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. of torque, backed by a proven ZF 9-speed automatic transmission. There’s even a diesel option available for markets outside the U.S.

In South America, the Rampage is marketed more as a premium vehicle, available in trims like Big Horn, Rebel, Laramie, and a performance-focused R/T. If Ram does decide to bring it stateside, they’ll need to Americanize the strategy. That means adding budget-friendly options like a no-frills Tradesman model and a lower-cost Big Horn trim. Offering front-wheel-drive versions alongside four-wheel-drive would help slash the starting price and go head-to-head with Ford’s Maverick, which has dominated the compact segment by keeping things simple and affordable.

If production is a concern, Ram already has a solution. Stellantis’ Belvidere Assembly Plant in Illinois, recently idled, could be the perfect spot to build the Rampage for North America. This plant was home to vehicles like the Jeep Cherokee and Dodge Dart — both unibody builds similar to what the Rampage would need. Plus, the turbocharged 2.0-liter (GME-T4) Hurricane4 I4 engine and 9-speed transmission are already being built nearby in Kokomo, Indiana, making supply chains easier to manage.

Bottom line: While the U.S. patent doesn’t confirm anything yet, the pieces are in place for Ram to make a bold move into the compact truck world. If Ram introduces the Rampage with the right mix of affordability, capability, and fun, they could carve out a big slice of a fast-growing market. It’s all about giving buyers what they need — and doing it without breaking the bank.

Source: USPTO

Ram Rampage Patent Drawing Image Gallery: