Could a Smaller Ram ‘Dakota’ Ute Be the Perfect Fit for Aussie Roads?

Ram Trucks Australia might already be dominating the full-size ute space with the ever-popular Ram 1500, but there’s growing excitement around what could be the brand’s next big hit: a mid-size dual-cab ute dubbed the ‘Ram Dakota’.

Speaking at the Australian launch of the updated 2025 Ram 1500, Ram Trucks Australia general manager Jeff Barber voiced strong interest in bringing a smaller ute Down Under, saying a Ram-branded mid-size pickup would be “awesome” for this market.

“We’ve always had our hand up for that and we hope in the future we do get it,” Barber said. “Would we love to have a mid-size ute? Absolutely. The market’s huge. And a Ram-branded one would be awesome.”

While the Dakota hasn’t been officially confirmed for production, the appetite is clear. Australia is one of the world’s largest ute markets, and a mid-size offering from Ram could directly rival the likes of the Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux, and Chevrolet Colorado.

A Long Time Coming

Ram hasn’t had a presence in the mid-size pickup segment since discontinuing the original Dakota in 2011. However, plans for a global mid-size ute have been on the cards for years. Ram even teased an electric concept version in 2021, hinting at a vehicle riding on Stellantis’ STLA Large platform.

In April 2023, then-Ram CEO Mike Koval Jr hinted that the ute would be built in right-hand drive for international markets — Australia included. More recently, Ram International chief Bob Graczyk echoed that sentiment during a visit to Walkinshaw Automotive, which handles Ram’s RHD conversions in Australia.

Adding fuel to the fire, Chrysler CEO (and interim Ram CEO in 2024) Chris Feuell confirmed the model was still in development and would be “brought to market,” though the platform choice remains a mystery. There’s speculation Ram might move away from the traditional ladder-frame in favour of a monocoque design — like the Ford Maverick or Latin American Rampage — but nothing is confirmed.

Will It Come to Australia?

Despite the buzz, Barber remains cautious. “I’m not going to speculate and I can’t talk on behalf of Stellantis. If it’s offered to us and the business case stacks up then, yes, we’d love to do it,” he said.

And while production hasn't begun, signs are pointing to movement behind the scenes. A Stellantis memo uncovered in January revealed that the Belvidere plant in Illinois — mothballed since early 2023 — would begin production of an all-new ute from 2027. This came after long negotiations with the United Auto Workers (UAW) union and major investment announcements from Stellantis in other US facilities.

A Growing Segment

The mid-size ute category is booming both in Australia and North America, led by vehicles like the Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger. And while Ram hasn’t yet entered the fray, the brand has dipped its toes in select markets. In Latin America, the monocoque Rampage offers a more urban-focused dual-cab with petrol and diesel four-cylinder engines, while the ladder-frame Ram 1200 — based on the Changan F70 — is sold in Mexico and other non-Western markets.

With brands like Jeep (via the Gladiator) and other Stellantis marques (Peugeot Landtrek, Fiat Titano) already in the ute game, a global Ram mid-sizer seems like the natural next step.

What’s Next?

While we await an official unveiling, industry insiders suggest we’ll learn more in 2025, though a full concept reveal may still be some time away. What’s clear is that Ram is serious about filling the gap left by the discontinued Ram 1500 Classic and meeting demand for a more affordable, versatile ute — both in the US and here in Australia.

If the Dakota does make it to Aussie shores, it could become a game-changer in an already competitive segment.

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Credit: CarExpert.com.au