Ram Confirms Dakota Name for Upcoming Midsize Pickup, Hints at Future SUV

Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis has confirmed the return of a midsize pickup and stated in the same breath: “Obviously we are going to call it Dakota.”

• Tim Kuniskis confirms the return of the Dakota midsize pickup
• No technical data is known at this time
• He also mentioned a three-row SUV for Ram

During an event in the Detroit area, Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis casually confirmed the return of a midsize pickup to the lineup. Not only did he confirm it, he also announced the truck’s name with a jovial tone: “Obviously we are going to call it Dakota.” Unsurprisingly, the North American model will have nothing in common with the Dakota recently unveiled for South America.

The Hurricane?

He did not provide any technical information about the model. However, it can be assumed that Ram will follow the segment trend by adopting a four-cylinder powertrain. Within the Stellantis group, several options are on the table, but the one most likely to find its way under the Dakota’s hood is the new 2.0-litre turbocharged Hurricane four-cylinder, rated at 324 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque.

Under US$40,000

Without being definitive, Kuniskis suggested that the goal of offering a pickup under US$40,000 would not be achievable without the addition of the Dakota to the lineup. This gives a rough idea of pricing. That level of affordability is no longer possible with the Ram 1500, even though increasingly accessible versions are being offered with the refreshed DT generation. The current base price of the Tradesman version in the United States stands at US$41,575 (CAD $62,190 in Canada, before incentives).

The Dakota has not been available since it was discontinued in 2011. Many have long been calling for the return of a midsize pickup to the Ram lineup, especially as the 1500 has continued to grow in size. Moreover, while the Stellantis group does offer the Jeep Gladiator, it remains a niche product and is less user-friendly than other pickups in the segment.

Fierce competition

By reintroducing the Dakota, Ram would make a strong comeback in the segment, facing fierce competition led by the Toyota Tacoma, the undisputed star of the category. There is also the GM duo of the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon, as well as the Ford Ranger among American brands. Nissan is also present with the Frontier, along with Honda, which takes a different approach with the unibody Ridgeline.

And the SUV?

In his remarks, Kuniskis also made several references to a three-row SUV. He did not elaborate, but when Kuniskis circles back to an idea, it is rarely without intent or calculation. Is Ram preparing an SUV based on the future Dodge Durango, or perhaps on the Jeep Grand Wagoneer? The mystery remains, but it certainly fuels curiosity about what may be coming next.