For over a decade, truck fans in North America have been calling for the return of the Dakota nameplate. While the wait continues here, Ram has decided to revive the legendary badge for the South American market. Enter the 2026 Ram Dakota Nightfall Concept, a bold, rugged preview of an all-new midsize pickup that will soon hit Brazilian showrooms — and it’s nothing like the old Dakota you remember.
Body-on-Frame and Built for Tough Work –
Unlike the car-based unibody pickups that have gained popularity in parts of the world, the new Dakota will be a body-on-frame truck, sharing its architecture with the Fiat Titano. Production will take place at Stellantis’ Córdoba Assembly Plant in Argentina, the same facility that builds the Titano. But make no mistake — the Dakota Nightfall has been designed to wear the Ram badge proudly, with a look and feel aimed at Brazil’s premium pickup segment.
Under the hood, the truck is expected to pack a 2.2-liter Multijet II turbodiesel I4 — the same engine used in the Ram Rampage and Jeep® Compass in Brazil — delivering 200 horsepower (149 kW) and 332 lb-ft (450 Nm) of torque. Power will run through a ZF-sourced 8-speed 8HP50 automatic transmission to a standard 4×4 drivetrain, giving it plenty of muscle for both work and off-road fun.
Aggressive Styling and Ram DNA –
Ram isn’t holding back on the looks. The front end is dominated by a bold R-A-M grille flanked by a continuous LED light strip that stretches across the width of the truck. The headlights are full LED, while the hood channels TRX vibes with a central scoop illuminated by three amber marker lights — a nod to Ram’s most hardcore pickups.
The Nightfall Concept takes off-road readiness seriously. There’s a front winch, tow hooks, a skid plate, Fox® high-performance suspension, and massive 33-inch off-road tires mounted on 18-inch beadlock-capable alloy wheels. Exclusive bronze accents, wide black fender flares, and side steps give it a muscular stance, while the high-clearance bumpers are built to take abuse.
Purpose-Built Rear End –
Around back, the Dakota Nightfall sports a unique Rambar with long-range LED spotlights and an exposed full-size spare tire mounted in the bed. LED taillights, tow hooks on the rear bumper, and a bold RAM tailgate emblem complete the look. A “Nightfall” badge on the tailgate and “Turbo” hood badging add the finishing touches.
Exclusive Nightfall Look –
To make the concept stand out, Ram finished it in a custom paint job with special graphics that symbolize strength and capability. The creased, angular body panels convey toughness, and the trim details make it clear this isn’t just another rebadged Fiat — it’s a Ram through and through.
For South America –
The production version of the 2026 Ram Dakota is set to debut next year in Brazil and other South American markets. While Ram hasn’t confirmed every detail yet, the concept leaves little doubt that this midsize truck will be aimed squarely at buyers who want a balance of work capability, luxury, and off-road readiness.
Unfortunately for U.S. buyers, this truck isn’t coming stateside — at least not in this form. Instead, we’ll be waiting until 2027 for a 2028 model-year midsize pickup designed specifically for the North American market. Still, the Dakota Nightfall proves that Ram hasn’t forgotten how to build a midsize truck with serious presence.
2026 Ram Dakota Nightfall 4×4 Concept Image Gallery:
