Ram is officially climbing back into the mid-size truck fight, and it is doing it with a name that still carries real weight with longtime truck fans. After sitting out the segment for more than a decade, the brand has confirmed its upcoming smaller pickup will be called the Dakota, reviving a badge that originally lived under the Dodge umbrella before disappearing after the 2011 model year. Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis made the call during a Detroit media event and basically summed it up as an obvious move, since Dakota is already a familiar shorthand for a right-sized pickup in this orbit.
What makes this news more interesting is what it signals about Ram’s product strategy. The Dakota will slot under the Ram 1500, which should open the door for buyers who want a truck that is easier to park, easier to live with day to day, and ideally easier on the wallet than a full-size rig that has crept into luxury pricing territory. Ram has also hinted that this is being designed with the US market in mind rather than leaning heavily on an overseas sibling, which is exactly what mid-size truck shoppers have been asking for. This segment is picky, and the Tacoma, Ranger, and Colorado crowd can smell a half-hearted rebadge from a mile away.
As for what will power the new Dakota, the best answer right now is “options.” Early expectations point to a mix of four- and six-cylinder gas engines, with some form of electrification in the cards, possibly a plug-in hybrid. That would make sense in a world where torque matters as much as horsepower, and where buyers want capability without taking a big hit at the pump. Pricing talk has the Dakota landing around $40,000, which puts it right in the thick of the segment and also raises the stakes. If Ram comes in a bit higher than the base Tacoma or Ranger, it will need to justify it with standard features, warranty muscle, or a trim strategy that gives shoppers a clear reason to choose the new kid.
The waiting game is the hard part. Production is expected to begin in 2027, and the truck should arrive as a 2028 model, which means Ram has time to get it right and also time for the competition to keep evolving. Still, the Dakota name returning feels like a smart, enthusiast-friendly start, and it gives Ram something it has been missing for years: a true mid-size answer that does not ask buyers to jump straight to a 1500. If Ram nails the basics, strong engines, smart packaging, and real capability, the Dakota could quickly become more than nostalgia. It could be the truck that finally brings Ram back into the center of the mid-size conversation.
Lloyd Tobias is a seasoned automotive journalist and passionate enthusiast with over 15 years of experience immersed in the world of cars. Whether it’s exploring the latest advancements in automotive technology or keeping a close pulse on breaking industry news, Lloyd brings a sharp perspective and a deep appreciation for all things automotive. His writing blends technical insight with real-world enthusiasm, making his contributions both informative and engaging for readers who share his love for the drive. When he’s not behind the keyboard or under the hood, Lloyd enjoys test driving the newest models and staying ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving automotive landscape.
