For years, truck fans and industry insiders have been asking one big question: When will Ram finally bring back a midsize pickup? Thanks to Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa, we finally have a clear answer. During his fireside chat at the Kepler Cheuvreux Autumn Conference on Thursday, Filosa confirmed that the much-anticipated Ram midsize truck is officially coming in 2027.
This marks a huge milestone for Ram, filling a gap in the lineup that’s been left wide open since the Dodge Dakota bowed out in 2011. While rumors have swirled for years, this is the first time Stellantis leadership has given a concrete timeline for the new pickup. And from the way Filosa described it, this truck isn’t just coming—it’s going to make a statement.
A First Look Behind the Curtain –
Filosa revealed that he recently had the chance to see more than just sketches of the truck. “Two weeks ago, it was in our design center in Detroit, and I saw the (truck) itself, not only the sketches and designs but the clay model,” he said. “And it’s just beautiful.”
He even joked with investors, inviting them to Detroit to see it for themselves—on one condition: no phones or cameras. “If you want to come to Detroit, we’ll show you without cellphones and cameras, and you will be, I believe, astonished,” he quipped. That kind of confidence signals just how important this vehicle is to Ram’s future.
Filling the Void Left by the Ram 1500 Classic –
The Ram 1500 Classic was officially discontinued in October 2024, leaving Ram without a true budget-friendly truck option under $40,000. That has left a big gap in the lineup, especially as full-size pickups continue to climb in price.
Tim Kuniskis, Ram’s CEO, has already hinted that the new midsize truck will serve as the spiritual successor to the Classic, delivering an affordable gateway into the Ram brand. For customers priced out of a new Ram 1500, this midsize option will arrive at just the right time.
Built the Right Way: Body-on-Frame –
Back in 2021, Stellantis raised eyebrows at their EV Day presentation when they suggested that the midsize truck might ride on a unibody platform like STLA Large. That idea didn’t sit well with traditional truck buyers, who expect real durability and capability.
Now, MoparInsiders.com has confirmed through its sources that the Ram midsize truck will be a body-on-frame (BoF) design, the same rugged foundation used by competitors like the Ford Ranger, Chevrolet Colorado, and Toyota Tacoma. That decision ensures Ram will be a serious contender in this competitive segment, instead of chasing the lifestyle-truck path taken by the Honda Ridgeline.
Where Will It Be Built? –
Stellantis initially announced that the truck would be produced at the Belvidere Assembly Plant in Illinois, a facility that had been idled. But industry chatter suggests the final decision isn’t set in stone. Other possibilities include the Toledo plant—home of the Jeep® Wrangler and Gladiator—or even Warren Truck, which has underutilized BoF capacity.
Moving production away from Belvidere would free that plant up for unibody models, giving Stellantis more flexibility. Still, Belvidere remains a strong candidate, especially given the current administration’s focus on U.S.-based auto production.
Lessons from the Past, Eyes on the Future –
When Dodge last sold the Dakota, it struggled because it was too close in size and price to the Ram 1500. Buyers saw more value in upgrading to a full-size truck with a HEMI® under the hood. But times have changed. With average transaction prices for half-ton pickups skyrocketing, there’s now room for a midsize truck that’s affordable, capable, and still very “Ram.”
Filosa and Kuniskis know they have to strike the right balance. If priced like the Ford Ranger—which starts at $33,330 and goes all the way to $56,070 for the high-performance Raptor—the new Ram truck could hit the sweet spot. Positioned correctly, it won’t cannibalize 1500 sales but instead pull in new buyers who’ve been waiting for an entry-level Ram.
What About the South American Dakota? –
To make things more interesting, Ram has already confirmed a midsize truck for South America—the all-new Dakota, set to be built in Argentina starting later this year. But don’t get it confused: that truck won’t be coming to the United States.
The South American Dakota shares its assembly line with the Fiat Titano and is designed specifically for that market. It even debuted in Brazil with a wild “Nightfall” concept version featuring off-road hardware like FOX™ shocks, skid plates, beadlock wheels, and a bed-mounted spare. It’s aggressive, but it’s not the truck American buyers are getting.
Instead, the North American midsize Ram will be larger, built in the U.S., and tuned for the demands of this market. Whether it revives the Dakota name or goes in a new direction remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: it will be its own truck.
Why This Truck Matters –
For Stellantis, the midsize Ram isn’t just another model—it’s a crucial piece of the puzzle. Without a truck under $40k, Ram risks losing budget-conscious buyers to Ford, GM, Toyota, and Nissan. And with the pickup segment more competitive than ever, Ram can’t afford to sit on the sidelines.
By committing to a 2027 launch, Filosa is sending a clear message: Ram is ready to re-enter the midsize market with a real truck, built the right way, and priced to win. If the clay model Filosa saw is as good as he says, Ram could be setting itself up for a major comeback story.
