Ram 's Mid-Size Brother to be Called Dakota

We now know that the long-awaited Ram mid-size truck will be called the Dakota and debut as a 2028 model. Ram has decided to resurrect the popular Dodge truck name for the vehicle that is expected to look like a smaller version of the 2026 Ram 1500 and give buyers a more affordable way to enter the Ram truck family. We have known about the promised mid-size truck for a couple of years now. At least, we are starting to get some concrete details. The last truck to carry the Dakota name was a Dodge Dakota in 2011. Ram has been talking about building a new mid-size truck since 2020. A smaller Ram Rampage is headed to South America.

2028 Ram Dakota

When Stellantis confirmed that it was planning a mid-size truck a few years ago, it announced as part of the UAW contract settlement that it would be assembled in 2027 at the plant in Belvidere, Illinois. After Stellantis shuffled plans earlier this year because of tariffs, it decided that plant will now be retooled for two Jeep products, the Jeep Compass and the all-new Jeep Cherokee. Ram announced the mid-size truck will shift to a Toledo assembly plant and will debut as a 2028 model. Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis reportedly confirmed recently that the mid-size Dakota should hit the market as a 2028 model and will cost about $40,000.

Why Ram Needs a Mid-Size Truck

Mid-size trucks are some of the most successful right now for several reasons. The primary reason is affordability. The mid-size truck gives the buyer the convenience of having a truck bed for hauling but usually costs at least $10,000 less than its bigger brothers. 

Often, buyers like the smaller trucks because they can be more nimble while off-roading. The Ford Ranger and the Toyota Tacoma are excellent examples. Both of those trucks come with off-road packages that equip the truck to take on all types of terrain. The Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon have similar off-road capabilities but often are priced a bit higher. 

Buyers Might be Confused with the Dakota Name

It seems like we are finally getting to the point where most drivers have stopped calling trucks Dodge Rams. It has taken years to convince buyers that Ram is a stand-alone brand. Bringing back the Dakota name might have people calling them Dodges again. Let the re-training start now. 

At this point, Ram is not talking about the Ram Dakota’s powertrain options. It is expected that there will be some type of hybrid offered. It is doubtful that it will be a 4xe derivative because Jeep has already cancelled its proposed Gladiator 4xe. 

At least, we finally have a name and a target date. Hopefully, photos and powertrain information will be coming soon. 

Ram Photo

Mary Conway is a professional automotive journalist and has decades of experience specializing in automotive news analysis. She covered the Detroit Three for more than twenty years for the ABC affiliate, in Detroit. Her affection for the Motor City comes naturally. Her father ran a gas station while Mary was growing up, in Wisconsin.

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