Dodge Ramcharger Gets Modern Makeover, Looks like a Family Rebel SUV

Everybody remembers the Ford Bronco and Chevy Blazer now, the boxy ones from the 70s and 80s. But unless you live near a swamp, you probably never hear about the Dodge Ramcharger.

To fix that gap in SUV culture, we've also included a couple of old promotional videos at the bottom of this story. You're going to get a good laugh out of the features that made the Ramcharger stand out in the segment.

We think the best part of the Ramcharger was the big-block V8 engine, which most other 2-door utility vehicles lacked.

This might be a controversial opinion, but rendering master wb.artist20 thinks the 2nd-generation model is the better-looking model and decided to paint a modern version of that. The features he chose to keep are the subtle rear fender flares and the rear windows that curve a little onto the roof.

Everything else is based on a modern Ram 1500 truck but converted into a 3-door utility body. It looks quite interesting, though we can't imagine such a vehicle going on sale today. And ironically, while the Ramcharger was famous for chrome bumpers, this image features the Rebel's black cladding, which we honestly enjoy.

The 1500 is undeniably a popular truck, one of the best you can buy. But Ram doesn't make SUVs. That job belongs to Jeep, Dodge, and Chrysler. Rumors have occasionally surfaced about the Ramcharger returning, especially with a new Bronco coming soon, but neither Dodge nor its sister companies offer a truck-based full-size SUV.

Meanwhile, Ford and GM have a firm grip on the market with their 8-seat behemoths. You have things like the Chevy Suburban and the Ford Expedition. The Durango is acceptable, but we'd like the biggest Hemi engines on the longest chassis around.