What kind of truck is a Dodge Ram?
The Dodge Ram is a full-size pickup truck, now marketed under the Ram Trucks brand as a lineup of light- to heavy-duty pickups and commercial trucks.
Branding and history
For decades, Dodge marketed its pickups under the Dodge Ram name. In 2010, Chrysler reorganized the lineup and began branding the trucks as Ram Trucks rather than under the Dodge umbrella. Since then, the Ram name has stood alone for the brand’s pickups and related commercial trucks, aligning with a broader push into trucks and commercial vehicles within the automaker’s portfolio.
Why the Ram name persists
The Ram designation remains common on model badges (for example, Ram 1500, Ram 2500, Ram 3500), signaling a distinct product family focused on capability, durability, and work-ready versatility.
Current lineup and what it means
Here are the core Ram trucks that buyers typically encounter in showrooms and on the road today.
- Ram 1500 — the light-duty, full-size pickup designed for daily driving with strong towing and payload capabilities, available in multiple trims and powertrains (including V6 and V8 options, and a mild-hybrid system on some years).
- Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 — the heavy-duty variants with higher payload and towing capacities, built on a stronger frame and often chosen for heavier hauling or vocational use; diesel options have been common on these models.
- Ram 4500 and Ram 5500 — medium-duty commercial trucks (cab-and-chassis configurations) used for fleets, upfits, and specialized vocational tasks.
These models illustrate Ram Trucks’ range from everyday-capable pickups to workhorse commercial vehicles, reflecting the brand’s emphasis on versatility and towing/payload capability across segments.
What buyers consider when choosing a Ram
Customers weigh factors such as payload capacity, tow rating, ride comfort, interior technology, and overall cost of ownership. The Ram 1500 is renowned for its ride quality and refinement, while the 2500/3500 focus more on capability and durability for demanding jobs. Commercial buyers often prioritize upfit-ready configurations and chassis-cab variants found in the 4500/5500 line.
Key features that often influence decision
Common considerations include cab configuration (crew, quad, or regular cab), bed length, drivetrain choice (2WD vs 4WD), engine options (gasoline, diesel in some years), and technology packages such as driver-assistance systems and infotainment offerings.
Summary
In short, a Dodge Ram is a full-size pickup truck, now marketed as Ram Trucks. The lineup spans light-duty Ram 1500, heavy-duty Ram 2500 and 3500, and medium-duty Ram 4500/5500 for commercial use, combining daily practicality with serious towing and payload capability for a range of buyers.
What class is a Dodge Ram?
The Class 4 truck gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) ranges from 14001–16000 lb (6351–7257 kg). Examples of vehicles in this class include select Ford F-450 trucks, Dodge Ram 4500, and the GMC 4500.
Are Ram trucks by Ford?
In 2009, Dodge's parent company, Chrysler, decided to make RAM a standalone marque. But both Dodge and RAM are owned by the Chrysler group, which is itself a subsidiary of Stellantis.
What type of vehicle is a Dodge Ram?
Chrysler bought Dodge in 1928, changing the brand's path. Under Chrysler, Dodge trucks kept getting better. This led to the 2010 split, making Ram its own brand. Now, Ram focuses on trucks, while Dodge makes performance cars like the Challenger, Charger, and Durango.
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.
