It feels like I’ve been waiting decades to learn more about the new Ram Dakota. That sounds dramatic, but I first started following clues about the mid-size truck in 2020. Now there is more concrete information to go on, but don’t get your hopes up for an affordable work truck variant. 

The Ram Dakota could be expensive 

Surprise, the new mid-size Ram truck will be called the Dakota. That’s something most people could have guessed, but at least there is now an actual timeline to follow for the Ram Dakota. 

Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis confirmed that the upcoming truck will revive the Dakota name that was discontinued in 2011. Plus, it’s expected to enter production by 2027 at the Belvidere plant in Illinois. It should go on sale in 2028. 

According to Edmunds, Kuniskis shared clues about its pricing. The truck is expected to start around $40,000, which tracks despite being disappointing. Ram trucks are known for being more comfortable than rivals as they include more standard features. 

But can’t we get an affordable work truck trim? Currently, the 2026 Toyota Tacoma has an MSRP of $32,145, and the 2026 Ford Ranger starts at $33,350. Also, the 2026 Jeep Gladiator starts at $38,830. 

If truck pricing trends continue, rivals could start closer to $40,000 by the time the Dakota finally arrives. But what if the Dakota pulls a Tesla Cybertruck move by coming out with a much higher starting price than expected? 

So, Stellantis will have two expensive trucks competing in the same space. I know, the Dakota and Gladiator will serve very different purposes. But the Dakota will have a body-on-frame build, like the Gladiator. 

It will also offer a variety of powertrains from traditional internal combustion engines, hybrid options, and a PHEV model. But where is the Gladiator 4xe? Only even more time will tell.