Next-Generation Ram Pickup Will Take A Futuristic Turn

Stellantis Chief Design Officer Ralph Gilles says the company is already deep into the design phase of the next-generation Ram pickup, and according to him, it will bring a noticeably more futuristic look to America’s most competitive vehicle segment.

In a recent interview with Car Design News, Gilles talked about the evolving direction of Stellantis’ design strategy and how upcoming Ram trucks will stand apart from what competitors are doing today.

For Gilles, the goal is to avoid following the increasingly aggressive styling trends that have become common across the full-size pickup market.

“In the U.S., full-size trucks are still king,” Gilles explained. “But the trucks are becoming angry. If you look at the faces of the new GM trucks, or the Tesla Cybertruck, they’re super exaggerated. I wonder, does everybody really like that?”

Instead of continuing down that path, Gilles says the design team is taking a different approach as they work on the next Ram generation.

“We’re designing the next generation Ram right now and it will have a different appeal,” he said. “When you see it on the road, it’ll look much more futuristic.”

While Gilles didn’t reveal specific design elements, his comments suggest Ram designers are aiming for a cleaner, more forward-looking aesthetic rather than simply making trucks appear more aggressive. The goal is to create a truck that feels modern and advanced without sacrificing the identity that Ram buyers expect.

That philosophy fits into Stellantis’ broader design reset. Gilles said the company is trying to simplify vehicles while still making them emotionally appealing. Over time, many vehicles have accumulated extra features and styling elements that drive up cost and complexity. Now, designers are re-evaluating what is truly necessary.

“We’ve fallen into a trap where designs become snowballs,” Gilles noted. “They just keep accumulating more content. So we’re starting fresh and asking what actually needs to be there.”

The next Ram truck will also arrive during a period when Stellantis is rethinking several vehicle segments. Gilles pointed out that full-size trucks remain extremely important in the American market, but the industry is also exploring new vehicle sizes and body styles. At the same time, electrification may not fully replace traditional truck powertrains anytime soon.

According to Gilles, the challenge going forward is balancing innovation with affordability—something the industry has struggled with in recent years.

Still, trucks remain the backbone of the American automotive market, and Stellantis knows the next Ram will have to compete directly with long-time rivals like the Ford F‑150 and Chevrolet Silverado.

If Gilles’ comments are any indication, the next Ram pickup could take a noticeably different path than its competitors—focusing less on aggression and more on futuristic design, technology, and simplicity.

For Ram fans, that means the future of the brand’s flagship truck may look very different from what’s currently on the road.

Source: Car Design News