Why did Dodge stop making the Ramcharger?

The Ramcharger was discontinued after the 1993 model year, largely because demand for two-door full-size SUVs declined and Dodge’s owners redirected resources toward more popular four-door models and newer platforms.

Ramcharger at a glance

Here is a concise look at what the Ramcharger was, including its place in Dodge’s lineup and its life cycle on the market.

• Two-door, full-size SUV built on Dodge’s truck platform.


• Produced from the mid-1970s through 1993, spanning two generations of design.


• Offered with four-wheel drive and V8 engines, aimed at rugged, off-road capable use.


• Competition primarily came from other two-door full-size or mid-size SUVs of the era, such as the Ford Bronco and Chevrolet Blazer.

In the end, the Ramcharger occupied a niche segment that grew less popular as buyers increasingly preferred four-door configurations with more interior space.

Why production ended

The following factors helped push the Ramcharger off Dodge’s product slate. They reflect broader market shifts in the early 1990s and Chrysler’s strategic priorities at the time.

• Shifting consumer demand toward four-door SUVs and family-friendly cargo space, reducing appeal for a two-door model.


• Rising competition from newer four-door SUVs, including models like the Jeep Grand Cherokee and others entering or expanding the segment.


• Rising engineering and manufacturing costs for keeping a lower-volume, truck-based two-door SUV up to modern safety and efficiency standards.


• Strategic realignment within Chrysler to consolidate resources around more versatile platforms and to pave the way for newer Dodge SUVs, notably the Durango.

Ultimately, these market dynamics and corporate priorities led Dodge to retire the Ramcharger after the 1993 model year, ending its run on the traditional two-door full-size SUV platform.

What replaced the Ramcharger and the broader context

In the years that followed, Dodge and its parent company shifted focus toward four-door, family-oriented SUVs built on newer platforms. The most direct successor in Dodge’s lineup was the Durango, introduced in 1998, which filled the family-SUV niche with a four-door, body-on-frame design often built on a related truck platform. The Durango became Dodge’s key SUV for years to come, while the Ramcharger name did not return on a mainstream product.

Durango: the four-door successor

The Dodge Durango arrived in the late 1990s as Dodge’s answer to growing demand for practical, family-friendly, truck-based SUVs. Built to seat more passengers and offer greater interior versatility, it represented a clear shift away from two-door, off-road-focused designs like the Ramcharger. The Durango has continued to evolve and remains a staple in Dodge’s SUV lineup, illustrating how the brand reoriented its strategy around broader appeal rather than niche models.

Legacy and collector interest

Today, Ramchargers are largely viewed as period relics of 1970s–early 1990s American SUV culture. Surviving examples are sought after by Mopar enthusiasts and collectors, particularly those with original specimens in good condition or with rare options. Parts availability can vary by year and configuration, but the Ramcharger’s rugged, truck-based heritage has earned it a dedicated following in the vintage-vehicle hobby.

Enthusiast perspective

For collectors, the Ramcharger offers a snapshot of Dodge’s early SUV era—before the market fully shifted to four-door crossovers and more modern unibody designs. While not as common as some contemporaries, well-preserved Ramchargers can be prized finds at classic car events and among 4x4 hobbyists.

Summary

The Ramcharger’s demise in 1993 reflects a broader shift in American SUV tastes: the market moved from two-door, truck-based models toward four-door, family-focused designs, while Dodge redirected resources to newer platforms like the Durango. The Ramcharger name did not return, but its legacy lives on among collectors who value its rugged, off-road roots and place in Dodge’s truck-derived SUV history.

Is Dodge going to bring back the Ramcharger?

Yes, Dodge (through the Ram brand) is bringing back the Ramcharger as a new range-extended electric vehicle (REEV) pickup truck, not an SUV. The 2026 Ram 1500 Ramcharger is a plug-in hybrid that uses a gasoline engine to power a generator, which in turn charges the battery that powers the electric motors, with an estimated 145 miles of all-electric range. Its release has been delayed to early 2026, with a starting MSRP expected to be around $60,000$ 60 comma 000$60,000. 
Key features and specifications
This video provides an overview of the Ramcharger's features and the release timeline: 46sJB ReviewsYouTube · Oct 31, 2025

• Engine: A 3.6-liter Pentastar engine that acts as a generator, not a direct power source for the wheels. 
• Battery: A 91.8-kWh battery pack is used to power two electric motors (front and rear). 
• Electric Range: The Ramcharger is expected to have approximately 145 miles of all-electric range before the onboard generator kicks in. 
• Total Range: The combination of the battery and the generator provides a total estimated range of around 690 miles. 
• Performance: It will produce 663 horsepower, 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds, and have a 14,000-pound towing capacity. 
• Payload: It will have a maximum payload capacity of 2,600 to 2,625 pounds. 

Release information

• Launch Date: The release was originally slated for 2025 but has been pushed back to early 2026. 
• Price: Pricing is expected to start around $60,000$ 60 comma 000$60,000 for a base model, with higher trims costing more. 
• Availability: It is expected to be available at dealerships in the first quarter of 2026. 

You can watch this video to learn more about the 2026 Ramcharger's features: 1mJonathan SewellYouTube · Mar 12, 2025

How much will the 2026 Ramcharger cost?

The 2026 Ramcharger's official price has not been announced, but industry estimates place the starting MSRP between $60,000 and $65,000, potentially higher. Top-tier trims could reach as high as $100,000, and pricing will depend on final trim levels and options. 

• Starting Price: Estimated to begin around $60,000 to $65,000. 
• Top Trims: Pricing could reach up to $100,000 for higher-end configurations like the Limited or Tungsten trims. 
• Official Pricing: A specific MSRP has not been confirmed by Ram. 
• Pricing Factors: The final price will be determined by the specific trim level and available options, reports Cars.com and The Fast Lane Truck. 
• Canadian Price: In Canada, the starting MSRP is estimated to be around $80,000, with potential to reach up to $110,000. 

When can you order a 2025 Ramcharger?

It also remains to be seen how much either of Ram's electrified trucks will cost, although we expect the all-electric one to be more expensive. According to Ram's updated timeline, the Ramcharger will now be available to order in the second half of 2025, while the Ram 1500 REV is now slated to go on sale in 2026.

When did they stop making the Ramcharger?

The last year for the Dodge Ramcharger in North America was 1993. The vehicle was discontinued in the U.S. and Canada due to declining sales and changing consumer preferences, though it continued to be sold in Mexico until 2001.
 

• The Ramcharger was a large SUV built by Dodge from 1974 to 1993 in North America. 
• It was discontinued in the U.S. and Canada after the 1993 model year. 
• A third generation was produced for the Mexican market from 1999 to 2001, but it was not sold in North America.