Ram is preparing to enter one of the most competitive segments in the American auto market with its first full-size family SUV, a move that could reshape the brand’s future. As part of Stellantis’ new strategy, Ram is aiming to expand beyond pickup trucks and commercial vans by taking on rivals with an SUV expected to revive the iconic Ramcharger name.
The project has already generated plenty of excitement, especially after Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis hinted that the upcoming SUV will stay true to the brand’s performance roots with naturally aspirated V8 engines and a high-performance SRT variant.
The Ramcharger Name Is Back
Ram has officially confirmed that its upcoming SUV will carry the Ramcharger name, reviving one of the most recognizable names in American off-road history.
Interestingly, the company had originally planned to use the Ramcharger badge for its range-extended electric Ram 1500 pickup. However, with Ram scaling back its electrification plans, the legendary name has instead been reserved for what is expected to become the brand’s flagship family SUV.
Built on Grand Wagoneer Foundations
The new Ramcharger is expected to share its architecture and wheelbase with the Jeep Grand Wagoneer, which itself is based on a heavily revised version of the Ram 1500 platform.
One major engineering change will be the replacement of the pickup’s solid rear axle with an independent rear suspension to improve ride comfort and refinement. Ram is also expected to give the suspension its own unique tuning to deliver a driving experience that matches the brand’s identity.
While the proportions will closely resemble the Grand Wagoneer, the styling will be distinctly Ram, featuring a bold front fascia, a large signature grille, slim LED headlights, and different front-end designs depending on the trim level.
V8 Power Makes a Comeback
Rather than following the industry’s downsizing trend, Ram is reportedly bringing back naturally aspirated V8 engines for its new SUV.
The expected engine lineup includes:
- A 5.7-liter HEMI V8 producing around 395 horsepower.
- A 6.4-liter HEMI V8 with approximately 470 horsepower for higher trims.
A 777-HP SRT Flagship
Perhaps the biggest surprise is the confirmation of a high-performance SRT version.
According to Ram’s CEO, the range-topping model will use the supercharged 6.2-liter Hellcat V8, producing an incredible 777 horsepower. That would place the Ramcharger SRT among the most powerful full-size SUVs on the market, sharing its powertrain with models such as the Ram 1500 TRX and the upcoming Ram 1500 Rumble Bee SRT.
Expected Launch and Pricing
Based on Ram’s recent product rollout strategy, the new SUV is expected to debut within the next six months before arriving as a 2028 model.
Although pricing has yet to be confirmed, estimates suggest the lineup could start at around $65,000, while luxury trims and the flagship SRT model are expected to exceed $100,000.
If Ram delivers on these expectations, the Ramcharger could become one of the brand’s most important new products, combining the practicality of a large family SUV with the performance and character that have long defined Ram’s V8-powered trucks.
