What is the difference between Dodge and RAM trucks?
RAM is the standalone truck-focused brand under Stellantis, while Dodge is a broader brand known for performance cars and SUVs. Modern pickup trucks are marketed under the RAM badge, whereas Dodge no longer offers a factory pickup. Historically, trucks wore the Dodge Ram name, but branding shifted to RAM in the early 2010s.
Origins and Branding
The split between Dodge and RAM traces back to Chrysler’s restructuring around 2009–2010. To emphasize trucks as a distinct product line, Chrysler created the RAM brand, while Dodge continued with cars and crossovers. Beginning in the early 2010s, pickup models formerly branded as Dodge Ram adopted the RAM badge, and today RAM handles the truck and commercial-vehicle lineup while Dodge focuses on performance cars and family-friendly SUVs.
Key differences in brand identity
Here is how the brands are positioned in the market today, especially for trucks.
- Brand focus: RAM is truck- and commercial-vehicle focused; Dodge covers a broader suite of performance cars and SUVs.
- Model naming: RAM uses RAM 1500/2500/3500 (and ProMaster vans) for its lineup; Dodge historically used “Dodge Ram” on trucks, a branding now retired for new models.
- Dealership and marketing: RAM and Dodge maintain distinct brand identities and showrooms within the Stellantis network.
- Current availability: RAM offers modern pickups and vans; Dodge does not offer a current factory pickup as of 2024–2025.
Clarifying branding and product focus helps buyers understand where to look for a truck. RAM badges signal a dedicated truck and commercial-vehicle lineup, while Dodge remains focused on performance cars and non-truck models.
Current Lineups and Naming Conventions
To understand what is available today, it helps to look at the actual truck offerings and how they are named. This section highlights the RAM lineup and notes the absence of a current Dodge pickup.
- RAM 1500: the light-duty pickup, offered in multiple trims and configurations, including 4x4 and various luxury/off-road packages.
- RAM 2500/3500: the heavy-duty pickups, built for towing and work-site durability, with diesel options such as Cummins in the 6.7L engine.
- RAM ProMaster and ProMaster City: commercial vans used for cargo and passenger transport, not traditional pickups but part of RAM’s commercial portfolio.
- RAM 4500/5500 (and chassis cab variants): specialized commercial trucks for vocational applications.
- Current Dodge pickup status: Dodge does not offer a new pickup today; the brand’s lineup focuses on performance cars and non-pickup SUVs.
In short, if you’re shopping for a modern pickup today, the RAM brand is the place to look. Dodge, by contrast, has no contemporary factory pickup, focusing instead on performance-oriented cars and SUVs.
Choosing Between RAM and Dodge Trucks
When evaluating vehicle options, consider the difference in branding and intended use. Here’s how to think about it:
- Purpose: for a dedicated pickup or commercial van, RAM is the relevant choice; for performance cars or non-pickup SUVs, Dodge covers those categories.
- Model availability: RAM provides the 1500/2500/3500 pickups and ProMaster vans; Dodge currently does not offer a factory pickup.
- Brand identity: RAM emphasizes capability, work-ready features, and fleet suitability; Dodge emphasizes performance driving experiences and sporty styling.
Bottom line: RAM is the truck-focused brand within Stellantis, while Dodge remains a broader performance-oriented brand with no modern pickup in its current lineup.
Summary
The RAM brand is the truck-focused arm of Stellantis, offering light- and heavy-duty pickups and commercial vans, including the RAM 1500, 2500, 3500, and ProMaster series. Dodge historically carried trucks under the Dodge Ram banner, but today does not offer a factory pickup and instead concentrates on performance cars and non-pickup SUVs. For buyers seeking a modern pickup, RAM is the correct destination; for those pursuing Dodge’s performance lineup, the focus is on cars and non-truck SUVs. This branding reflects a broader strategy to separate vehicle types by use case and audience.
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 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 a Ram a type of Dodge?
No, Dodge does not own Ram; they are separate brands under the same parent company, Stellantis. In 2009, Chrysler (the parent company at the time) separated the Ram truck line from the Dodge brand, allowing Dodge to focus on performance cars and SUVs while Ram focused on trucks. Trucks made before 2009 are branded as Dodge Ram, while models made after 2009 are sold as Ram trucks.
- Separate brands: Although the brands are distinct, they share a common corporate umbrella. Chrysler split the Ram truck line from Dodge in 2009 to give each brand its own identity.
- Focus: Dodge now concentrates on performance vehicles like the Challenger and Charger, while Ram focuses on trucks and vans.
- Parent company: Both brands are owned by Stellantis, which was formed by the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and PSA Group.
- Historical context: Trucks produced between 1981 and 2009 were branded as "Dodge Ram".
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.
