New Dakota? Ram will have two midsize pickup trucks; see what we know

It’s not new that RAM dreams of returning to the medium pickup truck segment. The new direction of the brand, now under the command of Tim Kuniskis in the United States, has already shown clear signs that it intends to rescue the more enthusiastic side of the company. The return of the Hemi V8 engine, the reactivation of the SRT division (without confirmed products yet) and the possible relaunch of the 1500 TRX show that this movement has already begun.

And a new midsize pickup truck for the US is part of this repositioning. But this won’t be the only RAM novelty in the world. At the same time, the brand is developing a specific pickup truck for emerging markets, based on the Chinese Changan Hunter, which also gave rise to the Fiat Titano and Peugeot Landtrek.

Fonte: Theophilus Chin | Motor1

Focusing on South America, the Middle East and parts of Asia, the model will be equipped with the 2.2 turbodiesel engine already known from Titano, Toro and Rampage. With estimated prices between R$300,000 and R$400,000 in Brazil, it will compete directly with the Toyota Hilux, Chevrolet S10 and Ford Ranger. Although the two new products will still take some time to arrive in stores, we have gathered everything that is already known about these two projects below.

The pickup truck for South America will originate from Titano/Hunter; USA will have its own model

Photo by: Green Plate

Two projects, different missions

RAM works on two different medium pickup trucks, aimed at different markets. In the United States, the new model will be an unprecedented design, more refined, robust and technologically advanced. It will be below the 1500 line and will have a strategic role in attracting a new consumer profile, with a smaller product, but still with the characteristics of a real pickup truck.

In emerging countries, RAM will bet on the 1200, a derivative of the platform used by the Titano, Landtrek and Hunter pickup trucks. Here, the proposal will be to fill the space between the Rampage and the 1500, offering an affordable alternative within the traditional midsize segment. Although it shares many components with other Stellantis pickup trucks, the 1200 will bring design and finishing adjustments to reinforce its identity.

Pickup for North America will be based on Jeep Gladiator

Base and motorization

In the United States, the new RAM pickup will use a body on a chassis, like the 1500, 2500 and 3500. The base should be the same as the Jeep Gladiator, which guarantees resistance and off-road capabilities. The only body available must be the double cab with four doors. The use of V6 gasoline engines is expected, with a focus on torque and payload. A hybrid version is also being considered, and there is room for a variant with a more sporty appeal, along the lines of a “mini TRX”.

The RAM 1200 will also have a spar chassis construction, but based on the Changan Hunter design. Although it shares the base with Titano and Landtrek, the 1200 will have its own differences in finishing and calibration. The engine will be the 2.2 Multijet II turbodiesel with up to 200 hp and 45.9 kgfm, already used in other Stellantis models in Brazil. The transmission and traction have not yet been officially detailed, but everything indicates that there will be 4×2 and 4×4 options, with automatic transmission.

Photo by: Theophilus Chin | Engine1

What will it look like?

The look of the new pickup truck for the USA is still a mystery. No prototype has been spotted so far, but the expectation is that it will adopt design elements from the next generation of the RAM 1500, with smaller proportions. Narrower LED headlights, a robust grille and striking lines should appear. The cabin will be of the Crew Cab type, with different finishes and wheels, seeking to please different consumer profiles.

In RAM 1200, the first test units are already running with light disguises. On the outside, the model should be very close to the Changan Hunter sold in China, with specific changes. The main difference will be inside. The RAM 1200 will have a more modern and sophisticated panel than the Titano, with integrated screens and a better quality finish. This should help position it as a top-tier product within the family.

Since 2011, Ram’s smallest pickup truck in the US is the 1500, which starts at $40,000

Photo by: Ram

Pricing

In the United States, the new RAM pickup truck will be the brand’s entry-level option. Without a replacement since the departure of the Dakota in 2011, the new model will face rivals such as the Ford Ranger, Toyota Tacoma and Chevrolet Colorado. Prices should start at around US$30,000, or around R$168,000 in current conversion. More complete versions can cost up to US$60,000, the equivalent of R$336,000. If there is a sports version inspired by the TRX, the price could go up even more.

In Brazil, the RAM 1200 will be positioned between the Rampage and the 1500, with estimated values ​​between R$300,000 and R$400,000. This range will put it on the same level as top-of-the-line versions of the Hilux, Ranger and S10. Even without a V6 engine or sophisticated all-wheel drive, the brand is betting on the strength of the RAM image and the tougher look as selling points.

Ram 1200 already exists in Mexico as a Titano with different badges; Brazilian version will have more news

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Photo from: Motor1.com

When do they arrive?

The new American pickup truck will be produced in Belvidere, Illinois, a factory that will be reactivated following an agreement between Stellantis and the UAW union. The launch is scheduled for 2027, with sales starting the following year as the 2028 line. There is still no official confirmation of the name, but everything indicates that the brand will return to the Dakota baptism.

The RAM 1200 should arrive sooner. The model is already being tested in South America, and its official presentation should take place between the end of 2025 and the beginning of 2026. Production will be carried out in Argentina and will serve the main markets in the region. It should be offered in intermediate and top-of-the-line versions, with a focus on mixed use between city and road.