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midsize pickup trucks

Ram Dakota Coming to America: What Stellantis’ 2028 Midsize Pickup Plan Confirms

Stellantis confirms a planned 2028 North American Ram midsize pickup. Learn what the Dakota name, launch window and South American model do—and do not—tell U.S. buyers.

By TheFinanceBase Team 3 min read
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Yes—Stellantis plans to launch a Ram midsize pickup in North America in 2028. The company’s 2025 annual report gives the model-specific 2028 target, while its 2026 Investor Day presentation describes North American midsize and compact pickups launching from the end of 2027 through 2029. That is a product plan, not a promised dealership arrival date. The South American Ram Dakota already launched separately, but its equipment and powertrain should not be treated as confirmed for the North American truck.

What Stellantis has actually confirmed

Stellantis’ 2025 annual report says a Ram midsize pickup is planned for a North American launch in 2028. This is the clearest model-specific timing statement currently available.

At the company’s 2026 Investor Day, Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa described a broader program: “Will grow in relevance starting from ’28, actually end of ’27 and ’28, ’29, with the launch in North America of the midsize pickup truck and of the compact pickup truck.” The transcript discusses both pickups together, so it does not establish the exact launch date of either one.

Planned timing versus retail availability

  • Model-specific plan: North American Ram midsize pickup launch in 2028.
  • Broader corporate window: launches of North American midsize and compact pickups beginning at the end of 2027 and extending through 2028–2029.
  • Not announced: a U.S. order date, production start date, dealer-arrival date or final model-year designation.

Is this definitely called the Dakota?

Car and Driver reported on December 18, 2025, that then-Ram leader Tim Kuniskis confirmed the Dakota name for the upcoming midsize pickup. That report is the basis for describing the planned truck as the Dakota, rather than a company product sheet that lists finalized North American specifications.

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The executive title also needs a date qualification. Stellantis announced Matt VanDyke as Ram brand CEO effective July 20, 2026. Therefore, the public name confirmation attributed to Kuniskis came in 2025; VanDyke is the current Ram CEO as of September 29, 2026.

The South American Dakota is a different regional launch

Ram launched a Dakota in South America before the North American program reaches market. The Brazilian launch release dated February 4, 2026 describes a regional truck produced at Stellantis’ pickup hub in Córdoba, Argentina. It lists the following equipment:

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Item South American launch information North American status
Engine 2.2-liter turbodiesel Not announced
Output 200 cv and 450 Nm Not announced
Transmission Eight-speed automatic Not announced
Drivetrain feature 4×4 Auto Not announced
Published trims Warlock and Laramie Not announced

The specifications above come from Ram’s Brazil release. Stellantis’ August 2025 announcement says that South American Dakota production is centered in Córdoba for regional markets. Neither source says that the North American pickup will use the same engine, trims, dimensions, platform or equipment.

What remains unknown for U.S. buyers

The reviewed company disclosures do not provide a North American retail specification sheet. These items remain unannounced:

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  • Exact U.S. on-sale or delivery date
  • Final North American nameplate and model-year timing
  • Engine, hybrid or electric choices
  • Cab and bed configurations
  • Trims, options and standard equipment
  • Towing, payload, fuel-economy and performance ratings
  • Exterior dimensions and platform details
  • Starting price, destination charge and warranty coverage
  • Whether the North American truck shares substantial components with the South American Dakota

That means it is not possible to make a reliable price or capability comparison with the Ford Ranger, Chevrolet Colorado, Toyota Tacoma or other North American pickups using the Dakota’s Brazilian figures. Any such comparison would mix different markets and potentially different vehicles.

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What the announcement means if you are planning a truck purchase

If you need a midsize truck before 2028

Do not treat the planned Dakota as an available alternative. Ram’s current consumer support information says the previous Dakota ended after the 2011 model year and that Ram does not currently have a midsize pickup in its lineup. Existing North American choices therefore remain the practical option for buyers who need a truck now.

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If you can wait

Use 2028 as a planning target, not a locked appointment. Stellantis can change product timing, and the Investor Day language covers two pickup programs across several years. Wait for Ram to publish North American pricing, configurations and ordering information before budgeting a deposit or valuing a trade-in around the truck.

Do not buy parts on assumed fitment

The Brazilian Dakota and the discontinued pre-2011 Dakota are not confirmed sources of compatible parts for the planned North American model. Avoid ordering bed accessories, suspension components or other items marketed as Dakota-compatible unless Ram or a supplier publishes fitment for the actual North American vehicle.

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Bottom line

Ram is planning a North American midsize pickup for 2028, and the Dakota name was publicly reported as confirmed in 2025. The wider corporate schedule runs from the end of 2027 through 2029 for midsize and compact pickups, but no exact U.S. retail date or North American specifications have been released. The Dakota sold in South America is real, yet its diesel engine, trims and equipment describe that regional truck—not a confirmed American configuration.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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