ram midsize truck

The Ram Dakota Is Back: Everything You Need to Know About Ram’s 2027 Midsize Truck

For years, Canadian truck enthusiasts have watched the midsize pickup segment heat up with offerings from Toyota, Ford, Chevrolet, and GMC. But one major player has been conspicuously absent: Ram. That’s about to change.

In a move that’s stirring excitement across the automotive world—and especially among loyal Ram fans in Canada—the brand has officially confirmed the return of the legendary Dakota nameplate for its upcoming midsize truck, set to hit showrooms in 2027. With a starting price around $40,000 CAD, a body-on-frame design, and a plug-in hybrid powertrain option, the new Ram Dakota isn’t just a nostalgic throwback—it’s a strategic play in a fiercely competitive market.

Let’s break down what we know, why it matters, and what it means for Canadian drivers looking for a capable, modern midsize pickup.

Main Narrative: The Dakota Returns—And It’s Packed With Promise

The big news? Ram is bringing back the Dakota—and this time, it’s not just reusing a name. According to multiple verified reports from trusted automotive outlets like Auto123, Edmunds, and MotorTrend, the 2027 Ram Dakota will be a fully realized midsize truck designed to compete head-to-head with segment leaders like the Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger, and Chevrolet Colorado.

What makes this announcement significant? For starters, Ram hasn’t offered a true midsize pickup since discontinuing the original Dakota back in 2011. Since then, the brand has focused almost exclusively on full-size trucks like the 1500—dominant in sales but out of reach for buyers who want something more maneuverable, fuel-efficient, and affordable.

The return of the Dakota signals a major shift in Ram’s strategy. It’s not just filling a gap in the lineup—it’s responding to real consumer demand. And with Stellantis (Ram’s parent company) investing $13 billion in U.S. manufacturing, including production at the Toledo Assembly Complex in Ohio, the Dakota is poised to be built with scale, quality, and innovation in mind.

Recent Updates: What’s Been Confirmed (and What’s Still Under Wraps)

As of early 2024, Ram and Stellantis have made several key announcements that give us a clearer picture of what’s coming.

Official Confirmations from Trusted Sources

Multiple reputable automotive news platforms have independently verified the following:

• The truck will be called the Ram Dakota.
  Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis confirmed the name in official statements reported by Edmunds and MotorTrend. “Truck fans will love this,” Kuniskis said, referencing the emotional connection many have with the original Dakota.

• Launch window: 2027.
  All verified reports agree the new Dakota will arrive in 2027—not as a concept, but as a production-ready vehicle.

• Pricing starts around $40,000 CAD.
  While exact Canadian pricing hasn’t been announced, U.S. reports suggest an MSRP near $40,000 USD, which typically translates to a competitive entry point in Canada after conversion and fees.

• Plug-in hybrid option included.
  Perhaps the most forward-thinking detail: the Dakota will offer a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain, alongside traditional gasoline engines. This aligns with Stellantis’ broader electrification strategy and gives Canadian buyers a greener option without sacrificing capability.

• Built in North America.
  The Toledo Assembly Complex in Ohio—already home to Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator production—will manufacture the Dakota. This ensures strong supply chain control and supports North American jobs, a key selling point for Canadian consumers.

“The Dakota name carries legacy and trust,” said Kuniskis in a statement cited by Auto123. “We’re not just reviving a name—we’re building a truck that lives up to it.”

While Ram hasn’t released official specs, images, or interior details yet, Stellantis executive Antonio Filosa reportedly called the design “beautiful” and praised its “very good technical specifications” after viewing a clay model—hinting at a modern, rugged aesthetic with advanced tech under the skin.

Contextual Background: Why the Dakota Nameplate Matters

To understand why this announcement is such a big deal, it helps to revisit the original Ram Dakota.

Launched in 1986 as a Dodge (before Ram became a standalone brand), the Dakota was a game-changer. It was one of the first midsize trucks to offer a V8 engine—something unheard of at the time—and it quickly became a favorite among contractors, outdoor enthusiasts, and everyday drivers who wanted more power than a compact truck but didn’t need a full-size rig.

Over its three-decade run, the Dakota earned a reputation for durability, versatility, and value. It was the truck that proved “midsize” didn’t mean “compromise.”

When Ram discontinued the Dakota in 2011, many fans were disappointed. The market shifted toward crossovers and full-size trucks, and midsize pickups were seen as a niche. But over the past decade, that’s changed dramatically.

Thanks to rising fuel prices, urban congestion, and a growing appetite for adventure-ready vehicles, midsize trucks have roared back. The Toyota Tacoma dominates sales charts, the Ford Ranger has been revitalized, and even Honda and Hyundai have entered the fray.

Yet Ram remained on the sidelines—until now.

The return of the Dakota isn’t just about nostalgia. It’s a calculated response to a market that’s matured and diversified. Canadian buyers, in particular, value trucks that balance capability with everyday usability—especially in regions with harsh winters, rugged terrain, or tight city streets.

Immediate Effects: What This Means for Canadian Truck Buyers

So, what’s the real-world impact of the Dakota’s return?

1. More Choice in a Hot Segment

Canada’s midsize truck market is crowded—but also underserved by domestic brands. With the Dakota entering the fray, buyers will have a compelling American alternative to Japanese and Korean rivals. That means more competition, better features, and potentially more aggressive pricing.

2. Electrification Meets Utility

The inclusion of a plug-in hybrid option is a major win for eco-conscious Canadians. While full EVs like the Ford F-150 Lightning are gaining traction, many drivers still need the towing capacity, bed space, and off-road prowess of a traditional truck. The Dakota’s PHEV system could offer the best of both worlds: electric-only driving for daily commutes and gas power for weekend adventures.

3. Boost for Canadian Dealerships and Service Networks

Ram has a strong presence across Canada, with dealerships in every province. The Dakota’s arrival will likely drive foot traffic, service demand, and parts sales—supporting local economies and reinforcing Ram’s commitment to the Canadian market.

4. Potential for Canadian-Specific Features

While not confirmed, it’s reasonable to expect Ram will tailor the Dakota for Canadian conditions—think enhanced cold-weather packages, available four-wheel drive, and corrosion-resistant coatings. Given Canada’s climate and road conditions, these details could make or break the truck’s success north of the border.

Future Outlook: What’s Next for the Ram Dakota?

Looking ahead, the Dakota’s launch in 2027 positions Ram perfectly for the next phase of the pickup evolution.

Electrification Roadmap

Stellantis has pledged to offer electrified versions of all its vehicles by 2025. The Dakota’s PHEV option is just the beginning. Industry analysts speculate that a fully electric Dakota could follow in the early 2030s, especially as battery costs decline and charging infrastructure expands across Canada.

Platform Sharing and Synergies

The new Dakota is expected to share architecture with other Stellantis trucks, possibly the Jeep Gladiator or even future Ram 1500 variants. This could reduce development costs and improve reliability—while allowing for unique styling and features that set the Dakota apart.

Competitive Positioning

By 2027, the midsize truck landscape will be even more competitive. Ford may have updated the Ranger, Toyota could refresh the Tacoma, and new entrants like