Ram Teases It’s Upcoming Dakota Midsize For South America

Ram is officially reviving one of its most beloved nameplates — the Dakota. Following the Nightfall Concept reveal in August, Ram has now shown the first official video of the production-ready truck for the South American market, giving us a clear look at what’s to come.

Built at Stellantis’ Córdoba Assembly Plant in Argentina, the all-new Dakota will slot below the Rampage, offering mid-size truck buyers a blend of capability, comfort, and style that Ram trucks are known for. The design remains faithful to the concept, featuring a bold front fascia, muscular wheel arches, and a strong Ram DNA evident from every angle.

But this isn’t just a rebadged FIAT — the Dakota carries its own Ram identity. The truck’s proportions and detailing appear premium, featuring LED lighting signatures, sculpted body lines, and a rugged stance designed to appeal to both traditional pickup owners and lifestyle buyers. Inside, the Dakota showcases a tech-focused and upscale cabin for the segment, borrowing cues from Ram’s global lineup. Expect high-quality materials, a large infotainment screen, a digital instrument cluster, and advanced driver-assistance features when it launches.

According to sources, the new Dakota will debut with two trim levels: the Big Horn and the Laramie Night Edition. The Big Horn will cater to customers wanting a dependable, value-packed workhorse, while the Laramie Night Edition takes a more refined approach, focusing on comfort, luxury, and visual appeal.

However, these teaser images indicate that the Dakota will also feature a Warlock trim, similar to the Ram 1500 and 2500 models offered in North America. The Warlock has long been the budget-friendly alternative to the Rebel, offering aggressive styling and off-road-inspired looks at a lower price point. It will be interesting to see how Ram integrates this trim into the South American lineup — especially since the brand is marketing the Dakota as a more premium mid-size pickup in that region.

Under the hood, both trims will feature the 2.2-liter Multijet II turbodiesel I4 — an engine already proven in models like the Ram Rampage and Jeep® Compass. It produces 200 horsepower (149 kW) and 332 lb-ft (450 Nm) of torque, paired with the ZF-sourced 8HP50 8-speed automatic transmission. Power is sent through a standard 4×4 system, making the Dakota equally at home on urban streets or rough backroads.

Ram’s move to build the Dakota in Argentina aligns with Stellantis’ plan to strengthen its pickup lineup in Latin America, one of the fastest-growing truck markets in the world. Sharing architecture with the Fiat Titano, the Dakota benefits from economies of scale but maintains a distinct Ram look and feel — tough, capable, and upscale.

With production set to begin soon and a late 2025 launch planned for Argentina, followed by an early 2026 launch in Brazil, Ram is clearly positioning the new Dakota as a serious player in the mid-size truck segment.

2026 Ram Dakota Warlock Crew Cab 4×4 Image Gallery: