Detroit, MI, In a move set to dramatically expand the brand’s portfolio, Ram, the truck and commercial vehicle division of Stellantis, is preparing to launch its first-ever dedicated SUV model in 2028. This long-awaited entry into the competitive SUV market was confirmed during a briefing by Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa to Wall Street analysts on October 30, promising a “much more comprehensive product range” for the rugged brand.
The introduction of the new, unnamed SUV will coincide with the much-anticipated return of the Dakota midsize pickup truck, both scheduled for a 2028 launch. This strategic dual-launch is a major component of Stellantis’ ongoing $\$13$ billion investment in its U.S. manufacturing operations.
A Major Shift for the Ram Brand
For decades, Ram, even since its split from Dodge (then part of the former FCA) nearly twenty years ago, has been focused solely on trucks and commercial vans, leaving the SUV segment to its sibling brand, Dodge, with the Durango. This new, large SUV marks a significant pivot, finally giving Ram a direct competitor in the full-size, body-on-frame SUV segment,a space dominated by rivals like the Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Expedition, and its own corporate cousin, the Jeep Grand Wagoneer.
The vehicle is slated for production at the Warren Truck Assembly Plant in Warren, Michigan. This is a particularly noteworthy detail, as the Warren plant is currently home to the Jeep Grand Wagoneer. This shared production facility strongly suggests that the Ram SUV will utilize the same underlying robust, body-on-frame platform, known as the STL Frame, providing a foundation that aligns with Ram’s reputation for capability and toughness. For more Photos
Powertrain Options for Every Driver
In a piece of news that will surely please those hesitant about a full electric transition, the Ram SUV will offer powertrain choices, including traditional internal combustion engines (ICE) and a sophisticated hybrid system.
- Range-Extending Hybrid (REEV) Option: The hybrid variant is expected to feature a Range-Extending Electric Vehicle (REEV) setup, potentially borrowing technology from the refreshed 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer. This advanced system would likely use the proven 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine as a generator,meaning the electric motors would provide all the propulsion. This configuration is known for offering both impressive power and range, potentially delivering up to 647 horsepower, 620 lb-ft of torque, and an estimated range of up to 500 miles.
- Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) Option: For the pure-gasoline option, speculation centers on Stellantis’ high-performing Hurricane twin-turbocharged inline-six engine. This 3.0-liter I-6 motor is available in different outputs, including a “Standard Output” of 420 hp and 469 lb-ft of torque, and a more powerful “High Output” version boasting 540 hp and 521 lb-ft. There’s also an outside chance the SUV could be fitted with the new, mild-hybridized Hemi V-8, recently revived for the Ram 1500.
New Jobs and a Commitment to U.S. Manufacturing
The manufacturing plans for the new SUV and the revived Dakota are tied directly to Stellantis’ massive multi-billion-dollar investment in its American facilities. The Warren Truck Assembly plant is receiving nearly $\$100$ million for retooling to prepare for this new large SUV. Meanwhile, the midsize Dakota pickup is set to be assembled in Ohio.
Collectively, the production of these new vehicles is projected to create up to 900 new jobs across both the Michigan and Ohio facilities, providing a welcome economic boost to the regions.
When contacted for further details on the project, a Ram spokesperson maintained a tight lip, simply stating that CEO Filosa’s initial comments “stand on their own” and the company had “nothing to add.”
This new SUV, alongside the Dakota, signals Ram’s firm intention to move beyond its core truck business, attracting a broader customer base looking for truck-based capability, modern efficiency, and a tough, utility-focused alternative to luxury-oriented full-size SUVs.
FAQS
When can I buy the new Ram SUV?
The new large SUV is expected to go into production and be ready for sale in 2028. It will be launched in the same year as the return of the Dakota midsize pickup truck. This means you’ll have to wait a few years, but the company is making this a major priority to give their lineup a much wider choice of vehicles.
Will the new Ram SUV be all-electric or use gas?
The new SUV will offer both options. It will have a choice between a regular gasoline engine (Internal Combustion Engine or ICE) or a sophisticated hybrid system called a Range-Extended Electric Vehicle (REEV). The REEV will let you drive using pure electric power, but it also has a gas engine that acts like a generator to recharge the battery and keep you going for a long distance.
What kind of engine will be in the Ram SUV?
For the regular gasoline model, the most likely engine will be the powerful Hurricane twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six. This engine comes in a few different versions, giving the SUV high horsepower and torque. For the range-extended hybrid version, a 3.6-liter V-6 engine will be used, but its job is only to generate electricity, not to directly power the wheels.
What does “Range-Extended Electric Vehicle (REEV)” mean?
A Range-Extended Electric Vehicle is a type of hybrid that is mostly an electric car. The wheels are always driven by electric motors (like a pure EV). The gas engine is not connected to the wheels; instead, it’s just a generator that turns on to create electricity when the battery is low. This lets you drive on battery power first, but you don’t have to worry about running out of charge because you can fill up the small gas tank to recharge the battery and keep driving.
Will the new Ram SUV be built like a truck?
Yes, it is expected to be a body-on-frame SUV. This means the body of the vehicle sits on top of a separate, strong frame, much like a traditional pickup truck. This kind of construction makes the vehicle very tough and durable, which is what people expect from the brand. It also usually means it will have excellent towing and off-road capability.
Where will the new SUV be made?
The new SUV will be built at the Warren Truck Assembly Plant in Warren, Michigan. This is the same factory where the large Jeep Grand Wagoneer is currently built, which is another hint that the two vehicles will share many parts under the skin.
Why is Ram finally making an SUV after all these years?
The company is making an SUV now to fully compete in one of the most popular and profitable parts of the market: the large, full-size SUV segment. For years, the brand has only offered pickup trucks and vans. By adding a big SUV, they can offer families and people who need heavy-duty space a new option that has the ruggedness and reputation of the truck brand, but with covered seating and cargo space.
Is the Dakota midsize pickup truck coming back, and when?
Yes, the popular Dakota midsize pickup truck is expected to return and will also be launched in 2028, the same year as the new SUV. This truck will be built on a separate, dedicated frame, unlike some competitors that use a car-like body, ensuring it can handle real truck work.
Where will the new Dakota midsize truck be produced?
The revived Dakota midsize pickup truck will be made at the Toledo Assembly Complex in Ohio. The company is investing a significant amount of money into this plant to prepare it for production. This plant also builds the Jeep Wrangler, so it has a lot of experience making tough, off-road capable vehicles.
How will this all affect jobs in the U.S.?
The company behind Ram is making a massive $\$13$ billion investment in its U.S. factories. The production of the new SUV in Michigan and the new Dakota truck in Ohio is expected to create over 900 new jobs combined at those specific assembly plants. This investment is aimed at expanding the company’s product lines and strengthening its U.S. manufacturing.
Leave a Reply