Introduction
The 2026 Dodge Ram Vintage Sedan arrives at a time when the market is saturated with crossovers and electrified hatchbacks. Yet Dodge decided to reach back into its heritage and create a four‑door vehicle that looks like it belongs in a classic American garage while delivering the performance and convenience expected by today’s drivers. The result is a sedan that feels both familiar and fresh—a rolling tribute to the golden age of American motoring, reinterpreted with modern engineering, hybrid assistance, and a suite of tech features that keep it competitive in a rapidly evolving segment.
A Nod to the Past, A Step Toward the Future
Designers spent years poring over photographs of 1960s and 1970s American sedans, noting the proportions that gave those cars their unmistakable presence: long hoods, upright grilles, and a confident stance that suggested power even when the engine was idle. The Ram Vintage Sedan adopts those cues but refines them with sleek LED lighting, aerodynamic panel work, and a bumper that subtly references the iconic Ram logo without overwhelming the silhouette. The result is a vehicle that can sit comfortably beside a restored ’67 Dodge Dart at a car show yet still feels at home in a modern parking lot.
Powertrain Options
3.6‑Litre V6 Mild‑Hybrid
The base engine is a 3.6‑liter V6 paired with a 48‑volt mild‑hybrid system. The electric motor provides up to 30 horsepower of assist, smoothing out low‑end torque and enabling a modest improvement in fuel economy—approximately 28 mpg combined. Acceleration from 0‑60 mph comes in around 7.5 seconds, quick enough for daily commuting while maintaining a relaxed driving feel.
5.7‑Litre V8 Hybrid
For enthusiasts who crave the rumble of a true Ram powerplant, Dodge offers a 5.7‑liter V8 coupled with a full‑hybrid system that can deliver up to 420 horsepower and 480 lb‑ft of torque. The electric components operate primarily to fill in torque gaps, delivering a more linear power curve that feels effortless on the highway. Despite the larger displacement, the hybrid assistance helps pull the combined fuel‑economy rating up to 22 mpg, a respectable figure for a V8‑powered sedan.
Transmission and Drivability
Both powertrains feed a smooth‑shifting eight‑speed automatic that Dodge has tuned for quick lock‑up in sport mode and relaxed shifts in comfort mode. The transmission’s adaptive algorithms learn driver habits, adjusting shift points to suit city traffic, highway cruising, or spirited cornering. A paddle‑shift option on the steering wheel provides an engaging manual‑like experience without the need for a clutch.
Drivetrain Configurations
Rear‑wheel drive is the standard layout, delivering the classic feel of a rear‑biased chassis that many traditional sedan fans cherish. All‑wheel‑drive is available as an optional package, employing an electronically controlled clutch that can send up to 50 % of torque to the front wheels when traction is needed. The system operates seamlessly, ensuring stability on wet roads while preserving the rear‑wheel‑driven character when conditions are dry.
Exterior Styling
The front fascia is dominated by a wide, rectangular grille that nods to the classic Ram badge without using the contemporary hexagonal shape seen on current trucks. Integrated LED headlights sweep outward, creating a “hawk‑eye” effect that modernizes the look. The long hood tapers gracefully into a modestly raised fender line, emphasizing the sedan’s muscular stance. Along the side, a subtle waistline crease runs from the front door to the rear quarter, while 20‑inch alloy wheels with a polished five‑spoke design reinforce the retro theme. The rear features stacked vertical LED taillights reminiscent of 1960s sedans, a modest spoiler, and a trunk lid that opens with a soft, motor‑assisted lift.
Interior Comfort and Craftsmanship
Stepping inside, the cabin feels like a lounge rather than a cockpit. Soft‑touch leather upholstery is stitched with contrasting piping that echoes the exterior’s vintage cues. The dashboard is a clean, horizontally‑oriented plane capped with a brushed aluminum trim, while the instrument cluster combines analog‑style dials with a customizable digital overlay. Seats are bolstered for support yet cushioned with high‑density foam, providing comfort on both short errands and lengthy road trips. Rear‑seat passengers enjoy ample legroom and a split‑folding bench that expands cargo capacity when needed.
Technology Suite
A 12.3‑inch central touchscreen anchors the infotainment system, running the latest version of Dodge’s Uconnect software. The interface is organized into intuitive tiles for navigation, media, phone, and vehicle settings. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are wired and wireless, and a built‑in Wi‑Fi hotspot keeps passengers connected. An optional premium 14‑speaker audio system with a subwoofer delivers concert‑level clarity, while a wireless charging pad on the center console eliminates the need for cables.
Safety and Driver Assistance
Standard safety equipment includes a forward‑collision warning with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane‑keeping assist, blind‑spot monitoring, and rear‑cross‑traffic alert. A new “Road‑Sense” system uses a combination of radar and cameras to predict potential hazards, offering gentle steering inputs to keep the vehicle centered in its lane during sudden evasive maneuvers. Optional upgrades add a 360‑degree camera suite and a semi‑autonomous parking assist that can parallel park the sedan with a single button press.
Ride Comfort and Handling
The suspension employs a front double‑wishbone layout and a rear multi‑link design, both tuned to balance firmness with compliance. On rough pavement, the system absorbs bumps without transmitting harshness to the cabin, while on twisty roads it offers a level of body control that keeps the sedan planted. Variable damping can be selected via the drive‑mode selector, allowing drivers to choose between a softer “Comfort” setting for daily commuting and a firmer “Sport” setting for more engaging cornering.
Market Position and Pricing
Pricing for the 2026 Ram Vintage Sedan starts at $41,990 for the V6 mild‑hybrid rear‑wheel‑drive model, with the top‑of‑the‑line V8 hybrid AWD version reaching $56,495 fully equipped. These figures place the sedan comfortably within the premium midsize segment, directly competing with the likes of the Chevrolet Trailblazer SE, the Chrysler 300 Premium, and the Kia Stinger GT. Dodge hopes the unique blend of retro styling, modern powertrains, and advanced technology will attract buyers who feel underserved by the sea of sleek, homogeneous crossovers flooding the market.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 Dodge Ram Vintage Sedan successfully bridges two eras that rarely intersect: the bold, unapologetic design language of the 1960s and the efficiency‑driven engineering of the 2020s. While the retro exterior may initially attract attention, it is the thoughtful integration of hybrid power, sophisticated tech, and a refined driving experience that will keep owners satisfied over the long haul. For anyone yearning for a vehicle that offers personality without compromising everyday practicality, the Ram Vintage Sedan makes a compelling case.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How does the mild‑hybrid system affect fuel economy?
The 48‑volt mild‑hybrid assists the engine during acceleration and enables regenerative braking, resulting in an estimated 2‑3 mpg improvement over the conventional V6 version.
2. Is the V8 hybrid version eligible for any federal or state incentives?
Because the V8 hybrid still uses a gasoline engine as its primary power source, it does not qualify for most electric‑vehicle credits but may be eligible for certain low‑emission rebates in states with strict emissions programs.
3. What is the warranty coverage on the hybrid components?
Dodge provides an eight‑year/100,000‑mile warranty on the battery pack and hybrid electronics, in addition to the standard five‑year/60,000‑mile powertrain warranty.
4. Can the rear seats be folded to increase cargo space?
Yes, the rear bench folds in a 60/40 split, allowing the trunk to expand from 16.5 cubic feet to approximately 32 cubic feet when the seats are lowered.
5. How does the all‑wheel‑drive system differ from traditional AWD setups?
The Ram’s AWD uses an electronically controlled clutch that engages the front axle only when slip is detected, preserving the rear‑wheel‑driven feel while providing additional traction when needed.
Disclaimer
The information presented in this article is based on manufacturer releases and independent testing available at the time of writing. Specifications, pricing, and availability are subject to change without notice. Prospective buyers should verify details with an authorized Dodge dealer before making a purchase decision.