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Exciting Ram Midsize Pickup on the Horizon: Dakota Name Rumored
Ram has a bunch of exciting announcements lined up for the new year, and we’ll finally be able to share them on New Year’s Day—so set a calendar reminder to visit MotorTrend even if you’re recovering from holiday festivities.
During the Q&A session following the announcement, Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis addressed several questions, inevitably turning to the topic of the long-anticipated midsize truck. While the standard response is typically to avoid commenting on future products, Tim surprisingly connected the dots for enthusiasts.
He explained, “We don’t have a volume trim $40,000 truck. The only way we’ll ever get back to the $40,000 price point is with a midsize truck. And, as you all heard from Antonio [Filosa, Stellantis CEO], we’re investing $13 billion into the U.S. One of the things we’re investing in is bringing a midsize truck. Will it be called the Dakota? I guess the answer is … yeah.”
However, he was more cautious when asked whether the 10-year/100,000-mile warranty might be extended to the new Dakota. “We were very careful not to say that this is a forever thing. But you see people coming in and spending their cash to buy a Ram, and the competitive trades are increasing from 16 to 28 percent. That’s real.”
So, while the new Ram midsize pickup is on the horizon and the Dakota name seems likely, details such as the warranty remain uncertain—leaving fans eagerly anticipating the official reveal.
What We Know So Far About the New Ram Midsize Pickup
Details about the new Ram midsize pickup are still limited, but the brand has confirmed that production will begin in 2027 at its Belvidere, Illinois assembly plant. This timeline suggests that the truck could debut as a 2028 model, giving fans something to look forward to.
Powertrain options are expected to be diverse, including traditional internal combustion engines as well as a plug-in hybrid variant, offering both performance and efficiency for a range of buyers. Additionally, the new Ram midsize pickup is slated to adopt body-on-frame construction, similar to its key competitors—the Ford Ranger, Toyota Tacoma, and Chevy Colorado—as well as the full-size Ram 1500. This approach contrasts with unibody designs found in trucks like the Honda Ridgeline and Ford Maverick, ensuring the new Ram delivers strong towing and off-road capability.
While many details remain under wraps, the combination of multiple powertrain options and traditional body-on-frame architecture positions the upcoming Ram midsize truck to compete effectively in the highly competitive segment. Fans and potential buyers can expect a robust, versatile, and capable truck designed to uphold Ram’s reputation for durability and performance.
