Ram is preparing to make one of its most significant product expansions since it became a standalone brand in 2009: the launch of its first SUV, scheduled for 2028. This all-new model, to be built at Stellantis’s Warren Truck Assembly Plant in Michigan, represents Ram’s push to deliver a “much more comprehensive product range” and expand beyond its long-standing lineup of pickups and commercial vans.
Bold Design, American Assembly, & Platform Roots
The upcoming Ram SUV will be a body-on-frame full-size entry aimed squarely at key rivals like the Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Expedition, and Jeep Grand Wagoneer. The new SUV will share production lines with the Jeep Grand Wagoneer, leveraging Stellantis’s investments in the Warren plant, where a recent $100 million retooling was announced for new SUV models. This move is part of Stellantis’s broader $13 billion North American strategy to update its assembly facilities and prepare for electrified and traditional vehicles alike.
Powertrain Choices: Gasoline & Range-Extender PHEV
Ram’s SUV will launch with two primary propulsion options. Buyers will be able to choose between a conventional gasoline engine or a range-extender plug-in hybrid (PHEV) setup similar to what’s now emerging in the latest Jeep Grand Wagoneer. The range-extender system, likely borrowing heavily from Jeep’s extended-range technology, uses a gasoline engine as a generator to supply electricity to battery packs, enabling significant electric-only driving while retaining long-distance capability via the gas tank. Reports have suggested a system with a 3.6-liter V6 connected to a 130 kW generator and a 92 kWh battery, which could deliver up to 500 miles of range combining the battery and gasoline power.
SRT-Branded Performance Rams & Potential TRX Return
In addition to the SUV news, Ram will soon debut two SRT-branded models, reviving its dormant performance division. Among these will almost certainly be a new iteration of the Ram 1500 TRX, likely to feature a high-output V8 and off-road upgrades. Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa confirmed that SRT Rams will be announced within three months, promising high-performance options as the brand diversifies its offerings. The SRT expansion signals Ram’s continued focus on enthusiasts alongside mainstream buyers, with the “Dude” concept unveiled at SEMA providing an early glimpse at what’s coming next.
Market Outlook & Segment Positioning
This entry into the SUV market is a strategic response to competitors and a signal that Ram is not content to watch rivals dominate a segment it has ignored for decades. By offering both hybrid and gasoline powertrains, the forthcoming Ram SUV is primed to cater to families, fleets, and off-road enthusiasts seeking luxury, capability, and flexibility. While initial details beyond the powertrain and production site are under wraps, engineering is expected to emphasize towing, interior comfort, and off-road prowess, putting Ram in strong contention among established American full-size SUVs.
Conclusion
With its first-ever SUV arriving in 2028, available in both gas and electrified range-extender formats and assembled in Michigan, Ram is poised to offer buyers new levels of power, tech, and versatility beyond the popular truck lineup. Alongside forthcoming SRT-badged performance models, this move signals a bold new era for the Ram brand as it targets broader success in North America’s most competitive vehicle categories.
