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Let’s just try to imagine how it would be if Ram would decide to build a three-row SUV. Based on the then-new 1994 Ram 1500 pickup, many in the industry wanted Dodge to build a three-row SUV, but the requests were ignored for three generations of pickups, even with the Ram Trucks brand shaping onto its own from Dodge. After all this time, apparently Ram has an all-new 1500-series pickup for 2019, SUVs are enjoying a healthy uptick in popularity and Fiat Chrysler is basically abandoning domestic sedan productions to make room for more crossovers and SUVs. So are the stars aligned? Maybe. The real question that has no official confirmation is will Ram build a competitor to the Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban and Ford Expedition?
In detail
It is impossible to speculate with any certainty if this will happen or not since there are no official news and no camouflaged test mules has been seen. However we can compile an image of the new 2023 SUV. The name “Ramcharger” dates back to 1974 when Dodge released a two-door SUV based on the Ram 1500 truck. The full-size SUV came with V-8 power, 4WD and even had a removable top, competing with Chevrolet Blazer and Ford Bronco.
source:topspeed.com 2023 Ram Ramcharger
Some say this name would have only one issue: it would be confusing. What would be the end result? Ram Ramcharger or just Ramcharger. With Ram being the brand and 1500 the model, will be sending all thoughts to the old Dodge Ram 1500 making it a bit odd. They say that instead of Ramcharger they could use another historic name Ram has. Trailduster, the name that belonged to the Plymouth version of the Dodge Ramcharger. But what I say is that first we should hope to see the SUV built.
2020 Ram Ramcharger Release date and Price
The new 2023 Ram Ramcharger would compete with several high-end full size SUVs, vehicles that moved up-market over the last few years. Since there is no official communication this new model will be taken into consideration by Ram, we cannot do anything but speculate about the release date, which would be the end of 2023. As for the price, they might start around $50,000 and go up to $70,000 depending on the options chosen.
The Design
Most probably the Ramcharger would be based on the new 2019 Ram 1500. If we were to expect some changes, there will be minimal. Most probably there will be small changes that would differentiate the front and the ends.
source:topspeed.com 2023 Ram Ramcharger Design
The apron could be one similar to the Jeep Grand Cherokee’s. Being a bit lower it would be just enough to make the Ramcharger look less like a pickup. Ram could follow General Motors’ and Ford’s lead by offering two wheelbase lengths.
The interior
Here we would expect the biggest changes to take place. Having a single body structure that spans the entire length of the frame, could offer more space. We can see the separated cab and bed gone, making room in the Ramcharger for eight people over three rows. This would imply a necessary change to the interior, to include second-row seats that fold and slide backwards and forwards, along with the addition of a third row.
source:topspeed.com 2020 Ram Ramcharger Interior
The second row would likely come standard as a 40/20/40-split bench seat. The 2019 Ram 1500 has a stunningly beautiful interior, so there would be no need to revamp the design. The dashboard’s slick appearance has an 8.4 inch touchscreen that runt the latest Uconnect software. Of course, optional you can go for the 12-inch one. Other features included in the 2019 edition, that could be used for the 2023 Ram Ramcharger edition are the navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Wi-Fi hotspot and other embedded applications.
Under the hood
The Ramcharger would for sure use the Ram 1500’s available powertrain. The base engine could be the venerable 5.7-liter Hemi V-8, having 395 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque. This would be more than enough to move the full-size SUV. The new optional eTorque system could also be included. It uses an electric motor in place of the alternator and supplies the engine with extra low-end torque when accelerating. It also acts as the starter motor for the new auto start/stop system. The 6.4-liter Hemi V-8 could be an optional engine, which would provide 410 horsepower and 429 pound-feet of torque. The ZF eight-speed automatic transmission in the SUV will be undoubtedly used by Ram regardless of engine.
