Everyone is talking about it. The "ghost" truck. For months, truck enthusiasts have been scouring the USPTO archives like digital detectives, and they finally hit paydirt. The Ram Rampage US patent isn't just a rumor anymore; it's a legal reality. But if you’re expecting a 1500-sized beast, you’re looking at the wrong segment. We are talking compact. Unibody. The kind of truck that makes the Ford Maverick look over its shoulder.
Honestly, the automotive world is a weird place. You’ve got a truck that’s a massive hit in Brazil and Argentina, yet it’s been strictly "forbidden fruit" for North Americans. Until now. On April 22, 2025, the United States Patent and Trademark Office officially granted Stellantis (Ram's parent company) the design patent for the Rampage. This follows a filing that had been sitting in the system since March 2023.
Why does this matter? Because a patent is the closest thing to a "pinky promise" in the corporate world that something is brewing.
The Ram Rampage US Patent: What the Drawings Actually Reveal
When you look at the patent filings—specifically the design patent granted in April 2025—it’s a mirror image of the South American model. We’re talking about a compact, four-door pickup with a distinctly "Ram" face. It doesn't have the heavy, industrial look of the 2500; it’s sleeker. Kinda like if a Dodge Hornet went to the gym and decided to grow a bed.
The patent shows a unibody construction. For the purists, yeah, that means no ladder frame. It’s built on the Small Wide 4x4 LWB platform. If that sounds familiar, it's because it’s the same bones under the Jeep Compass and the Alfa Romeo Tonale.
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Breaking Down the Specs (As We Know Them)
If the US version follows the patent and the global specs, here is what’s under the sheet metal:
- The Engine: A 2.0-liter Hurricane4 turbocharged inline-four.
- Output: Roughly 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque.
- Transmission: A ZF 9-speed automatic. No manual, sorry folks.
- Drivetrain: Standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) is the likely play for the US market.
The patent drawings also highlight a very specific "lifestyle" bed. It’s not meant for hauling literal tons of gravel. It’s meant for mountain bikes, camping gear, and the occasional IKEA run. In South America, the Rampage can tow about 5,500 pounds, which actually beats the Maverick’s 4,000-pound limit. That’s a huge deal if it carries over to the stateside production.
Why the 2027 Production Date is the Magic Number
Here is the twist. While the patent was granted in 2025, you won’t see these on a lot tomorrow. According to internal memos from Stellantis COO Antonio Filosa—which were leaked through UAW communications—production is slated for 2027.
The location? Belvidere, Illinois.
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This is a massive win for American manufacturing. The Belvidere plant has been idle since the Jeep Cherokee left the building. Re-tooling that facility for the Rampage means approximately 1,500 jobs returning to the floor. It also solves a huge problem for Ram: the "Chicken Tax." By building the truck in Illinois instead of importing it from Brazil, Ram avoids a 25% tariff on light trucks. Without that local production, the Rampage would be DOA (Dead On Arrival) due to pricing.
The "Cybertruck" Aero Patent Connection
Wait, it gets weirder. Just a few weeks ago, in late December 2025, Stellantis filed another patent. This one is for an "Angled Bed Cap for Truck."
Looking at the sketches, it’s a retractable panel system that hides in the bed walls. When you hit highway speeds, these panels rise up to create a sloped roofline. It looks eerily like a Tesla Cybertruck. Why? Aerodynamics. Trucks are basically bricks moving through the air. By creating that "fastback" shape, the truck cuts through the wind, significantly boosting MPG—or range, if they decide to go electric.
There is heavy speculation that this aero-tech could debut on the US-spec Rampage to help it hit those strict CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) standards.
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Is This the "Maverick Killer" We've Been Waiting For?
Let's be real. The Ford Maverick has owned the compact segment for years because it was cheap and efficient. Ram doesn't want to just participate; they want to dominate.
The Rampage is positioned as a "premium" compact. While the Maverick feels a bit... let's say "economical" on the inside... the Rampage borrows the luxury bits from the Ram 1500. We’re talking 10-inch screens, premium leather, and the Uconnect 5 system.
Potential Trim Levels for the US:
- Tradesman: The bare-bones work truck. Steelies and cloth seats.
- Big Horn: The volume seller. Chrome bits and better tech.
- Rebel: The one everyone wants. Lifted suspension, all-terrain tires, and blacked-out trim.
- R/T: The street performer. Lowered stance and sport-tuned exhaust.
What's the Catch?
The biggest hurdle isn't the patent; it's the timing. By 2027, the Maverick will be deep into its second generation. Toyota is also rumored to be reviving the Stout nameplate for a compact hybrid. Ram is late to the party.
Also, there is the engine question. While the patent covers the Hurricane4, many US buyers are demanding hybrids. Stellantis has the tech—the Dodge Hornet's PHEV powertrain produces 288 hp and could easily fit in the Rampage. If Ram launches with only a gas engine while everyone else is going hybrid, they might struggle.
Actionable Next Steps for Potential Buyers
If you’re eyeing that Ram Rampage US patent and wondering if you should wait to trade in your current rig, here is the move:
- Watch the Belvidere Re-tooling: Keep an eye on news regarding the Belvidere Assembly Plant. Once they start hiring or moving machinery, the 2027 launch date is officially "locked in."
- Check the Trademark Office: While the design is patented, the name matters too. Watch for "Ram Rampage" or "Ram Dakota" trademark renewals in the US. Some insiders think they might use the Dakota name for brand recognition.
- Monitor the 2026 Auto Show Circuit: Expect a "concept" version of the US-spec Rampage to appear at the Detroit or Chicago Auto Shows in 2026. This will be the first time we see the finalized interior for the North American market.
- Budget for Mid-30s: Don't expect a $20,000 truck. With the 2.0L Turbo and AWD, the starting price is likely to land around $28,000 to $32,000, positioned slightly above the base Maverick.
The patent proves the blueprints are ready. Now, we just wait for the assembly line to start humming.