If you head to your Ram truck dealer today, your options start at the Ram 1500, which is currently the smallest truck that Ram makes. Ram’s parent company Stellantis has a midsize truck to compete with rivals like the Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger, but that truck isn’t under the Ram nameplate. Will Ram ever bring back a midsize entry like the Dodge Dakota again?
A Smaller Ram May Be in the Works
Earlier in 2022, it was reported in various places that a smaller Ram may indeed be in the works. However, the target area for the smaller truck appears to be in Latin America. The truck discussed has been dubbed the Ram 1200. If it proceeds, it will likely hit the Brazilian market in 2023 and will be a midsize truck with hybrid technology. Even more specifically, it will likely use the Stellantis Small Wide 4×4 platform, which is currently used with the Jeep Renegade and Fiat 500X.
The Brazillian report goes further to say that the truck should be both wider and longer to fit in the midsize category. Various engines have been discussed, including the 2.0-liter Tigershark gas engine and a turbodiesel. Another option is a hybrid system with a 1.3 or 1.5-liter turbocharged gas engine.
Will a Ram Midsize Hit the US?
If the plans for the Ram midsize go forward in the Latin American market, it’s possible that something similar will make it to the United States as well. The Ram 1200 right now appears to look more like the Honda Ridgeline rather than a Ford Ranger. This means that it’s likely to be a unibody truck rather than a body-on-frame truck. Currently, Ram has an even smaller truck in the Brazilian market called the Ram 700.
The next question is whether Ram will consider bringing back the Dakota. There have been rumors to this effect over the last few years, but nothing concrete has been confirmed. A midsize truck more like the Dakota would probably be more competitive with Ram’s main rivals in the US market.
Dakota Rumors
Some rumors say that a Ram Dakota might be coming around 2024 and would be similar to the original Dakota. Most industry experts believe that the Dakota would be based on the Jeep Gladiator in size, which means it would benefit from a number of new and exciting powertrains. It might even get to be the only midsize pickup offering with a V8 engine. However, as mentioned earlier, Ram might opt for a lifestyle pickup more like the Honda Ridgeline. One thing is certain, midsize trucks are becoming increasingly popular with a broad range of drivers, so it seems only logical that Ram would eventually get into the game with a mini-Ram.
Keep an eye on your local Ram truck dealer for more news about upcoming models, including a midsize Ram or Dakota model in the future.
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