The Ram Dakota is returning, and truck fans have reason to be excited. It’s official: After a decade-long break, the Dakota name will be returning to the mid-size truck segment. Ram hasn’t had a model to fight in this segment since it stopped making the Dakota in 2011. But that’s all about to change, and the 2027 Ram Dakota will help fill this important hole, doing battle with the likes of the Chevrolet Colorado, Toyota Tacoma, and Ford Ranger.
Ram’s return to the mid-size truck market also represents a strategic shift after several automakers have reported growing interest in versatile, less expensive trucks. With the Dakota returning, Ram wants to have something that offers the power and utility of a bigger truck, but at a price tag and size that would appeal to more people.
The Return of the Ram Dakota Matters
The mid-size pickup market has absolutely exploded, and the 2027 Ram Dakota will surely benefit from the trend with a technology-laden design, along with powertrain options for every possible type of truck buyer.
What to Expect From the 2027 Ram Dakota
While the official details are yet to be revealed, the 2027 Ram Dakota is anticipated to have some of the features that make it suitable for such a segment that is witnessing a global positive response on these sizes of trucks. Here’s what to look ahead for:
Platform and Design
Likely candidate for the 2027 Ram Dakota would be the STLA Large platform, which would offer the pickup a wide range of powertrain options — from a current gas engine (like a Pentastar V-6) to hybrids and pure electric. This platform — which is also used on other Stellantis vehicles including the Dodge Charger and Jeep Wagoneer — is offered in either a rear-wheel or four-wheel drive.
Design wise, the new Dakota would probably be stylistically similar to the full-size Ram 1500. Look for bold and muscular exterior design cues, like a raised ride height, wide stance, and a rugged appearance that’s also modern and functional. The 2027 Dakota will serve potential truck buyers who are looking for a pick-up that is powerful enough and comes with the right current style.
Powertrain Options
The 2027 Ram Dakota is also likely to get a menu of powertrains to suit various customer requirements:
- Gasoline Engines: Expect the Dakota to get a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which delivers a good mix of power and fuel economy. For those seeking more performance, a Hurricane turbo inline-six could also be in the mix.
- Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV): As Ram pivots toward greater environmentalism, hybrid and plug-in hybrid models are possibilities. These powertrains will provide improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions while continuing to provide excellent towing and cargo capacities.
- Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV): The previously reported electric version of the Dakota is not confirmed, but it is still possible given Ram’s commitment to electric trucks. A BEV offering would provide the same levels of performance and capability towing with zero emissions.
Interior and Features
On the inside, the 2027 Dakota will see a new cabin, which will be very techy oriented and it will provide lots of comfort and conveniences. Look for a state-of-the-art infotainment system featuring a large touchscreen as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, teamed with loads of available tech upgrades. The cab will be built tough, yet comfortable – high-quality materials used across the board.
Power and Towing Power and Performance
The 2027 Ram Dakota could easily have a very capable towing capacity, especially in direction competition (or better than) its rivals. With a body-on-frame design, it should be able to tow over 7,000 pounds, which is more than sufficient for dragging trailers, boats, or other heavy gear.
| Feature | Estimated Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine Options | Gas, Hybrid, PHEV, BEV |
| Towing Capacity | Up to 7,000 pounds |
| Payload Capacity | 1,500 pounds |
| Interior Features | Apple CarPlay, Android Auto |
| Price Range | $35,000 – $60,000 |
Pricing and Availability
Official pricing is not yet available but it’s anticipated the 2027 Ram Dakota will be priced in the range of $35,000 through to $60,000. Lesser-equipped models will fall to the lower spectrum, and higher-end trims may include even more luxury or off-road cache.
- Base Models (Tradesman, Big Horn): About $35,000 – $42,000
- Off-Road and High-Performance Trims (Rebel and Limited): $45,000 – $60,000
Mid-Size Truck Market Competition
Due to go on sale in 2027, the 2027 Ram Dakota will challenge some of the top mid-size trucks in the segment. Among its primary rivals are:
- Chevrolet Colorado: Reputed for strong towing and a selection of powertrain choices.
- Ford Ranger: Good all-around, on or off-road.
- Toyota Tacoma: Beloved for its durability and off-road capability.
- Nissan Frontier: The easy choice for those seeking a good old-fashioned pickup truck.
- Jeep Gladiator: Recognizable by its off-road versatility and utilitarian features.
Ram’s Dakota will try to differentiate with performance, modern technology, and an array of powertrains though.
2027 Ram Dakota: When Can We Expect It?
There’s no official launch date for the 2027 Ram Dakota yet, but production isn’t likely to begin until 2027, meaning that the truck might not reach dealerships until the latter half of that year. Ram has announced it will build the 2027 Dakota at the Belvidere, Illinois plant, which has been down since 2023. We might even get some official previews or early prototypes as soon as 2026.
Conclusion: The 2027 Ram Dakota Is Worth Waiting For
The Ram Dakota is back, and it’s an enormous change in the landscape of the truck world. A combination of rugged performance, handsome design, and the ability to get its feet—or wheels—dirty, the 2027 Dakota will probably appeal to a variety of buyers in the market for a solid working-class mid-size pickup that won’t have you eating like a pauper. No matter if you’re looking to buy the 2025 Ram Dakota, or want a new Ram Dakota, the transition will shake up the mid-size market.
For more news, make sure to check back right here on motorgold.net, where we’ll still focus on the new Truck Tastic world and other cool automotive debuts and updates.
Read more – 2025 Kia K4: Pricing, Features, Performance, and Why You Can’t Miss This Sedan!
Learn more – TourXworld
Shreya Singh is an automotive content creator with a B.Tech in Automobile Engineering and over five years of experience. Her expertise lies in translating complex technical concepts into accessible content for a broad audience.
Specializing in car reviews, technical articles, and automotive trends, Shreya covers topics like vehicle mechanics, electric vehicles, and industry innovations. Her engineering background ensures her content is accurate, well-researched, and informative.
Shreya’s work has been featured across several automotive platforms, sharing insights on vehicle performance, maintenance, and emerging technologies. Known for her reliability and expertise, Shreya is a trusted voice in the automotive space, providing valuable and current information.