Ram Rampage U.S. Launch Confirmed for 2028
Ram will sell its Brazilian-developed Rampage compact pickup in the United States starting in 2028, with production likely moving to Mexico to avoid the 25% Chicken Tax.
Ram has officially confirmed the Rampage will launch in the United States in 2028. The announcement was made this morning by Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis during Stellantis’ Investor Day presentation. Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa also confirmed the U.S. launch in an interview, stating simply, "a chegada aos EUA." This confirmation resolves long-standing speculation and follows comments from Kuniskis at the Detroit Auto Show earlier this year, where he expressed admiration for the vehicle but stopped short of a formal announcement.
The Ram Rampage is a monoblock pickup developed in Brazil, representing the first Ram project developed outside North America. It began sales in South American markets including Chile, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay after its 2023 launch. The vehicle is produced in Goiana, Pernambuco, and its mission is to be the cheapest Ram model in the U.S. market. The 2028 launch will coincide with the project completing five years in the Brazilian market.
Overcoming trade barriers
To avoid the 25% Chicken Tax-a U.S. protectionist tariff from the 1960s on light trucks produced outside North America-Stellantis plans to produce the U.S.-spec Ram Rampage in Toluca, Mexico. This factory already produces the Jeep Compass. The two vehicles share the Small Wide 4×4 platform, and this component synergy reduces operational costs and enables local production with tax exemption for the North American market. According to sources close to MoparInsiders, the North American Rampage is expected to be built in Mexico, though Stellantis has not officially confirmed these production details.
Product evolution for North America
The U.S.-bound Rampage will arrive with its first mid-life facelift. This update is expected to include front design updates, cabin changes, and U.S.-specific equipment packages. Possible engine adjustments for the U.S. market are also under consideration. The compact unibody pickup currently sold in South America offers the following powertrains, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission:
| Engine Type | Power Output | Availability Expectation for U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Turbocharged 2.0-liter GME-T4 inline-four gasoline | 272 hp | Likely, with possible adjustments |
| 2.2-liter Multijet turbodiesel | 200 hp | Not expected |
In South America, the Rampage is offered in Big Horn, Rebel, and Laramie trim levels. The vehicle rides on a unibody platform related to the Jeep Compass and is being introduced to compete directly with the Ford Maverick.
Market context and future lineup
The Rampage enters a growing compact pickup segment led by the Ford Maverick, which sold 155,051 units in the U.S. last year. Outside of the Hyundai Santa Cruz, there has been little direct competition, and Ram previously had no official competitor in this market space. The Rampage will expand Ram’s future lineup alongside other upcoming models. The Ram Dakota midsize body-on-frame pickup is expected to arrive in 2027 as a 2028 model, and the future full-size body-on-frame Ramcharger SUV is slated to arrive sometime in 2028.
The Ram Rampage will arrive in North America with its first mid-life facelift.
