After years of speculation and rumors, Stellantis has officially confirmed that a mid-size Ram pickup truck is on the horizon. The announcement, which follows months of hints and whispers, finally provides clarity on one of the most anticipated moves in the truck market. According to Stellantis and recent reports, production of the new model will kick off at the Belvidere, Illinois, plant in 2027—a key step forward for Ram in addressing a gap in its lineup.
Ram fans and truck enthusiasts have been clamoring for a mid-size pickup ever since the segment saw a resurgence in popularity. While Ford, Chevrolet, Toyota, and Nissan have all maintained a strong presence in the mid-size truck space with models like the Ranger, Colorado, Tacoma, and Frontier, Ram has remained noticeably absent. That’s about to change.
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Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis made his feelings clear just weeks ago when he said, “I want a mid-size truck so bad.” His reasoning is simple: full-size trucks have become increasingly expensive, leaving a gap in the market for a more affordable, smaller option that caters to a broader range of buyers. With the discontinuation of the Ram 1500 Classic—a budget-friendly alternative to the current 1500—Ram no longer has an entry-level truck in its lineup. The new mid-size pickup will fill that void.
The Belvidere Assembly Plant in Illinois, which was idled in early 2023, has been at the center of labor discussions and uncertainty. The United Auto Workers (UAW) union previously revealed Stellantis’ plans for a mid-size truck at the plant, but the automaker initially declined to confirm the information. After months of negotiation between Stellantis and the UAW, the automaker has now agreed to invest in the Belvidere facility to bring the new Ram truck to life. This move not only gives the plant a new lease on life but also strengthens Stellantis’ production footprint in the U.S.
The Belvidere plant, once home to the Jeep Cherokee, has faced an uncertain future since its closure, with employees and the local economy feeling the impact. With the announcement of a new truck and plans to restart production in 2027, the facility is poised to play a key role in Stellantis’ strategy for the Ram brand moving forward.
While Stellantis has confirmed the truck is coming, the automaker has been tight-lipped about specifics. There’s no word yet on whether it will be gas-powered, hybrid, or fully electric, though it wouldn’t be surprising to see some level of electrification given Stellantis’ aggressive push toward EVs. The segment has also been trending toward electrification, with Ford’s Maverick Hybrid and the recently announced Chevrolet Colorado EV hinting at what the future might hold.
The design, platform, and naming of the truck are also under wraps, but it’s clear Ram aims to take on some of the biggest names in the game. A logical approach would be for the mid-size Ram to position itself as a rugged yet affordable alternative to established players like the Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger. Ram has built a reputation for premium interiors and innovative features in its full-size trucks, so it will be interesting to see how much of that DNA makes its way into the mid-size segment.
The mid-size truck market has been heating up in recent years. Once seen as an afterthought compared to full-size trucks, mid-size pickups have experienced a resurgence as buyers seek more manageable and affordable options without sacrificing utility. Ford’s Maverick and Ranger, Chevy’s Colorado, and the Toyota Tacoma have proven that there’s strong demand for versatile, smaller trucks that appeal to both lifestyle buyers and traditional truck enthusiasts.
For Ram, entering the mid-size market isn’t just about filling a gap in its lineup; it’s also about remaining competitive in a rapidly evolving truck landscape. With trucks getting more expensive and customers becoming more conscious of fuel economy and size, a smaller, well-priced pickup could be a home run for the brand.
The confirmation of a mid-size truck is just one piece of a larger strategy for Ram and Stellantis. Alongside this project, Stellantis is investing in next-generation Jeep vehicles and continuing its push toward electrification. Meanwhile, the UAW negotiations have ensured that American plants like Belvidere and Detroit play a pivotal role in these future plans.
As we approach 2027, more details about Ram’s mid-size truck are sure to emerge. Will it lean into Ram’s rugged image, or will it adopt a more urban-friendly, versatile approach like the Ford Maverick? Could it be a direct competitor to the Tacoma and Ranger, or will it chart its own path in the growing segment? One thing is certain: the competition is about to get even more intense.
Stay tuned as we follow the development of this exciting new addition to the Ram family. For now, it’s official: the mid-size Ram truck is happening, and it’s shaping up to be worth the wait.