Iconic American brand coming to challenge Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux, Isuzu D-Max and Mitsubishi Triton? Ram Dakota mid-size ute production confirmed for 2027

Ram is gearing up for a new model in one of the world’s largest vehicle segments.

We’ve known about Ram’s appetite for a mid-size ute to rival the Ford Ranger, Isuzu D-Max and Toyota HiLux, but thanks to a leaked letter, we now have a commitment to a start of production and timing.

After cancelling the 220kWh battery electric Ram 1500, the brand issued a letter to staff that was obtained by Crain’s Chicago Business informing employees that its Belvidere plant will start production of a mid-size pick-up in 2027.

There’s no information on first launch or reveal, though.  This latest development follows current Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis announcing he wanted a mid-size competitor “so bad”.

Previous Ram CEO Mike Koval told CarsGuide two years ago: "I will say this - we've been talking about it forever. This is the Ram leadership team that is going to execute. We will be the team that delivers it."

Koval also referenced the potential Dakota name:  "Obviously the Dakota name carries a lot of heritage. It's very special to us.”

The main goals for the new mid-size pick-up will be affordability and market diversification. Kuniskis noted price increases and cost-of-living pressures are making the staple 1500 trucks more difficult for Americans to afford.

2027 Ram Dakota render (image: Digimods Design / YouTube)

Ram already produces a smaller ute for Latin American markets known as the Rampage, though it is a monocoque ute based on a Fiat platform and is unlikely to be the vehicle in question.

Ford and Hyundai have found success with their unibody Maverick and Santa Cruz but we expect Ram to go down the more traditional ladder frame route for improving towing capability and off-road performance. 

Ram has developed a range extender engine set-up for the 1500 and a similar engine could power a smaller ute. Also possible are the existing 3.6-litre petrol V6 or turbo-diesel V6 in some American versions of the 1500. 

The iconic American brand’s 1500 was one of the first plus-sized utes to enter the Australian market in proper numbers. It now enjoys reasonable success here and has picked up competition from Chevrolet, Ford and Toyota.

2027 Ram Dakota render (image: Thanos Pappas)

It is likely that the new mid-size ‘Dakota’ would be made exclusively in left-hand-drive, but local factory-backed 'remanufactured' conversion is now very popular. 

"A mid-size ute is on our wish list for RAM in Australia," said RAM Trucks Australia General Manager Jeff Barber, adding "we think it would be a great fit for Australia."