2028 Ram Ramcharger: Everything We KnowAndrei Avarvarii - MotorTrendWhat It IsRam's gambit to offer a direct competitor to the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban and Ford's analogous Expedition and Expedition Max full-size SUVs. It's also a sensible reapplication of the Ramcharger name, which originally graced a short-wheelbase Chevy K5 Blazer competitor with a removable roof and was until quite recently expected to adorn the extended-range version of the electric Ram 1500 (it's been renamed REV). In essence, it really is just a repatriated version of the Ram body-on-frame-derived Jeep Grand Wagoneer, which kind of makes it the Victor Victoria of full-size SUVs (a Ram truck masquerading as a Jeep, re-costuming itself as a Ram). Not surprisingly, it will be built in the same plant in Warren, Michigan, that churns out Ram 1500s and Jeep Grand Wagoneers.Why It MattersThis is Stellantis rationalizing its offerings in the lucrative full-size SUV space after its confusing Wagoneer/Grand Wagoneer lineup failed to draw customers away from the established Chevy/GMC/Cadillac and Ford/Lincoln range of jumbo utes. Going forward, Ramcharger can lean on established trim series names like Express and Big Horn to signal entry Chevy/Ford pricing, while snazzier trim levels like Laramie, Limited, and Tungsten cover GMC/Denali territory. Jeep Grand Wagoneer trim levels can overlap Ramcharger Tungsten, as both vie for Lincoln Navigator/Cadillac Escalade buyers. We'll keep an eye on how these brands divvy up overlap areas like off-roading and high performance—and how introducing an SUV to the Ram brand impacts Stellantis' future midsize SUV strategy.Andrei Avarvarii - MotorTrendPlatform and PowertrainOfficially, this DT platform architecture began its life as the fifth-generation Ram pickup, which revolutionized full-size truck ride quality with its standard coil-sprung live-axle rear suspension setup. Transitioning the platform for Jeep duty brought additional frame revisions to accommodate an independent rear suspension, and it won't need much further development for Ramcharger duty.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe architecture has already supported powertrains ranging from the Pentastar V-6 through various Hurricane I-6 and Hemi V-8 variants up to and including the TRX's supercharged Hellcat powerplant, a version of which will almost assuredly power the top SRT model as the Stellantis foil for the Cadillac Escalade V (probably selling for much less than $170,895). How the four-wheel-drive scenario plays out will be interesting to watch. Raptors and Rebels are highly capable—but that capability largely derives from the articulation of the live rear axle missing from these SUVs.Philosophically, shouldn't Jeep get the model with the most off-road capability? Probably. Then again, Jeep has heretofore wisely declined to designate any Wagoneer/Grand Wagoneer "Trail Rated," as there's no getting one over the Rubicon. So a Ramcharger Rebel or RHO outfitted with Quadra-Lift air suspension, an electronic limited-slip differential, a low-range transfer case, Selec-Terrain modes, and skidplates should be able to target the Chevy Tahoe Z71 and Ford Expedition Tremor. We'll be eagerly watching the midsize space, where we expect the 2029 Durango, built alongside Grand Cherokees, to remain a unibody Dodge to battle the Chevy Traverse, Toyota Highlander, etc., while a new SUV based on the 2029 Dakota could be a compelling Ram midsize SUV tailored more toward towing and hauling.Estimated Price: $65,000Expected On-Sale Date: 2028
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