Is there a difference between a Dodge and a Dodge Ram?
Yes. Dodge and Ram are two separate brands under the same corporate umbrella, and the familiar “Dodge Ram” pickup naming is now outdated in official marketing. Ram is a standalone brand focused on trucks and commercial vans, while Dodge handles cars and some SUVs.
Historically, Ram pickups were marketed as Dodge Ram during the 1990s and 2000s. In 2010, Chrysler reorganized, and Ram became its own brand. Since then, Ram models have been sold as Ram 1500, Ram 2500, Ram 3500, etc., with a Ram badge, while Dodge has continued to market passenger cars and certain SUVs. For buyers, this means branding and badges matter when shopping, and the term “Dodge Ram” is no longer used for new trucks.
Historical split and branding
Overview of how the naming evolved and the corporate decision to separate the brands.
- Before 2010: Full-size pickups carried the Dodge name, e.g., Dodge Ram 1500, Dodge Ram 2500, Dodge Ram 3500.
- 2010: Chrysler reorganized; Ram trucks became a stand-alone brand, adopting the Ram head badge and model names like Ram 1500/2500/3500.
- 2011–2019: Official marketing used the Ram brand for pickups; Dodge continued with cars and some SUVs; the “Dodge Ram” phrasing faded from new marketing materials.
- 2020s–present: Ram operates as an independent brand under Stellantis; current models include Ram 1500 (light-duty), Ram 2500/3500 (heavy-duty), and Ram ProMaster vans; Dodge focuses on passenger cars and performance models.
In short, the practical effect is branding rather than a fundamental difference in the underlying trucks—the Ram brand now stands alone with its own badges and model names.
Current branding and model lineup
Understanding what you’ll see on new vehicles and how to identify them today.
- Ram lineup: Ram 1500 (light-duty), Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 (heavy-duty), and Ram ProMaster (commercial van), all featuring the RAM emblem on grilles and tailgates.
- Dodge lineup: Dodge focuses on passenger cars and performance models such as the Challenger, Charger, and Durango; there is no current Dodge-branded full-size pickup.
- Naming convention today: Trucks are sold as Ram 1500/2500/3500, not Dodge Ram 1500; branding on badges, logos, and dealer materials reflects the Ram brand.
Bottom line: For new-vehicle shopping, look for the Ram badge on trucks; a Dodge-branded pickup is not part of the current U.S./Canadian lineup. Used-market listings may still reference older “Dodge Ram” branding, but official naming has shifted to Ram.
Identification tips
Quick clues to distinguish current branding when you see a vehicle or read a listing:
- Look for the RAM emblem (the ram head) on the grille and tailgate of Ram-branded trucks.
- Look for the word “Dodge” on badges if you’re evaluating non-truck Dodge models (cars/SUVs).
- Check the model name on the tailgate or side badge: Ram 1500/2500/3500 indicates Ram; Dodge Ram 1500 would indicate an older-era vehicle.
These indicators help buyers identify the current branding and avoid confusion with older Dodge Ram terminology.
Summary
The Dodge and Ram brands are distinct within the Stellantis portfolio. Ram is the dedicated brand for trucks and commercial vans, while Dodge continues to offer passenger cars and performance-oriented models. The familiar “Dodge Ram” naming has been retired for new vehicles, replaced by Ram 1500/2500/3500 and Ram ProMaster branding. For buyers, that means focusing on the Ram badge for trucks and on Dodge badges for non-truck models when assessing current offerings. The historical overlap remains part of automotive memory, particularly in older inventory and used-car listings.
Is doge the same as Ram?
They're still part of the same company, but Dodge cars, SUVs, and minivans are under the Dodge brand, and their pickup trucks are under RAM.
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.
Is Ram the same brand as Dodge?
Chrysler acquired Dodge in 1981 and kept their most popular models, including RAM pickup trucks. From 1981 to 2009, their pickup trucks were named “Dodge RAM,”. After 2009, RAM trucks became its own brand.
What is the difference between Dodge and Ram?
Dodge vs. Ram is a comparison between two separate but related brands: Dodge focuses on performance cars, SUVs, and minivans, while RAM is dedicated to trucks and commercial vehicles. This split occurred in 2009 when Dodge's parent company rebranded all its trucks as RAM to allow each brand to focus on its respective strengths.
This video demonstrates a drag race between a Dodge Charger and a Ram truck: 1mcarwowYouTube · Jan 2, 2024
Dodge
- Focus: Performance and muscle cars, SUVs, and minivans.
- Vehicle examples: Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger.
- Brand identity: Emphasizes speed and performance.
RAM
- Focus: Pickup trucks and commercial vehicles.
- Vehicle examples: RAM 1500, 2500, 3500, and ProMaster vans.
- Brand identity: Focuses on ruggedness, power, and work-oriented capabilities.
Historical context
- Before 2009, trucks were sold under the "Dodge Ram" name.
- The split was made to allow Dodge to concentrate on cars and RAM to focus exclusively on trucks, leading to more specialized development for both.
- Models produced before 2010 are often called "Dodge Ram," while models from 2010 onward are simply called "RAM".
- Both brands are currently owned by the same parent company, Stellantis.
