Does Ram Make a Midsize Pickup Truck Anymore?
Ram is one of the top truck builders in the world. Between the tried and true Ram 1500 – a truck many consider the nicest-driving truck on the road – and the hotrod Ram TRX, the former Dodge brand has made a place for itself in the modern pickup truck world. However, Ram seems to have a glaring hole in its lineup. Does Ram make a midsize pickup truck anymore?
Is there a midsize Ram pickup truck?
Currently, at least in the US, Ram doesn’t offer a midsize pickup truck. On one hand, this feels strange given the surge of small pickups hitting the market in the past year. On the other hand, Ram is most known for its 1500 plush but strong work truck and the dune-jumping Ram TRX. “Small” and “efficient” aren’t really in the Ram wheelhouse. However, that doesn’t mean Stellantis brand won’t try.
Is the Ram Dakota a midsize pickup truck?
After years of rumor and whisper, it seems that we are expecting the reintroduction of the Ram Dakota to come sometime in 2024. If the Dakota returns in similar form to its last production model, then Ram has its midsize pickup truck.
Ram has offered very little information about the Ram Dakota so far. The most likely scenario as of now is basing the Dakota on the Jeep Gladiator. If true, this would mean the new little Ram is getting a host of exciting and competitive powertrains. Although silly, given the gas price situation, this could mean the possibility of the only midsize pickup with a V8. How MOPAR is that?
According to MotorTrend, the other option could be something more in the lifestyle vein like the Hyundai Santa Cruz. This idea comes from the rumors that Stellantis might choose the Ram 1000, a popular existing model in Latin America, as its base.
What are the most popular pickup trucks?
Despite the many moving parts of our current, chaotic automotive marketplace, the full-size Ram 1500 and the everpresent Ford F-150 are still among not only the most popular pickup trucks but the most popular vehicles period.
However, midsize models like the Ford Maverick, Hyundai Santa Cruz, and Ford Ranger are growing in popularity with great speed. Between gas prices and a less agricultural need, pickup truck taste is changing for many people. Seeing the growing trends of smaller trucks, Ram’s choice to bring back the Ram Dakota makes a lot of sense, even if it’s a tad late to the party.
How much should you spend on a midsize truck?
One of the major reasons the small pickup truck segment is booming – aside from the fact that more options exist now – is that they cost significantly less than some of the popular full-size models.
Although the Jeep Gladiator and the Ram Dakota could be related, chances are the Ram would be significant;y cheaper than the Jeep Gladiator. Between options and premium trim levels, a Gladiator can easily run customers up to and over $60,000. Chances are the Dakota will start and stay far cheaper than its platform-mate. The smarty money says the Dakota will start around the $26k mark and will likely have off-road trims and other premium trims that will see prices stretch past $50,000.
When will the Ram Dakota come out?
Ram won’t have a midsize pickup in America until 2023 at the earliest and possibly as late as 2024. Despite the lengthy wait, Ram taking its time is probably not the worst idea. Between the many supply chain issues and now skyrocketing gas prices, maybe having a major model debut in a couple of years is wise. Either way, we will see, in time.
