Ram, the iconic American truck brand, is expanding its lineup with a major announcement: its first-ever SUV will arrive in 2028 alongside its highly anticipated new pickup truck. This move marks a significant step for the brand, which has long been defined by its rugged pickups and commercial vans.
What This Means
The confirmation comes from Antonio Filosa, CEO of Stellantis, who revealed during a financial briefing that the first SUV will arrive with the brand’s new mid-size dual-cab pickup in 2028. While details remain scarce, Filosa emphasized that the new SUV will complement Ram’s existing lineup, offering customers more versatile options beyond traditional trucks and vans.
Key Details
- Powertrain Options : The SUV will be available with both a standard gasoline engine and an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) powertrain. This aligns with Ram’s recent shift toward electrification, following the cancellation of its all-electric REV project.
- Naming Speculation : The upcoming model may carry the “Ramcharger” name—a nod to the brand’s historical use of the name for SUVs. This could be a strategic move, given Dodge’s recent revival of the Ramcharger moniker for its own SUV lineup.
- Platform and Design : Unlike Ram’s smaller pickups or the Jeep Gladiator, the new SUV is likely to be built on a robust ladder-frame platform—similar to the vehicles Ram acquired when it separated from Dodge in 2009. This approach ensures durability and compatibility with Ram’s heritage.
Context and Connections
Ram’s expansion into SUVs isn’t entirely new. In 2021, Jeep launched the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models—utility vehicles based on Ram’s pickup platforms. These vehicles proved popular, and Stellantis is now leveraging that success by extending the Ram brand into adjacent segments.
The timing is also significant. With the Wagoneer line phasing out by 2026, Ram’s SUV could fill a gap in the lineup. Additionally, Ram’s upcoming EREV pickup (nicknamed the Ramcharger) shares technology with the Dodge REV project, suggesting Stellantis is streamlining development across its brands.
Why It Matters
For decades, Ram has been synonymous with trucks—first with the Dakota pickup (which Ram will eventually produce under Stellantis) and later with its own line of full-size pickups. The 2028 SUV represents a deliberate diversification into SUV territory, echoing Jeep’s success with vehicles like the Grand Cherokee and Wagoneer.
This move could also signal Ram’s ambition to compete in a market segment it previously avoided. With rivals like Ford and GM expanding their SUV offerings, Stellantis is positioning Ram to capture a growing share of the premium CUV market.
Looking Ahead
While the 2028 launch still feels years away, this announcement marks a turning point for Ram. By blending the rugged utility of its trucks with the versatility of SUVs, the brand is rewriting its story—and offering customers new ways to define their journeys.
In short: Ram’s first SUV in 2028 isn’t just a new model—it’s a strategic evolution. By combining familiar truck DNA with SUV capabilities, Ram is poised to compete in one of the most competitive segments in the automotive world
