For decades, fans have begged Ram to build a full-size family SUV again — something with three rows, real towing power, and the brand’s unmistakable American toughness. Now, according to industry whispers and early reporting from Vicrez Driver, it’s finally happening.
And if Ram plays this right, the upcoming SUV could become the first true threat to the Chevy Suburban and Ford Expedition in years.
Here’s everything we know — and why the rest of Detroit should be paying attention.
A Full-Size Ram SUV Is Coming — This Time for Real
The last time Ram built an SUV, it was the iconic Ramcharger — a two-door bruiser that disappeared in the early 1990s. Since then, the brand has focused exclusively on pickups, ceding the SUV battlefield to Jeep, Chevy, and Ford.
But now, with Jeep retiring the regular Wagoneer and repositioning the larger Grand Wagoneer as a luxury flagship, Stellantis suddenly has a gap — and Ram is finally ready to fill it.
According to early internal timelines, Ram will launch its first modern SUV around 2028. And unlike the unibody Grand Cherokee or Durango of the past, this will be the real deal:
- Body-on-frame construction
- Three-row seating
- Serious towing capability
- Gas or range-extended hybrid powertrains
Think of it as a more rugged, more affordable alternative to the Grand Wagoneer — and a direct strike at GM and Ford’s full-size dominance.
The Toughness Dilemma: How Do You Build a Family SUV That Still Feels Like a Ram?
This is Ram’s biggest challenge.
The full-size SUV market in 2028 will demand:
- Three rows of usable seating
- Comfortable ride quality
- Quiet cabins
- Modern tech
- Family-first packaging
But Ram buyers also expect:
- Big power
- “Truck first” styling
- Macho attitude
- Towing and off-road credibility
Balancing those two worlds is no easy task.
The brand’s last SUV, the Ramcharger, was a two-door brute — the opposite of what today’s suburban families want. To succeed, Ram must merge comfort and civility with the bold toughness that defines the Ram truck lineup.
And the early reports suggest they’re ready.
Under the Hood: The Hurricane Six Could Be the Star of the Show
Industry artists and journalists are already speculating about powertrains, and the most likely candidate is one Ram fans already love.
Autoblog’s early render and analysis point to:
🔥 A 540-hp High-Output 3.0L Hurricane Twin-Turbo Straight-Six
This is the same monster engine currently used in the Grand Wagoneer. In that vehicle, it delivers:
- 540 hp
- 510 lb-ft of torque
- Serious towing muscle
- Better efficiency than old-school HEMIs
Put that engine under a Ram SUV, and suddenly you have a Suburban RST eater with serious muscle.
Ram could also offer:
- A lower-output Hurricane for affordable trims
- A range-extended hybrid for torque and efficiency
- And possibly, long-term, a battery electric variant
This lineup would mirror the broader Ram strategy: performance first, innovation second, and electrification at the pace customers actually want.
Positioning: Below the Grand Wagoneer, Above the Durango
With the standard Wagoneer gone, Ram now has room to build a full-size SUV that sits:
- Below the Grand Wagoneer (luxury pricing)
- Above the Dodge Durango (mid-size SUV)
Price-wise, analysts expect something like:
- Base trims: ~$60,000
- Mid trims: $70,000–$80,000
- High-performance/HO trims: potentially $85,000+
That puts it right in the crosshairs of:
- Chevy Suburban
- Chevy Tahoe
- Ford Expedition
- GMC Yukon
And it gives Stellantis the one thing it currently lacks: a true full-size mainstream SUV to compete with GM’s volume giants.
Design Expectations: A Suburban Rival With Ram DNA
If Ram wants to steal customers from Chevy or Ford, design will matter just as much as capability.
Expect:
- Ram 1500-inspired front end
- Massive grille and strong shoulders
- Bold, vertical tailgate styling
- Flared fenders and available off-road packages
- A long wheelbase for maximum interior space
Think Suburban proportions — but with Ram attitude.
Inside, Ram will likely lean into the luxury feel that has helped the Ram 1500 become the most refined pickup truck in America. Expect:
- Giant touchscreen layouts
- Premium leather options
- Advanced driver assistance
- Class-leading materials
In short: Ram wants to build the nicest interior in the segment, just like it did with trucks.
Will This Finally Challenge Chevy and Ford?
It might.
Ram fans have waited nearly 35 years for a modern SUV. And based on what we know so far, the 2028 model has the potential to shake up a segment that GM has owned for generations.
If Ram delivers on:
- Power
- Space
- Tech
- Rugged styling
- Competitive pricing
…this could be the first real Suburban killer in decades.
But will Ram fans embrace it?
Will families trust a brand known for trucks to build their next three-row hauler?
The showdown begins in 2028.
