What a modern Ram SUV needs to compete
For the first time since the early 90s, North America will once again see a Ram-badged SUV hit showroom floors. As reported by our very own Kiran Menon, Ram’s upcoming SUV will most likely be a three-row family hauler, much like a Chevrolet Suburban or a Ford Expedition, and should arrive by 2028. In proper old-school SUV fashion, it’ll use a body-on-frame platform and internal combustion engines, with a range-extended (EREV) plug-in hybrid variant as well. Since Jeep recently discontinued its Wagoneer in favor of the much more lavish Grand Wagoneer, we can presume that Ram’s SUV will most likely take the Wagoneer’s spot in the Stellantis full-size SUV lineup, meaning it’ll likely be less pricey (and less luxury-focused) than the Grand Wagoneer.
Wob/Bring a Trailer
Long ago, when Ram was only a model within Dodge’s lineup, rather than its own brand as it is known today, the Ramcharger ruled the streets. Essentially a shortened Ram pickup truck with an SUV body, the Ramcharger challenged the Ford Bronco and the Chevy K5 Blazer with V8 power and charming, old-school style. Nowadays, though, automakers sadly feel there’s no market for a massive, two-door, V8-powered SUV (and they’re probably right). Still, there is significant demand for these types of SUVs so long as they have four doors and are marketed towards families, rather than dudes who like to put Punisher stickers on all their belongings. Thus, Ram has a unique challenge on its hands that Ford and Chevy don’t necessarily need to overcome with their class offerings: they must offer a suitable, large family SUV that can compete with the Suburban and the Expedition without diluting the essential machismo that makes a Ram a Ram.
So, using Adobe Photoshop, Midjourney 7.0, and Gemini 2.5 Flash Image, I’ve taken an imaginary look at what Ram’s upcoming full-size SUV might look like. These renders are purely speculative and do not depict any actual Ram or Stellantis products.
Cole Attisha Using Adobe Photoshop, Midjourney 7.0, and Gemini 2.5 Flash Image
Could Ram’s new SUV look like this?
Now, I couldn’t help but use the RAM RHO as a base for these renders. I mean, how cool would a 540-horsepower, turbo-straight-six-powered Chevy Suburban rival be? Because Jeep uses this exact powertrain in the Grand Wagoneer, it’s not so unrealistic, either. Imagine sending your full-size family SUV over dunes with all your children in the back, laughing hysterically as their tight seatbelts keep their booster seats from flying about the cabin. A silly idea indeed, but that signature sense of absurd ridiculousness is kind of what makes Ram products so great, even if, depending on who you ask, its rivals are objectively better vehicles.
Cole Attisha Using Adobe Photoshop, Midjourney 7.0, and Gemini 2.5 Flash Image
Final thoughts: Should Ram build this?
To be quite honest, I’m surprised that a Ram-based Chevy Suburban rival wasn’t spawned decades ago. I mean, look at how successful the segment has been over the years. How could the Jeep Wagoneer be the brand’s first honest attempt at a full-size SUV? Well, Ram’s better late than never, and I’m excited to see what the brand has to offer in this segment, even if only from a design standpoint.
Do you think that a Ram SUV can be successful in today’s market, or do you feel that the long-established reputations of the Chevy Suburban, Ford Expedition, Nissan Armada, and Toyota Sequoia will keep buyers away from the new contender? Share your thoughts in the comments!
About the author
Cole Attisha
Staff Writer, Autoblog