5 Minutes
Ram Dakota comeback confirmed — and CGI teases what could be next
Not long ago Tim Kuniskis, Stellantis head of American Brands, confirmed that Ram will revive the Dakota name for a new mid-size pickup that should debut in 2027 and arrive most likely as a 2028 model. That announcement already reshapes expectations across the mid-size truck segment, but a wave of January CGI reveals has amplified the buzz.
On January 1 Stellantis surprised the market by unveiling two headline-making trucks: the first-ever Ram Power Wagon with diesel grunt and the return of the TRX halo model. The Power Wagon now packs a 6.7-liter Cummins HO turbo diesel with a quoted 1,075 lb-ft of torque — a torque figure that underlines Ram's intent to dominate capability headlines. Even more attention went to the reborn Ram TRX: the 2027 Ram 1500 SRT TRX ships with the iconic 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI V8 tuned to 777 horsepower and 680 lb-ft of torque, enough for a 0-60 mph time near 3.5 seconds and a top speed around 118 mph.
CGI visions expand the Ram family
Digital car artist Kleber Silva, known on social media as KDesign AG, seized the moment and expanded the Ram lineup in pixels. Silva posted two intriguing concepts: a hypothetical Ramcharger SUV and a fourth-generation Dakota mid-size pickup. Both renders borrow styling cues from the refreshed 2026 Ram 1500, reinterpreted on different platforms to imagine how Ram could broaden its reach beyond full-size trucks.
- The Ramcharger concept blends Grand Wagoneer proportions with Ram 1500 design language, showing how Ram might build its first true SUV.
- The Dakota rendering places Ram styling on a Toyota Tacoma-sized footprint, creating a Mopar challenger for the mid-size stalwarts.
These CGI exercises are unofficial, but they reveal how quickly public imagination fills gaps when manufacturers announce brand extensions. The Dakota name carries historical weight: sold originally under Dodge from 1987 to 2009, and briefly as a Ram product in 2010-2011, the badge has longtime recognition in North America.
Specs, rivals and market position
While Ram has not released final Dakota specifications, the positioning is clear. The new Dakota will sit squarely in the mid-size pickup class and compete with market leaders such as Toyota Tacoma, Chevrolet Colorado, Ford Ranger, GMC Canyon and Nissan Frontier. Key battlegrounds will be powertrain choice, towing and payload, off-road capability, and technology features.
Highlights to watch:
- Expected debut timing: announced 2027, likely 2028 model year
- Competitors: Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger, Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, Nissan Frontier
- Halo tech: TRX and Power Wagon innovations may flow down in trim and option packages
Why this matters
Bringing Dakota back gives Ram a chance to enter a lucrative segment that has seen steady buyer interest for versatile, smaller pickups. The mid-size truck market balances daily usability with off-road potential and lower ownership costs than full-size trucks. Ram already benefits from a strong full-size reputation; a well-executed Dakota could convert buyers who want Ram styling and capability in a smaller, more affordable package.
Quote highlight:
- Tim Kuniskis says the Dakota name will return as part of Ram's strategy to broaden its portfolio and meet customer demand in the mid-size truck segment.
Final thoughts
CGI mockups like those from KDesign AG are not blueprints, but they do a useful job of visualizing strategic moves. With the diesel Power Wagon and the 777-hp TRX reestablishing Ram's performance and capability credentials, the stage is set for the Dakota to enter a crowded but opportunity-rich market. If Ram leverages proven powertrains, modern safety and connectivity features, and distinctive styling, the Dakota could be a credible challenger for mid-size truck leadership.
Expect more official details as the 2027 reveal approaches, but for now enthusiasts and shoppers have plenty to speculate about: a potential Ramcharger SUV, the return of a storied Dakota, and a Ram lineup that looks bolder than ever.
Source: autoevolution
Leave a Comment