Midsize Ram Pickup, Electric Jeeps Coming In 2027
The new UAW contract with Stellantis has revealed the automaker’s product map for the next four-and-a-half years, and its very interesting.
As the UAW said last week, a new midsize pickup will be built at the Belvidere, Ill., factory that was idled earlier this year when Jeep Cherokee production ended, starting in 2027.
Details on the model have not been confirmed, but it will most likely be sold as a Ram, although the contract makes no mention of a replacement for the Jeep Gladiator when the current generation’s production cycle ends in 2028. Ram executives have recently discussed the idea of adding a smaller model to the lineup with the brand’s dealers.
The contract says the company expects to build 80,000 to 100,000 of the new trucks annually, but doesn’t specify whether it is a body-on-frame truck like the Gladiator or a unibody like the Ford Maverick.
JEEP’S 4XE MODELS TOP U.S. PLUG-IN HYBRID SALES
Ram this year launched the Maverick-sized Rampage in South America and other markets and has talked about possibly offering a competitor to the Maverick in the U.S. at some point.
The contract also reconfirms plans for the upcoming electric and range-extended hybrid versions of the Ram 1500 that have been previously announced for 2024, along with continuing internal combustion engine (ICE) models.
What it adds is are range-extended versions of the Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer SUVs in 2025, which suggests they will be primarily electric and carry a small ICE that works as a generator for longer trips.
New ICE and fully electric Jeep Grand Cherokees are also slated for launch in 2027, while electric and range-extended Wrangler will follow in 2028.
One model that will, somewhat surprisingly soldier on for a few more years is the current Dodge Durango SUV, which will continue to be built through 2025 before a new generation with ICE and BEV powertrains debuts in 2026.
The Durango is set to be Stellantis’ last passenger car with a V8 engine once Dodge Challenger and Charger production ends this year.
REVIEW: THE 2023 DODGE CHALLENGER SWINGER IS A BRAND-NEW OLD-SCHOOL MUSCLE CAR
The UAW contract, of course, only gets into Stellantis’ U.S. manufacturing plans, so an even smaller pickup and other new models could arrive via Mexico or Canada before then.
Read This Next
You must be logged in to post a comment.