What are Dodge trucks called?
RAM trucks. Today, Dodge pickup trucks are branded and marketed as RAM trucks, not as Dodge pickups.
Historically, Dodge sold pickups under the Dodge Ram name. Around 2010, Chrysler reorganized its truck lineup, creating a separate RAM Trucks brand (now part of Stellantis). Since then, official branding uses RAM badges on pickups and related commercial vehicles, while the Dodge name appears on other car models.
The branding shift: from Dodge Ram to RAM
The switch marked a move to distinguish consumer pickup trucks from the broader Dodge car lineup. RAM became the standalone marque for light- and medium-duty trucks, with the badge emphasizing toughness, payload, and durability.
Before we break down the current lineup, here are the core branding changes to understand the naming you’ll encounter on the road:
- RAM is a standalone brand under Stellantis focused on trucks and commercial vehicles.
- Pickup trucks once labeled Dodge Ram are now marketed as RAM 1500, RAM 2500, RAM 3500, and, in some cases, RAM 4500/5500 for chassis cab configurations.
- Casual references may still use “Dodge Ram,” but official branding uses RAM on the badges and marketing materials.
In short, the Dodge name lives on for other vehicle lines, but the pickup trucks are officially RAM vehicles today.
Current RAM truck lineup
Below is a snapshot of the main RAM pickups and related trucks that consumers encounter in current model years. This helps explain how the naming works in practice today.
- Ram 1500 — the light-duty pickup, offered in multiple configurations, cab setups, and trim levels.
- Ram 2500 — a step up in heavy-duty capability with increased payload and torque.
- Ram 3500 — the flagship heavy-duty pickup with maximum payload and often dual rear wheel options.
- Ram 4500/5500 — medium-duty chassis cab trucks used for commercial applications and specialized setups.
- Ram ProMaster — a separate van platform used for cargo, fleets, and commercial work (not a pickup, but part of the RAM lineup).
- Ram Power Wagon — an off-road-oriented trim found on certain Ram 1500 configurations.
These are the official models and configurations you’ll see in showrooms and on dealership lots, with availability varying by region and model year.
Historical naming milestones
Although today’s trucks carry the RAM brand, the Dodge Ram designation persists in memory and old literature. The Dodge Ram name first appeared decades ago, becoming a common shorthand for the brand’s pickups. The formal branding shift to RAM began around 2010, aligning trucks with a dedicated marque under Stellantis. Since then, RAM has handled trucks and commercial vans, while Dodge continues with a separate line of cars and crossovers in many markets.
In practice, shoppers should look for RAM badges and model names (RAM 1500, 2500, 3500, etc.) rather than Dodge on the tailgate or grille when seeking a modern pickup truck.
Summary
Today’s Dodge trucks are called RAM trucks. If you’re shopping for a pickup, you’ll encounter RAM 1500, RAM 2500, RAM 3500, and related models rather than Dodge Ram. The Dodge brand continues in other vehicle categories, but RAM is the official truck branding.
Are Dodge trucks and Ram trucks the same?
No, a RAM truck is no longer a Dodge, though it used to be. The two brands split in 2009, with "Dodge Ram" becoming the standalone brand "Ram" to focus specifically on trucks, while Dodge now focuses on performance cars and SUVs.
- Before 2009: The trucks were called "Dodge Ram".
- After 2009: The trucks are branded as "Ram".
- Parent company: Both brands are still owned by the same parent company, Stellantis.
- Dodge's focus: Dodge now produces performance vehicles like the Charger and Challenger.
- Ram's focus: Ram focuses on trucks and commercial vehicles.
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.
Why do Ram trucks not say Dodge anymore?
Dodge changed its truck lineup to the standalone Ram brand to better focus on specific markets: Ram focuses solely on trucks and commercial vehicles, while Dodge concentrates on performance cars and SUVs. This strategic separation in 2010 allowed each brand to develop its own distinct identity, catering to different customer bases.
- Brand focus: Ram was established as its own brand to target serious truck customers with dedicated resources and innovation for high-performance trucks and vans.
- Dodge's new identity: This allowed Dodge to concentrate on its performance-oriented models, such as the Challenger and Charger, and other cars and SUVs.
- Market differentiation: The split created distinct brands with specialized offerings: Ram for trucks and Dodge for sporty vehicles, similar to how Toyota created Lexus or Honda created Acura.
- Strategic restructuring: The separation was a result of a broader restructuring within Chrysler (now part of Stellantis) in 2009 to give each brand a unique identity and a sharper focus.
What is a Dodge truck called?
Ram Trucks at Paris Motor Show 2018. Ram Trucks was established as a division of Chrysler in 2010, as a spin-off from Dodge, and using the name of the Dodge Ram line of pickups that is now sold under the Ram banner.
