by New Full-Size Ram SUV
Earlier this year, Stellantis announced plans to invest $13 billion in the United States. These funds will finance a number of projects, including the production of an all-new full-size SUV at the Warren Truck Plant in Michigan.
Initially, the company did not disclose details, but later Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa confirmed that the mysterious model would be a Ram SUV. Production is scheduled to begin in 2028, and the company has already announced that the vehicle will be offered with an internal combustion engine as well as a range-extender type hybrid powertrain.
After that, official details end, but Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis hinted that the model might be called Ramcharger.
This was not a big surprise, as the original Ramcharger was introduced in 1974 and produced until 1993, competing with the full-size Ford Bronco, as well as the Chevrolet K5 Blazer and GMC Jimmy.
Initially, Ram planned to use the Ramcharger name for the hybrid version of the 1500 pickup. However, when the company canceled the fully electric 1500 REV, the decision was made to rename the Ramcharger to REV. This essentially freed up the classic name for the future SUV model.
Technical Expectations and Platform
Since the Ramcharger will be built on the same platform as the Jeep Grand Wagoneer, the model can be expected to receive a twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine producing 420 hp and 468 lb-ft of torque. A hybrid powertrain is also expected, combining all-wheel drive with two electric motors, a 92 kWh battery, and a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine that acts as a generator.
This configuration gives the Grand Wagoneer REEV a combined output of 647 hp and 620 lb-ft of torque. Thanks to these figures, the SUV should accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in approximately five seconds and have a range of over 500 miles.
Return of the Mid-Size Dakota Pickup
In addition to discussing the brand’s first SUV, Tim Kuniskis confirmed the obvious: the Ram mid-size pickup will be named Dakota. He called this step an “easy decision.” It is worth noting that Ram last registered the Dakota trademark in 2020.
Although it was initially planned that the pickup would be built at the Belvidere Assembly plant, that plant is being retooled to produce the Jeep Cherokee and Compass. As a result, Dakota production has been moved to Toledo, Ohio.
This is quite logical, as the Toledo Assembly already produces the Jeep Gladiator and Wrangler. The model is expected to debut in 2028 to compete with the Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, Ford Ranger, Nissan Frontier, and Toyota Tacoma.
Pricing Strategy and Market Context
Little is known about the model so far, but Kuniskis noted that the only way to return to the $40,000 price point was to offer a new mid-size pickup. However, this pickup could turn out to be significantly cheaper, as the Chevrolet Colorado starts at $32,400.
These announcements clearly show Ram’s strategy to expand its lineup and strengthen its position in two key segments of the American market. Reviving historic names like Ramcharger and Dakota is not only a tribute to the past but also a powerful marketing tool to attract both brand loyalists and new buyers. The success of these models will largely depend on their final price, technical specifications, and ability to compete with already established market leaders.
