Are Ram and Dodge the same?
No. Ram is a distinct brand under Stellantis that concentrates on trucks and commercial vans, while Dodge is a separate brand focused on performance cars and SUVs. The Ram name began as a Dodge pickup designation and later became its own brand around 2009–2010.
Both brands operate under the same corporate umbrella but maintain separate identities, product strategies, and dealer networks. This separation has persisted through corporate reorganizations, even as they share engineering resources and parent-company oversight within Stellantis. Understanding the distinction helps when navigating model lines, warranties, and marketing materials.
Origins and branding history
The Dodge division long used the Ram emblem on its pickups, and the name became closely associated with the brand’s truck lineup for decades. In the transition era around 2009–2010, Chrysler reorganized its divisions and established Ram as a standalone brand (often marketed as Ram Trucks) rather than simply a Dodge trim. Since then, Ram and Dodge have remained separate within the corporate structure, each pursuing its own market strategy.
From Dodge Ram to Ram Trucks
For many years, Dodge used the Ram imagery on its pickup trucks. The move to treat Ram as an independent brand helped Chrysler (and later Stellantis) emphasize trucks and commercial vans under a dedicated brand name, while Dodge focused on performance-oriented cars and sport-utility offerings.
Current structure under Stellantis
Today, both Ram and Dodge are brands within Stellantis, but they operate with distinct product lines. Ram emphasizes trucks and commercial vans, including light- and heavy-duty pickups and cargo vans, while Dodge concentrates on performance cars and related SUVs. The separation is reflected in branding, dealer networks, and marketing, even as the brands share corporate resources.
How the brands differ in focus
Ram’s core emphasis is on work-ready and capable vehicles for personal and commercial use, especially trucks and vans. Dodge’s core emphasis is on high-performance driving experiences, with muscle- and sport-oriented cars and a smaller lineup of SUVs. This delineation helps customers distinguish between utility-focused and performance-focused offerings.
What each brand currently sells
Here are the main product categories currently associated with each brand, illustrating their separate focuses as of 2025.
Ram product categories (current)
- Light-duty pickup trucks
- Heavy-duty pickup trucks
- Commercial vans
- Electric and alternative-energy models (development and rollout programs)
These categories show Ram’s emphasis on trucks and commercial transport, with electrified options entering the lineup as technology and markets evolve.
Dodge product categories (current)
- Performance cars and muscle-inspired models
- SUVs and crossovers
- Heritage and special-edition models (in limited runs)
These categories reflect Dodge’s ongoing focus on performance-driven vehicles and sport-oriented utility, spanning iconic muscle cars and sportier SUVs.
Summary
In short, Ram and Dodge are not the same brand. They are separate divisions under Stellantis with distinct roles: Ram concentrates on pickups, work vans, and related commercial vehicles, while Dodge centers on performance-oriented cars and SUVs. The Ram brand originated within Dodge as a pickup designation and later became its own standalone marque around 2009–2010, a structure that continues into the present. Both brands remain active, each serving different segments of the market while sharing corporate leadership and resources.
Is Ram basically Dodge?
No, Ram and Dodge are no longer the same brand. In 2009, their parent company, Chrysler, split the Ram pickup truck line into its own separate brand, RAM, while Dodge continued to focus on cars, SUVs, and minivans. Before 2009, trucks were sold as "Dodge Ram," but after the split, they are just "RAM".
- Before 2009: Pickup trucks were called "Dodge Ram".
- After 2009: The truck brand became its own separate company called "RAM," while Dodge focused on other vehicle types like cars and SUVs.
- Ownership: Both brands are still owned by the same parent company, which is now Stellantis, a global automaker.
Are Dodge and Ram still the same company?
No, Dodge does not own Ram. Ram separated from Dodge in 2010 to become its own brand, focusing specifically on trucks and vans. Both Ram and Dodge are now separate brands that operate under the same parent company, which is the global automotive conglomerate Stellantis.
- Historical context: Trucks were originally sold as "Dodge Ram" models until 2010.
- Brand separation: Ram was spun off into its own brand to allow each company to focus on its respective market—Ram on trucks and Dodge on performance vehicles.
- Current ownership: Both Ram and Dodge are brands under the parent company Stellantis, which was formed in 2021 from the merger of FCA (including Dodge and Ram) and Groupe PSA.
Why are Ram trucks not Dodge anymore?
Dodge and Ram split in 2009 so that each brand could focus on its own core products. The separation allowed Dodge to concentrate on performance vehicles like muscle cars (Challengercap C h a l l e n g e r𝐶ℎ𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑟 and Chargercap C h a r g e r𝐶ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑔𝑒𝑟) and SUVs, while Ram could dedicate its resources to developing and marketing new pickup trucks tailored for commercial and consumer truck buyers. This strategic move enabled each brand to build a stronger identity and better serve its specific customer base.
- Dodge focus: The split enabled Dodge to focus on performance cars, such as the Challenger and Charger, and expand its lineup with other passenger vehicles like the Durango SUV.
- Ram focus: Ram became a standalone brand to better serve serious truck customers with innovative features, powerful engines, and a focus on towing and hauling capabilities.
- Business strategy: Creating separate brands allowed for separate leadership, strategic direction, and more targeted product development, helping each brand thrive in its respective market.
- Timeline: The split occurred in 2009 as part of a restructuring by Chrysler Group LLC. The Ram brand was spun off from Dodge, and the rebranding was completed by 2010.
Why is it called Ram and not Dodge?
Ram trucks no longer say Dodge because the companies separated into two distinct brands in 2009. This was done so that Dodge could focus on performance cars and Ram could focus on its truck and commercial vehicle lineup, allowing each brand to develop its own unique identity and marketing strategy.
- Brand separation: Chrysler (now Stellantis) officially separated the Ram truck division from the Dodge brand in 2009.
- Dodge focus: The Dodge brand now focuses on performance and muscle cars, such as the Challenger and Charger.
- Ram focus: The Ram brand is dedicated to building trucks and vans, including the Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 models.
- Distinct identity: The split allows for clearer branding. Dodge's marketing is geared toward a different demographic than Ram's, which is focused on truck buyers.
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): Even before the official split, vehicles were identified as "Ram" in their VINs, further solidifying its separate identity as a truck brand.
