Ram is finally returning to the midsize pickup market with its new Dakota truck, which made its debut at a private showcase in Las Vegas earlier this week. The company has been absent from this segment since the original Dakota's production ended in 2011.
Dealers who previewed the truck described it as having an aggressive look that aligns well with Ram's established image of building tough trucks. The new Dakota is expected to arrive in showrooms in 2028 and will feature a ladder-frame chassis and a combustion engine.
Plans for production have shifted from the Belvidere plant in Illinois to the Toledo Assembly Complex in Ohio, where the Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator are also built. S.
manufacturing aimed at modernizing its operations. The new Dakota will compete with key rivals like the Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger, and Ram's CEO has confirmed that a hybrid setup is under serious consideration to keep up with market trends.
The truck's design and capabilities are expected to pose a threat to the Tacoma, and dealers believe it will be a huge hit if priced competitively. With a launch window targeting 2028, Ram appears to be playing the long game, aiming to land in step with the next generation of midsize rivals.
The new Dakota's aggressive design is a clear indication that Ram is serious about re-entering the midsize pickup segment. With its ladder-frame chassis and combustion engine, the truck has all the makings of a capable workhorse that will appeal to customers looking for a reliable and rugged vehicle.
