In the early part of 2021, Fiat Chrysler will merge with France’s PSA Group. It’s a huge change and it will create the fourth-largest car manufacturer in the world. Make no mistake, the French side of the new company, which will be called Stellantis, will call the shots. Which makes the introduction of Peugeot’s brand new Landtrek midsize pickup significant. Is this the new 2022 Ram Dakota? 

Peugeot has always designed and manufactured pickups going back to 1938. While they are unfamiliar to the US the trucks are known to be tough and off-road worthy. Just released in Mexico as the Landtrek this latest pickup may play a more vital role as it could be modified to become the midsize Ram pickup we have been hearing about for some time. 

It makes sense to rebadge the Landtrek as the Ram Dakota

We know that Peugeot has plans to really push the availability of the Landtrek around the world. Released in Los Cabos, Mexico, it will be available throughout Latin America first. From there it will begin to be distributed in Africa. With Peugeot’s goals so big and Ram’s need for a midsize, it makes sense to rebadge it as the Ram Dakota. 

Smart-looking and contemporary it comes as both a two- and four-door with 3 + 3 seating. With a host of accessories and trims, it would be a plug-and-play midsize for Ram. It would even have a rather impressive publicity trek to tout. There is currently a Landtrek on a 50-day, 16,000-mile off-road trek across South America. Starting in Los Cabos just this week, it will end in Ushuaia, in Tierra del Fuego in February. 

If it is to be a Ram the drivetrain could be open for changes for American tastes

The Landtrek is currently offered with either a 1.9-liter diesel engine pumping out 148 hp or a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 207 hp. Both a six-speed manual or automatic is available in either two- or four-wheel drive. If it is to be a Ram the drivetrain could be open for changes to tailor it to American tastes. The point is that the bones are there to capitalize upon.

Safety tech geared toward towing has also been developed for the Landtrek. Lane Departure Warning, Trailer Swing Control, Hill Descent Control, and 360-degree cameras are available features. Of course, there’s a 10-inch infotainment system, Bluetooth, and phone integration as part of the package. 

There is a lot of overlap between the two companies

So, when will this happen? We don’t even know if it will at all. There is a lot of overlap between the two companies and all of this will have to be determined as it can be. Ram has continued to build the former generation Ram Classic ½ ton truck to at least have something that competes with Ford’s Ranger and Chevy’s Colorado in price. But this arrangement can’t go on forever. 

Check out the images and imagine a Ram logo on the grille and tailgate. Does this make sense or …