Ram Midsize Truck: Might It Be a V8-Engine Reskinned Jeep Gladiator?

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      The forthcoming mid-sized Ram pickup is scheduled to be produced at Stellantis' Toledo Assembly Complex, where the Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator are manufactured. This raises the question—will the new, smaller Ram essentially be a Gladiator with a different exterior? It would certainly make sense, considering the Jeep truck is already built on a somewhat scaled-down version of the Ram platform.

      Earlier this year, Ram confirmed plans for a pickup in the size range of the Ford Ranger, Chevy Colorado, and Nissan Frontier, which was initially set to be constructed at the now-idle Belvidere Assembly Plant in Illinois. Stellantis still intends to reactivate that plant to produce more Jeep Compasses and Cherokees, but the company has now announced “an investment of nearly $400 million” allocated for Toledo to increase capacity for this truck as part of its $13 billion commitment to the U.S. market.

      Here’s a pertinent excerpt from Stellantis’ recent media announcement:

      “With an investment of nearly $400 million, the assembly of an all-new midsize truck, originally designated for the Belvidere plant, will move to the Toledo Assembly Complex, joining the Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator. This production shift could create over 900 jobs. The launch is anticipated for 2028.”

      “The Company also plans to maintain investments in its Toledo operations as previously disclosed in January. This includes advancements in technology and robust product initiatives for both the Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator, along with additional components essential for production at the Toledo Machining Plant.”

      The Gladiator, equipped properly, already competes closely with rivals like the Ranger and Colorado in key truck specifications such as towing capacity (around 7,500 pounds). It would be prudent for Ram to offer at least a longer bed than the Jeep's (the Gladiator's bed measures five feet with the tailgate closed), but perhaps the most appealing aspect of a Gladiator platform is the potential for V8 compatibility.

      A Jeep Gladiator 392 V8 has already been confirmed, and the company plans to continue producing the Wrangler 392 indefinitely. If Ram seeks a simple way to differentiate itself, offering an optional Hemi V8 in a mid-sized truck would certainly attract customers’ attention.

      The mid-sized Ram is expected to feature an independent front suspension rather than a solid front axle like that of a Jeep, and it will probably be less focused on off-road capabilities in other respects. However, it’s likely there will be considerable design overlap between the two trucks since they will be built alongside each other.

      Our colleagues at The Autopian had a similar perspective and noted that the next Wrangler/Gladiator and this new Ram are set to launch simultaneously. This further supports the idea of platform-sharing. Could it also suggest that the next iteration of Jeep's legendary off-roader might forgo the solid front axle (gasp!)?

      The yet-to-be-named mid-sized truck from Ram is also rumored to incorporate some form of electrification. Perhaps a 4xe hybrid Gladiator could be revisited as part of this development as well.

      Do you have any other great ideas for the new mid-sized Ram? Let’s discuss it: [email protected].