It’s safe to say there’s been a lot of movement at Stellantis in recent months, and this is just the beginning—especially for the RAM division. After years of speculation, rumors, and hope, the brand has finally announced that it will be launching a new mid-size pickup truck.
For now, not much is known about it. However, we do know that this new truck will be assembled in Belvidere, Illinois. Even though no name has been confirmed yet, it’s safe to say that many expect the new pickup to carry the Dakota name.
A Real Truck
Unlike what some manufacturers are offering, RAM’s new pickup will feature a body-on-frame construction—the kind of setup that truck enthusiasts love. The American manufacturer’s goal is to offer several powertrain options, including at least one plug-in hybrid version. Whether or not that version will be available in our market remains to be seen.
RAM’s new pickup will compete directly with the Ford Ranger, Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, Nissan Frontier, and Toyota Tacoma. We therefore expect it to be powered by a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine as standard, a powertrain already found under the hood of several Stellantis models.
A Gap to Fill
With a starting price nearing $60,000, the RAM 1500 isn’t exactly within everyone’s budget. Ford and General Motors offer more affordable models, and it seems likely that RAM’s new mid-size pickup will come in at a very aggressive price point. The RAM 1500 Classic remained competitive for a long time, but the Covid-19 crisis ultimately put an end to its run. In short, it’s time for RAM to introduce a new pickup. If all goes well, it could hit the market as early as next year as a 2027 model.
Jean-Sébastien Poudrier
