The Ramcharger now features V8 engines, while the Grand Wagoneer is equipped with a turbocharged six-cylinder. This is no coincidence.
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Stellantis has ambitious plans for the next four years, aiming for a significant product rollout that includes 60 new models and 50 refreshes by 2030. Ram is a central part of this strategy, highlighted by the introduction of the brand's inaugural SUV, the three-row Ramcharger.
Scheduled for release in the coming years, the Ramcharger will enable the brand to reach a new segment of buyers that it currently cannot access. However, how will it coexist in the same showroom as its counterpart, the Jeep Grand Wagoneer? Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis shared insights with The Drive during an exclusive one-on-one interview on the latest episode of The Drivecast, discussing how the Ramcharger will stand apart and attract a distinct audience compared to Jeep. It’s worth noting that it’s not just one differentiating factor; it encompasses engines, design, and driving experience.
Tune into the complete conversation starting from the point where Kuniskis elaborates on the Ramcharger and Jeep comparison.
Kuniskis confirmed that the Jeep Grand Wagoneer will maintain its turbocharged inline-six engine lineup, which is set to introduce an EREV powertrain option later this year, while the Ramcharger will adopt a more truck-like approach with a lineup focused on V8 engines.
The Ramcharger will feature a comprehensive range of trims, including an SRT variant. This could mean offerings from the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 to the 392 cubic-inch 6.4-liter Hemi V8, and even the supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi V8 (the same as in the TRX and Hellcats, with 777 hp in the former) for SRT models. The Pentastar 3.6-liter V6 engine might also be included, although the Jeep's turbo-six could potentially be excluded for the sake of distinction.
Kuniskis pointed out how competitors manage this dynamic, citing GM's sales of the Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Cadillac Escalade, along with Ford's Expedition and Lincoln Navigator. However, these models are marketed in separate showrooms, which Stellantis does not have. Therefore, the Ramcharger and Grand Wagoneer must be clearly differentiated, not only by exterior but likely by interior design as well.
He stated, “Our entire aim was to observe what others are doing with multiple versions in separate showrooms and see how much we can set these two models apart when positioned next to each other, so it’s not simply a case of one having a Jeep badge and the other a Ram badge. They must appear, feel, and perform differently. I know this isn’t visible to listeners, but I think when you see them—and we intentionally parked them side-by-side—they indeed look distinct.”
Expanding on this idea, Kuniskis remarked, “Some people will look at the Jeep and think, ‘Absolutely, that’s the one for me, not the other,’ while others will be drawn to the Ram, saying, ‘That’s the one I want.’ It’s similar to the dynamic we had with the Charger and 300 when they were in the showroom together.”
The Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger were fundamentally the same vehicle, yet as Kuniskis emphasized, “They attracted completely different buyers, and that’s precisely our goal here. We want one to cater specifically to the Ram customer and the other to the Jeep customer. Powertrains are significant. We intend to keep the Jeep powertrains as they are, particularly in terms of architecture. This doesn’t preclude multiple versions with various power levels, but the overall structure will remain intact. The Ram’s architecture will lean toward V8 engines.”
Kuniskis did not provide any details regarding pricing; however, following the recent lineup adjustment with the 2026 refresh, the Grand Wagoneer now starts at $66,790, which includes a hefty $2,795 destination charge. While it could be marginally more or less, it’s hard to envision the Ramcharger being priced drastically differently considering the Chevy Tahoe starts at $63,495 and the Ford Expedition at $65,495. Nevertheless, we’ll find out soon enough.
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The Ramcharger now features V8 engines, while the Grand Wagoneer is equipped with a turbocharged six-cylinder. This is no coincidence.
In a private interview, Tim Kuniskis, CEO of Ram, explained how the V8-first powertrain approach of the Ramcharger will prevent it from competing with the Grand Wagoneer in the showroom.
