Could the Durango Go “Ram”? Why a Two-SUV Ram Lineup Suddenly Makes Sense
What is up, guys—welcome back to Auto Intel Daily. I’m not saying it’s confirmed, but the tea leaves—and some spicy internal chatter—point to Ram getting two SUVs: a full-size Ramcharger spun off the Wagoneer blueprint (we already see that train rolling), and a midsize Ram SUV that sure looks like a Durango wearing a horn badge.
Before you say they’d never do it, let’s not act brand twinning is new. Chrysler Aspen / Dodge Durango? Same bones. Jeep Commander era? Same playbook. The industry has been badge-engineering since the Bonnevilles and LeSabres were sharing mirrors. If Ram wants a showroom that mirrors Chevy/GMC’s “truck + two SUVs” ladder, this is how you do it—yesterday.
The Renderings (and What They Hint At)
I’ve been staring at a set of fan renders that—while not official—capture what a Ram-flavored Durango would be: chunky fenders, boxier grille treatment, and Ram truck lighting signatures grafted onto a three-row shell. If the real thing carries even half those lines, it hits the sweet spot between family-hauler and “throw the jet skis on, let’s go”.
More importantly, it tracks with what I’m hearing: Ram wants a midsize SUV below the Wagoneer-sized Ramcharger to catch buyers who like the Ram vibe but don’t want to parallel park a block of granite.
Why This Lines Up With Ram’s Strategy
- Follow the money. Ram and Jeep pay the bills. Chrysler’s minivan still moves, but the volume and margins live in trucks and SUVs.
- Showroom symmetry. GM has Silverado/Tahoe/Suburban and Sierra/Yukon/Yukon XL. Ford plays F-150/Expedition + Explorer. Ram having 1500/Ramcharger + “Ram-Durango” fills the gaps.
- Parts commonality. If the new Dakota midsize truck lands (and I’ve told you it’s coming), a Durango-class SUV sharing front clips, crash structures, and powertrains makes the bean counters smile.
Powertrains: What Fits Where
No official sheet yet, but the puzzle pieces aren’t hard:
- Midsize “Ram-Durango”: expect the 2.0T four (Hurricane family minus two cylinders) for fleet/volume, the 5.7 Hemi as the crowd-pleaser, and—because Ram loves heat—a High Output Hurricane SRT trim. Lighter than a Charger, fast enough to scare crossovers.
- Ramcharger (full-size): the Wagoneer DNA hints 6.4/392 availability and upscale hybrid options. If Ram wants to flex at SEMA, this is the canvas.
If Ram mirrors the old Durango/Dakota pairing, don’t be shocked when the midsize SUV and midsize truck share faces, clips, and half the catalog.
What It Would Mean for Buyers
- You finally get a Ram-branded three-row that isn’t the size of an apartment.
- Tow toys on the weekend, school drop on Monday—without feeling like you brought a dually to Trader Joe’s.
- Trim walk that starts practical and ends unhinged. If an SRT Hurricane shows up, prepare for a factory-warranty tire budget.
What I’m Watching For Next
- Nameplate games. Do they dust off a heritage badge or invent something new?
- SRT signal. If the midsize Ram SUV gets a genuine performance spec, that’s your confirmation this isn’t just a badge swap.
- Dakota timing. If Dakota hits first, the SUV’s not far behind—tooling efficiencies say so.
The Business Case (Short and Sweet)
Ram needs more than one halo and one workhorse. A two-SUV stack creates an on-ramp for shoppers who love the Ram identity but don’t need a bed—or want a bed and a family box that shares the look. It also lets Ram keep Jeep premium while offering a truck-forward vibe at a different price band. That’s not cannibalization; that’s net-new driveway conquest.
Drop your take below:
- Would you buy a midsize Ram SUV over a Durango if the styling and trims are right?
- Or are you holding out for the big-boy Ramcharger and a 392 burble?
I’m here for either—especially if Ram builds them with the right engines and the right stance. Give the video a thumbs up if you rock with the content, hit subscribe if you haven’t, and as always… stay petty, my friends.
