For more than a decade, midsize truck buyers have asked the same question: When is Ram coming back to the fight?
Now we finally have an answer—and it’s one wrapped in nostalgia, steel frames, and serious intent.
After 14 years off the market, Ram has officially confirmed the return of the Ram Dakota, slated for a 2028 model-year launch. And this isn’t a soft reboot or a global-market compromise. This is a body-on-frame, American-built midsize truck designed to go head-to-head with segment heavyweights like the Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger, Chevy Colorado, and Nissan Frontier.
This isn’t just a comeback. It’s a declaration.
“It’ll Be Called Dakota — It’s a No-Brainer”
The confirmation came straight from the top. Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis didn’t dance around the name or tease a marketing exercise. He went direct:
“Yeah, it’ll be called a Dakota — it’s a no-brainer.”
That matters. The Dakota name carries weight. From its original launch in the late 1980s through its discontinuation in 2011, the Dakota carved out a loyal following as the truck that sat perfectly between compact and full-size—before the midsize segment even exploded into what it is today.
Now, with midsize trucks dominating sales charts and waiting lists, Ram is finally re-entering the arena it helped define.
Built the Right Way: Body-on-Frame, Jeep Bones
One of the most important details? The new Dakota will be body-on-frame, not a unibody compromise.
Production is expected in Toledo, Ohio, alongside the next-generation Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator. That means the Dakota is likely to share a ladder-frame chassis, delivering:
- Real towing capability
- Genuine off-road durability
- The kind of structural integrity truck buyers expect
This immediately separates the Dakota from global-market, unibody pickups and positions it squarely against the Tacoma and Ranger—exactly where it needs to be.
Powertrain Wildcard: EREV Changes Everything
Here’s where things get especially interesting.
Ram is heavily investing in range-extended electric vehicle (EREV) technology, and the Dakota is expected to benefit from that push. The likely setup mirrors what’s coming for the next-generation Wrangler:
- Electric motors drive the wheels
- A gasoline engine acts only as a generator
- Massive combined range—potentially 700+ miles
- No dependence on charging infrastructure for long trips
That’s a game-changer in the midsize segment.
While pure EV pickups continue to struggle with cost and range anxiety, an EREV Dakota could deliver:
- Instant electric torque
- Strong towing without range collapse
- Everyday drivability without lifestyle compromises
Ram is also expected to offer traditional gas and conventional hybrid options, ensuring the Dakota appeals to buyers across the spectrum—not just early adopters.
Right-Sized, Not Downsized
Dimensionally, expect the Dakota to land squarely in Tacoma territory:
- Proper midsize footprint
- Usable rear seats
- Real bed length options
Styling will likely follow Ram’s current design language—bold grille, squared shoulders, and a more premium interior than most rivals. If Ram’s recent trucks are any indication, expect:
- Large infotainment screens
- Upscale materials
- Optional luxury trims that push the segment upward
In other words, Ram won’t just try to match the Tacoma—it’ll try to outclass it.
Pricing Strategy: Where the Dakota Could Dominate
This might be the most critical piece of the puzzle.
Full-size Ram 1500 pricing now starts north of $41,000, leaving a massive gap beneath it. Ram knows that gap exists—and the Dakota is designed to fill it.
Industry expectations point to:
- Starting prices around $30,000–$35,000
- Competitive trims undercutting Tacoma equivalents
- Higher-end models still landing well below full-size truck pricing
If Ram executes this correctly, the Dakota could become the value leader in the midsize segment—without feeling cheap.
Not to Be Confused With the Global Dakota
It’s important to clarify one thing: this is not the South American unibody “Dakota” sold in other markets.
This Dakota is:
- U.S.-market focused
- Body-on-frame
- Built in Ohio
- Engineered for American buyers
Ram isn’t importing a solution. It’s building one.
Why the Dakota’s Return Matters
The midsize truck segment is brutally competitive—but also ripe for disruption.
- Tacoma dominates on reputation
- Ranger leans performance
- Colorado emphasizes tech
- Frontier plays it safe
The Dakota has a chance to do something different: combine Jeep-grade toughness, Ram luxury, and forward-looking powertrains in a single package.
If Ram delivers on its promises, the Dakota won’t just be another option—it could be the reset button for the segment.
Verdict: The Nameplate That Could Change Everything
The return of the Ram Dakota isn’t about nostalgia. It’s about timing.
Fourteen years ago, the midsize market wasn’t ready.
In 2028, it absolutely is.
With a body-on-frame chassis, potential EREV power, American production, and aggressive pricing, the Dakota has all the ingredients to shake up a segment that’s grown comfortable at the top.
The name is back.
The intent is clear.
And the midsize truck wars just got serious.
