After a 15-year absence, the Ram Dakota will return sometime in 2027. This midsize pickup truck cannot arrive soon enough for product-hungry Ram dealers, with parent Stellantis promising a starting price of about $40,000. Notably, the new Ram will not share its platform with the midsize Jeep Gladiator, although it will be built at the same Toledo factory as the Gladiator and Jeep Wrangler. Not much is known about the revived nameplate, but that is not stopping us (and others) from offering a healthy dose of speculation.
What is the Ram Dakota?
The Ram Dakota existed for just two model years, 2011 and 2012, as this pickup truck began life as a Dodge in 1987. Beginning in 2011, Fiat Chrysler made Ram a standalone brand, with its full-size 1500 and midsize Dakota models transitioning.
We can credit the Dakota with creating the midsize segment. When it arrived, competing models were legitimately compacts, powered by four-cylinder engines. The Dakota was the first in its class to offer an optional V8. Its larger size resulted in a roomier interior along with its enhanced towing capabilities. By the 1990s, new models from most competitors switched to midsize, with the Toyota Tacoma asserting itself as the market leader. To this day, the Tacoma dominates the market.
Alas, the Dakota was dropped after 2012, with competing models from Ford, Chevrolet, and GMC also ended. At that time, the domestic manufacturers could not justify building these models, although GM’s hiatus would be a brief one. The full-size pickups are the profit makers, with the domestic manufacturers relying on them to shore up their respective businesses.
Looking Ahead
It is a given that the 2028 Ram Dakota will be a body-on-frame model with standard rear-wheel drive and available four-wheel drive. Most likely, only a crew cab (four full-size doors) will be offered. A standard five-foot bed seems likely. But unlike the Gladiator we see a six-foot bed as an option if Ram does not choose to make it standard.
Under the hood, we expect a turbocharged four-cylinder engine to motivate the Dakota. We can see it paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, the same as the 1500.
We doubt that will be the only engine choice, however. This is where Ram may distinguish itself from its competitors, with perhaps the Hurricane 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder also offered. This engine would be turbocharged as well, offering V8-like performance. What we do not expect is an optional V8 as that would be too big and heavy for the new model.
Hybrid Possibility?
What cannot be easily dismissed is a hybrid variant. We know that Stellantis has dropped plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) from its lineup, choosing to go with conventional hybrids instead. One example is the Jeep Cherokee which is, beginning in 2026, hybrid only. The Cherokee is powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with two electric motors. Although small, this hybrid system bangs out a combined 210 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. We wonder if Ram would get the same powertrain setup, which includes an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission.
As for towing, the upper range is 7,700 pounds, a figure Ram should meet with at least one of the powertrain setups.
Best of the Rest
We expect the 2028 Dakota to parallel the 1500’s design features. This means it will combine ruggedness with a premium touch, a combination that works well with the 1500.
On the tech front, nothing smaller than a 12.3-inch touchscreen display seems likely. The system should be governed by the fifth-generation UConnect system, although if a new generation is ready, we expect the Dakota to have that.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a Wi-Fi hotspot are most certainly standard fare. Three or more USB ports and wireless charging (at least on upper trim models) are other features expected.
As for sound systems, a standard six- or eight-speaker inhouse audio package should undergird base models. Ram also has an agreement with Harman Kardon, thus a more immersive option also seems likely.
On the safety front, all the usual advanced features consumers expect these days are likely. This means adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and pedestrian detection will be standard. Other features such as blind-spot monitoring and a 360-degree surround-view camera are on the table. A head-up display may be offered as a standalone option.
Finally, look for standard cloth seats, available leather, and a host of cabin amenities to bolster the Dakota. Heated and ventilated front seats. Heated outboard rear seats. A heated steering wheel. Zoned climate control. Perhaps massaging front-row seats?
Parting Thoughts
The 2028 Ram Dakota faces stiff competition from the Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger, Nissan Frontier, GMC Canyon, and the Chevrolet Colorado. It may cannibalize some sales from the Jeep Gladiator. The Honda Ridgeline is another model to consider.
All in all, we expect the Dakota to reinvigorate the Ram brand, and soon establish itself as a key player. Will it overtake the Tacoma? We doubt that. But it does not have to. It simply needs to keep Ram customers in the product fold and at a price point satisfying everyone.
See Also — Return of the Value-Packed Ram 1500 Express
