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Official: Ram Mid-Size Truck to Launch in 2027 with ICE, EV, and Plug-in Hybrid Power
Putting an end to years of rumors and speculation, Ram has confirmed it will return to the mid-size truck segment in 2027. The long-awaited follow-up to the Dakota should compete directly against the Toyota Tacoma and the Ford Ranger, among others, and it will be offered with at least three types of powertrains.
“We’ll honor the timing indicated in the 2023 Collective Bargaining Agreement for a launch in 2027. The new mid-size truck is planned to take full advantage of our multi-energy strategy (ICE, PHEV, and BEV),” a Stellantis spokesperson told Hagerty. The spokesperson also confirmed that the model will be built in the Belvidere, Illinois, plant that was initially scheduled to close after Jeep stopped building the Cherokee.
It’s still too early to tell what the upcoming mid-size truck will look like, both on paper and in the metal. Ram sells several pickups positioned below the 1500 in terms of size, pricing, or both in global markets, but the odds of seeing them make their way here are low. One example is the Brazilian-built Rampage, which shares its unibody platform with the Dodge Hornet. It would compete in the same segment as the Ford Maverick if it were sold here, but we’re betting that Ram has a bigger, body-on-frame model in mind.



The name is a mystery as well. Ram could dust off the Dakota nameplate, which denoted its entry into the mid-size truck segment from the 1987 to 2011 model years, or it could create a new name for the model. While this is again pure speculation, we doubt the truck will land with a numerical name. It will slot below the 1500, so the number would have to be smaller, and “Ram 1000” doesn’t have much of a ring to it.
We’re intrigued by the mention of the electric variant. Ram already has an electric version of the 1500 in its pipeline, it’s called 1500 REV, but the model was delayed to 2026 a couple of weeks ago due in part to a lack of interest in battery-powered trucks. And, a more recent report suggests the brand has canceled plans to offer the electric 1500 with a massive, 229-kilowatt-hour battery capable of delivering up to 500 miles of range. And yet, the smaller truck will get an electric option. Is Ram betting that mid-size buyers will be more open to an EV, is it hoping that the electric truck market will be bigger in 2027, or both? A lot of questions remain.



Ram’s plan to launch the mid-size pickup in 2027 likely means that the model will arrive in showrooms for 2028. While that might sound far on the horizon, keep in mind that 2027 is only two years away. It takes a lot longer to bring a truck to production, so development work likely started several years ago and we should start spotting camouflaged pre-production prototypes in the not-too-distant future. Stay tuned.
An EV midsize, please RAM, no. How about a midsize with the Inline 6 turbo motor you have? Now that could be fun and practical.
+1 on that idea.
It literally says it will be offered with an ICE as well. Do you just need to find something to complain about? Is that what’s happening? You understand that these companies are not making cars for you specifically, right? Some people like Hybrid or Full Electric powertrains. Stellantis has no care in the world regarding the opinion of an old man who probably has not bought a new car in a decade. 🤦♂️
Salty!
So I specified a specific engine which was not specified in the article that would be wanted by some of us, possibly many of us. ICE does not specify anything besides Internal Combustion. Can you read?
Old Man? Is that an insult? I’m not sure if numerically I truly qualify but I’ll gladly take the old man badge. Now get off my lawn! :^)
I bought my last car a 2023 in February of 2023. You want to try again?
So fairplay question asked back, Do you just need to find something to complain about a comment? No need for the attitude, most of us are actually pretty chill.
That I6 is a nice motor. I drove a few of the new Wagoneers and they pull like freight trains and get decent fuel economy. Probably overkill for a small truck. We have an ’08 Dakota extended cab V8 2wd, our second Dakota, and love it. I drove a 1500 Ram for years. The Dakota is much easier to get in and out of, easier to get in and out of bed, excellent power and towing and hauling ability, and bettery mileage than the Hemi Ram. I average around 19 mpg in the summer. One drawback is that aftermarket parts are not as available as a 1/2 ton truck.
I hope they offer a standard two door cab with a long box.
There’s so much to celebrate with this announcement; Dodge will refresh its lineup with a new vehicle capable of creating a new market for itself and increasing its viability within Stellantis; American workers benefit hugely with the reopening of the Belvidere plant and consumers have the possible choices of ICE,PHEV and BEV, as stated. This could be the right vehicle for contractors, landscapers and others who work in urban and suburban settings. Some might prefer an extra cab configuration, however, in order to maximize bed length and utility.
First off I think this pickup is late to the market. Secondly the styling looks like a 2004 Dakota. Yes, it will probably fit in your garage unlike some full size trucks…….Unless they come up with great engine/drivetrain, great interior with good storage, unique exterior design and a competitive price the competition is ahead of them.
That is a 200’s Dakota because as the article says, “ It’s still too early to tell what the upcoming mid-size truck will look like, both on paper and in the metal. Ram sells several pickups positioned below the 1500 in terms of size, pricing, or both in global markets, but the odds of seeing them make their way here are low. ”
One wonders what they were waiting for.
Glad it is finally coming. Just hoping for a fuel-efficient ICE version. The last Dakota seemed to drink more gas than the full-size Ram.
Part of the reason the Dakota was discontinued was that a base model 1500 cost the same and got about the same gas mileage. Except for the more compact dimensions there was no gain in a smaller truck. The same with Ford discontinuing the Ranger. But enough people liked the smaller dimensions that Ford brought it back, now Stellantis is seeing the sales of Ford and GM (and Toyota) mid size trucks and wants a part of that pie. I doubt the straight six will be put in one due to the longer length and the desire for a compact truck. The 3.6L V-6 should, and the 2.0L turbo four. A turbo 3.6L would be a performance possibility…
The 3.0 Hurricane (inline) 6 is about 13 inches longer than the 3.6 Pentastar V6, so you’re probably on target saying the Hurricane may be too long for the mid-size truck.
I read somewhere that FCA investigated turbocharging the Pentastar but canceled the program due to disappointing output. Not sure if it’s true or what kind of compromised metrics might have lead to that result. Surprising, considering the success Ford has had with their turbocharged V6s.
this is fantastic news. Looking forward to the EV and the PHEV