2026 RAM Dakota: The RAM brand seems best known for making pickup trucks. However, one item has been missing from the truckmaker’s menu for more than a decade. After Ram ditched the Dakota name in 2011, its lineup no longer includes a midsize truck.
Updates (Jun 3, 2025): We’ve updated the latest on the 2026 RAM Dakota and the new unibody RAM Rampage, focusing on platform and powertrain improvements. Prices start around $35,000 and go up to $48,000.
That has finally changed as Ram has confirmed it will be returning to the segment. We think it’s likely the Dakota name will be revived, but nothing has been officially announced yet.
When Ram discontinued the Dakota, it allowed existing competitors like the Chevy Colorado, Ford Ranger, GMC Canyon, Nissan Frontier, and Toyota Tacoma to clog the drain. Ram’s return to the midsize segment should allow it to claw back some of those lost sales, though luring loyal pickup customers away from their preferred trucks is easier said than done.
However, Ram’s entry into the midsize class could attract new customers who don’t want to pay the premium for the brand’s half-ton models. In addition to the lower price point, the smaller size of a midsize pickup is another incentive for new customers.
2026 RAM Dakota Review
2026 RAM Dakota is a type of pickup truck that has been much awaited and has recently become a hot topic of conversation. In the last few years alone, the mid-range pickup truck segment has entered a very competitive phase with impressive choices such as the Ford Ranger, Chevrolet Colorado, and Toyota Tacoma.
This is where the presence of RAM has also become a public spotlight on whether the presence of the 2026 RAM Dakota can be the answer and compete with very tight competitors in the Automotive world. If the 2026 RAM Dakota can provide engine power and a reliable, powerful, and efficient powertrain, it may be the definite choice.
In 2026, the RAM Dakota will be presented with the latest specifications, a more premium interior, and a more aggressive exterior design, which will certainly be its attraction. This will be a magnet for increasing sales of the RAM Dakota when RAM introduces the Dakota, which is a smaller option than its larger RAM 1500 sibling.
Even though the Dakota is slightly smaller than the 1500 truck, it retains all the key features of its larger sibling, making it ideal for a wider audience, including younger buyers. We believe the 2026 Ram Dakota can still offer the same bold styling as its predecessor, including new exterior colors, large wheels on top trims, LED headlights, and more.
When rumors of the Ram Dakota began circulating, drivers were hoping to see a new compact truck to take on the Ford Maverick. However, Stellantis has bigger targets in mind.
Instead, the automaker is thinking bigger. The new Dakota will be a midsize truck to compete with the Ford Ranger, Toyota Tacoma, Chevrolet Colorado and Nissan Frontier.
The truck segment is a bit more crowded than the Maverick. Right now, the Maverick is only slightly challenged by the Hyundai Santa Cruz.
Many were excited about the compact Ram Rampage when it first launched in South America. This truck was spotted in America, giving us hope that the smaller truck will be available there.
Unfortunately, that’s not in the cards. According to Motor Trend , Ram CEO Tim Kunikis said that now that the Ram Classic is out of production, it’s a good time to dive into the smaller truck segment.
The midsize truck market is growing at a higher rate than compact trucks. Plus, Kunikis explained that the brand lacks an affordable entry-level truck. An affordable midsize option would fill that gap.
The STLA platform can support a range of midsize trucks with a variety of engine options including gasoline, hybrid, PHEV, and EV. Plus, new rumors suggest that Stellantis will build the new midsize truck at its Belvedere, Illinois assembly plant.
2026 Dakota
This time, we will discuss a vehicle that is considered a complement to Compac and Medium Trucks. However, we are not yet sure about the amount that the 2026 Dakota RAM will bring to the next-generation model.
Based on the information we got from Motor Trend, we have an overview of a pickup with a capacity smaller than the Ram 150,0, which many fans have been waiting for. The Ram 1500h was developed with the Unibody Truck concept and can compete with the current best-selling Ford Maverick. We assume the RAM Dakota 2026 might be a bit larger to help bridge the gap between true compacts and mainstream mid-sizers.
It is important to note that RAM’s main competitors are almost offering a wider pickup portfolio, which can increase targeted market share and grow overall. So, we think this will be a very important moment for RAM to continue to be proactive in developing a truck that is smaller, more agile, more efficient, and more affordable than the current 1500 truck.
What We Think
Also on the way: the Ram 1500 Ramcharger long-range pickup, which uses a gas engine as a generator to give the plug-in hybrid electric power a longer range. It will go on sale in mid-2025, a few months after the REV, Feuell said. The brand is seeing increased interest in the Ramcharger as more information about the technology comes out. It’s also sparking more talk about long-range hybrids, or E-Revs, with companies like Ford and Volkswagen considering them.
The Ramcharger is designed to appeal to buyers of conventional trucks, giving them the towing and payload power they need while also giving them a taste of the electric vehicle experience. Ram is already collecting names of people interested in the truck, Feuell said.
2026 RAM Dakota Redesign
Regarding the recent redesign information that we got from online media Autoevolution, mentioning the 2026 Dakota Redesign, which was specially designed by digital car content creators such as Halo Oto on their YouTube channel, gives us an idea of the significant design changes, of course with the virtual CGI concept which can be seen in the image below.
Apart from that, competition in the Truck market cannot be denied. Ford successfully held the record for 47 consecutive years when its F-Series became the best-selling pickup truck in America. Overall, Ford sells more full-size, light, and pickup trucks.
However, when it comes to mid-pickup pickup trucks, it becomes clearer that Toyota’s Tacoma, even after a year of generational change, remains in control from afar. On the other hand, the unibody compickupickup truck is back in North America. US sales were heavily dominated by the pocket-sized Ford Maverick, which sold almost three times as many units as its only direct competitor, the Hyundai Santa Cruz.
Therefore, we see many opportunities for GM or Stellantis to focus on production and innovation in the Pickup Truck category.
Off-Road Features
We hope the 2026 RAM Dakota has a Rebel trim comparable to the Ram 1500. This trim comes with the most efficient off-road features, including large 33-inch off-road tires, a lockable rear axle, and a sporty performance hood.
Additional alternatives may include 360-degree trailers featuring digital camera views and advanced security features. The new Dakota will undoubtedly be able to take rough terrain in stride, and although it hasn’t been released yet, mid-size truck fans can expect impressive off-road capabilities.
2026 RAM Dakota Interior
Ram can also make changes to the interior, featuring seats made from premium cloth and vinyl, making it easier to use on the trail. Additional features of the 2026 RAM Dakota include hill descent/climb control, a durable synthetic leather dashboard, safety systems like forward collision warning, etc.
Although Ram is one of the pickup truck brands that perfects its interior, most of the brand’s interior offerings are hard to find fault with.
The Dakota 2026 can also feature a refined interior that doesn’t sacrifice comfort. Ram can opt for an 8.4-inch infotainment touchscreen on the base trim, offering a larger 12-inch tablet-style touchscreen on higher trims.
While the base variant can also get standard wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, the Ram can also include a better audio system with ten speakers and an optional premium variant with 19 speakers.
- 7 or 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster
- 8 or 18-inch infotainment touchscreen
- Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- 8.4 or 12-inch infotainment touchscreen
- 10-speaker audio system
- Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
2026 RAM Dakota Exterior
On the outside of the 2026 RAM Dakota, we expect RAM to present aggressive and bold styling. A little smaller and more comfort-oriented, this car will undoubtedly meet the standards of traditional truck drivers. The compickupickup will feature slightly smaller dimensions while retaining its unique grille and sleek headlights.
The 2026 RAM Dakota Rabel trim can compete with the Toyota TRD package and Trailhunter trim in all terrains, especially Off-Road. We expect the Ram Dakota Rebel trim to include a suspension lift, electronic locking rear differential, all-terrain tires, etc.
Additionally, one—and two-row cabin layouts are expected, although the base model will undoubtedly be very basic, considering its attractive price speculation. Higher trim levels are expected to provide a more luxurious interior with luxurious materials and innovative technology, as well as a more powerful powertrain.
Additional packages may include comfort, trailer towing, premium sound, and utility upgrades. A wide choice of exterior finishes and colors is also expected.
Engine
As for engines, Ram is being a bit more cautious. The official statement is: “The new midsize truck is planned to take full advantage of our multi-energy strategy (ICE, PHEV and BEV).” However, that doesn’t mean all three engine types will be available. If we had to guess, an electric option is the least likely.
RAM officials have downgraded its full-size EV model, with the Ram 1500 REV delayed in favor of the plug-in hybrid Ramcharger. While it’s possible the new midsize truck will get a PHEV model, a traditional gas engine is a definite possibility.
Will it use a turbocharged four-cylinder like many competitors, or will Ram find a way to fit a Hurricane six-cylinder or, dare we say, a Hemi V-8 into its new truck? That decision remains to be seen.
Powertrain
Still on the horizon is a mid-size pickup truck to fill the void left when the last Dodge Dakota rolled off the production line in 2010. There has been talk of filling that void ever since.
Feuell didn’t provide a timetable for the new trucks, but the current labor agreement with the UAW calls for the reopening of the Belvidere Assembly Plant in Illinois in 2027, retooled to make smaller trucks.
“This truck is going to be marketed,” Feuell said of the planned midsize truck. After considering several platform options, the decision has been made, but he wouldn’t give away any secrets other than to say we’ll be surprised by the choice.
That could mean it won’t be a body-on-frame truck based on the STLA Frame to compete more directly with the Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma. That leaves the STLA Large as a unibody truck, which shares its underpinnings with the Wagoneer S and Charger Daytona. Or the surprise could be a smaller lifestyle truck in the STLA Medium.
Payload
Meanwhile, more than 30,000 people raised their hands for the Ram 1500 REV, Stellantis’ full-size electric pickup truck.
Ram has been in pre-production on the REV for months, ahead of the production model’s launch. The original plan was to deliver a few units to dealers this year, but that plan has been pushed back a few months and deliveries are now scheduled for the first half of 2025, Ram brand CEO Chris Feuell said.
The program is on track, with the delay being to ensure quality given that this is a new truck on the new STLA Frame platform, Feuell said. The order book has not yet been opened.
The REV is one of the first new electric vehicles for Stellantis, following the Dodge Charger Daytona sports car and the Jeep Wagoneer S midsize electric SUV, both of which use the STLA Big platform.
Platform
Using the STLA Large platform, which allows for all types of powertrains, not just EEVs, as shown above, the 2026 RAM Dakota can be designed to meet or exceed the Maverick’s levels of performance and efficiency. Powertrains range from the Giulia’s 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder to a hybrid, PHEV, or even full-battery electric vehicles that offer front, rear, or all-wheel drive with output levels ranging from mild to wild.
However, it’s still possible that a stronger business case will be made to establish the 2026 RAM Dakota as a global player to compete directly with the world’s two best-selling pickup trucks: the Toyota Tacoma/Hiluxota and the Ford Ranger. In this scenario, the Dakota would need to be slightly larger and built on the STLA Frame architecture, which also supports varying degrees of electrification.
The South American Ram Rampage Dakota
While there have been hints that the unibody Ram Rampage—sold in Brazil—could be the successor to the Dakota in the United States, that seems unlikely. Ram will almost certainly give its new midsize truck a body-on-frame design, and it will likely be based on the modular STLA Frame platform. The latter allows for wheelbases between 123.7 and 145.3 inches. And you know what? That’s in line with other midsize trucks.
2026 RAM Dakota Colors
As far as we knowThe 2026 RAM Dakota will also present several color choices,s including:
- Diamond Black Crystal Pearl Coat.
- Granite Crystal Metallic Clear-Coat.
- Billet Silver Metallic Clear-Coat.
- Patriot Blue Pearl-Coat.
- Hydro Blue Pearl-Coat.
- Delmonico Red Pearl Coat.
- Flame Red Clear-Coat.
- Bright White Clear-Coat.
Competitor
As we mentioned, Ram’s new midsize truck will compete with the Chevy Colorado, Ford Ranger, GMC Canyon, Nissan Frontier, and Toyota Tacoma. The Jeep Gladiator is another body-on-frame competitor. Meanwhile, there are also a few unibody alternatives, such as the Honda Ridgeline, compact Ford Maverick, and Hyundai Santa Cruz. There are currently no mainstream electric midsize trucks; the Rivian R1T is perhaps the closest EV in size, but it starts at around $72,000.
2026 RAM Dakota Price
Ram previously said it would begin production of its new midsize truck around 2027, though it’s unclear if that timeline still holds. Production was reportedly scheduled to begin at a plant in Belvidere, Illinois, which has been idle since 2023.
It’s hard to predict how much the price will go up between now and when the truck goes on sale, but based on current competitor pricing, we’d wager that Ram’s midsize truck will start somewhere between $35,000 and $60,000. The latter figure could be for a high-performance off-road variant, though that probably won’t happen until a year or two after the main model’s launch.
We expect the reborn 2026 RAM Dakota to arrive with an estimated price tag of around $30,000.
READ NEXT: 2024 RAM Dakota: New First Impressions Dakota Midsize Pickup Review
2026 RAM Dakota Release Date
So far, there has been no official information regarding the 2026 Dakota RAM release schedule. However, we recommend that you save the deposit for the time being, as the truck is expected to hit the roads in 2026.
Verdict
The truck’s attributes must deliver performance and affordability, Feuell said. North America is a key market, but going for volume means the truck will also be offered globally. It won’t be a niche vehicle Ram wants to win with, he said. The truck will be offered with a choice of engines. The STLA platform is designed to give the brand the ability to offer internal combustion, hybrid and all-electric powertrains.
The name Dakota is under consideration, but nothing is finalized yet. It may be a while before we see the concept, but we should have more details in 2025, Feuell said.
The long-awaited return of the Ram brand’s mid-pickup pickup truck is getting closer to reality, and for a good reason: RAM’s main competitors all offer bropickupickup portfolios. So, it is very appropriate for RAM to increase its market share by making a truck that is smaller, more agile, more efficient, and more affordable than the current 1500 truck.
Thank you for taking the time to read this article. We’ll keep you updated on the latest developments regarding the 2026 RAM Dakota. Be sure to bookmark our website for more RAM Dakota news and exciting RAM information coverage around the clock. Hopefully, the information presented will be useful to you. Happy, Wonderful day!
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