When is Ram releasing their new midsize truck? The answer is: We're likely getting our first look in 2026! After years of anticipation, Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis confirmed they're working hard on bringing back a proper midsize pickup to compete with the Toyota Tacoma and Ford Maverick. This isn't just another truck - it's the one Ram's own CEO came out of retirement to make happen! We'll break down everything we know about this exciting new addition to Ram's lineup, from possible powertrain options to whether they'll revive the beloved Dakota nameplate.
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- 1、The Exciting Return of Ram's Midsize Truck
- 2、The Bigger Picture: Ram's Electric Future
- 3、The Midsize Mystery: What We Don't Know
- 4、Why This Truck Matters
- 5、The Hidden Benefits of Midsize Trucks You Never Considered
- 6、The Unexpected Lifestyle Perks
- 7、The Financial Advantages They Don't Tell You About
- 8、The Perfect Balance of Capability and Practicality
- 9、FAQs
The Exciting Return of Ram's Midsize Truck
Why We've Been Waiting for This
Let me tell you, I've been counting the days for Ram to bring back a proper midsize truck. Tim Kuniskis, Ram's CEO, feels the same way - he actually came out of retirement because he wanted this truck so badly! Can you believe that? When someone leaves their comfy retirement to make a truck happen, you know it's going to be special.
Here's the deal - since Ram stopped making the old Classic 1500, there's been a big empty spot in their lineup. We're talking about a truck that could be your daily driver, your weekend warrior, and your budget-friendly option all in one. The Toyota Tacoma sells about 200,000 units yearly, and Ford's Maverick is flying off lots - that's the kind of success Ram wants to taste.
What We Know About the New Truck
Now, here's where things get interesting. The new midsize Ram will use the STLA platform, which is like a Swiss Army knife for vehicles. Want a gas engine? Check. Hybrid? You got it. Fully electric? That's on the table too. Ram's keeping their cards close about which options will actually make it to production, but here's a comparison of what we might see:
| Option | Likely Availability | Estimated Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Gas Engine | Very Likely | $28,000-$35,000 |
| Hybrid | Probable | $32,000-$40,000 |
| Electric | Possible | $38,000-$45,000 |
But here's a question that's been bugging me: Will this new truck actually feel like a real truck? Absolutely! Today's "lifestyle" trucks can do everything traditional trucks could five years ago. The technology has caught up, and then some.
The Bigger Picture: Ram's Electric Future
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Ram 1500 REV - The Electric Heavyweight
While we're waiting for the midsize truck, Ram's got something else cooking - the 1500 REV electric pickup. Over 30,000 people have already raised their hands saying "I want one!" That's more interest than some brands get for their entire model line!
The REV was supposed to hit dealers this year, but Ram pushed it back to early 2025. Why? Because they want to make sure it's perfect. And let's be honest - when you're spending truck money on a new technology, you want it done right.
Ramcharger - The Best of Both Worlds
Now this is clever - the Ramcharger uses a gas engine as a generator for its electric powertrain. Think of it like carrying your own gas-powered charging station with you. It's coming mid-2025, just after the REV, and it's getting truck buyers really excited about dipping their toes into electrification.
Here's another question that might surprise you: Why would anyone want a gas engine in their electric truck? Simple - range anxiety. With the Ramcharger, you get all the benefits of electric driving, plus the peace of mind that you can always "fill up" at any gas station.
The Midsize Mystery: What We Don't Know
Platform Surprises Coming
Chris Feuell, another top Ram executive, says the midsize truck's platform will "surprise us." That's truck-speak for "we're doing something different." Maybe it won't be the traditional body-on-frame construction. Maybe it'll share parts with the Wagoneer S or Charger Daytona. One thing's for sure - Ram wants to stand out in this competitive segment.
The truck will be built in Belvidere, Illinois, with production likely starting in 2027. That seems far away, but in car development time? It's just around the corner. The plant's getting a complete makeover to build this smaller truck, which tells you how serious Ram is about getting it right.
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Ram 1500 REV - The Electric Heavyweight
Ah, the million-dollar question! Stellantis still owns the Dakota name, and it's got a ton of history. But will they use it? Your guess is as good as mine. What I do know is that names matter in trucks - just look at how well "Raptor" and "TRX" have worked for Ford and Ram.
We probably won't see a concept until 2025, but when we do, expect it to make waves. Ram isn't playing for participation trophies here - they want to win the midsize truck game.
Why This Truck Matters
Not Just Another Pretty Face
This isn't going to be some niche vehicle that only appeals to a small group. Ram's going after volume, which means it needs to work for everyone from contractors to suburban parents. Performance? Check. Affordability? You bet. Global appeal? That too.
The midsize truck segment is brutal - just ask Nissan how their Frontier is doing. But Ram's got some advantages: strong brand loyalty, proven truck expertise, and the ability to offer multiple powertrain options. That last point is huge in today's market.
What It Means for You
If you've been waiting for a Ram truck that doesn't break the bank or take up two parking spaces, your patience is about to pay off. Whether you want something efficient for commuting or capable for weekend adventures, this truck should have you covered.
And let's not forget the most important part - trucks are supposed to be fun. From what we're hearing, Ram hasn't forgotten that either. So get ready - the midsize truck wars are about to get a whole lot more interesting!
The Hidden Benefits of Midsize Trucks You Never Considered
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Ram 1500 REV - The Electric Heavyweight
You know what's better than parallel parking a full-size truck on your first try? Not having to attempt it at all! Midsize trucks give you this magical ability to actually fit in normal parking spaces. I've seen full-size truck owners do that awkward dance where they circle the lot three times before giving up and parking in the next zip code.
Here's a fun fact - the average midsize truck is about 15-18 inches shorter than its full-size siblings. That might not sound like much, but try squeezing into that last spot at Trader Joe's on a Sunday afternoon and you'll understand why those inches matter. It's the difference between "Sorry we're late" and "I got us front row parking!"
The Secret Fuel Economy Hack
Ever notice how gas stations suddenly become way more interesting when you're driving a full-size truck? That's because you'll be visiting them every other day! Midsize trucks offer this beautiful middle ground where you're not constantly checking your wallet every time you glance at the fuel gauge.
Let me break it down for you with some real-world numbers:
| Truck Type | Average MPG (City) | Average MPG (Highway) | Annual Fuel Cost* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Size | 15-18 | 20-23 | $2,800 |
| Midsize | 19-22 | 24-27 | $2,100 |
*Based on 15,000 miles/year at $3.50/gallon
Now here's something that might surprise you: Why do midsize trucks often feel more fun to drive than their bigger brothers? Simple physics! Less weight means better acceleration and more responsive handling. It's like the difference between dancing in work boots versus sneakers.
The Unexpected Lifestyle Perks
Your Social Life Just Got Better
Here's the dirty little secret no one talks about - full-size truck owners become the unofficial moving crew for every friend and relative within a 50-mile radius. With a midsize truck, you still get to be helpful, but people think twice before asking you to haul their entire living room set.
I've got this friend - let's call him "Dave" (because that's actually his name) - who bought a full-size truck last year. Poor guy spent more weekends helping people move than actually enjoying his truck. Meanwhile, my cousin with a midsize truck? He gets all the cool "help me pick up this new patio set" jobs without the "can you help me relocate to another state" requests.
The Ultimate Road Trip Companion
Think about the last time you went on a real adventure. Was it in a massive truck that barely fit on mountain roads? Probably not. Midsize trucks hit this sweet spot where they're capable enough for off-road fun but won't have you white-knuckling it through narrow forest service roads.
And let's talk about camping! That 5.5-foot bed is perfect for throwing in your gear without feeling like you're driving a semi. Pro tip: A midsize truck with a bed tent gives you way more flexibility than those giant rigs that need special campsites just to park.
Here's another question that doesn't get asked enough: Why do midsize trucks often have better aftermarket support than full-size trucks? Because they attract enthusiasts who actually use their trucks for adventures, not just as pavement princesses. The customization options are endless!
The Financial Advantages They Don't Tell You About
Insurance Wins You Didn't See Coming
You know what's more surprising than finding $20 in your old jeans? Seeing your insurance bill after switching from a full-size to midsize truck. Insurance companies love these smaller trucks because statistically, they're involved in fewer accidents and cost less to repair.
I did some digging and found that on average, midsize truck owners save about $300-$500 annually on insurance compared to full-size owners. That's enough for a nice weekend getaway or - let's be honest - several really good truck accessories.
Resale Value That Actually Makes Sense
Here's where midsize trucks really shine. While full-size trucks depreciate like they're made of ice cream in the desert, midsize models hold their value surprisingly well. Why? Because there's always demand for capable but practical trucks that don't require a second mortgage to operate.
Just look at the used market - a 5-year-old midsize truck often retains about 55-60% of its original value, while full-size trucks typically sit around 45-50%. That difference could pay for your next down payment!
The Perfect Balance of Capability and Practicality
Towing Without the Drama
Let's be real - most of us aren't towing 10,000-pound trailers every weekend. Midsize trucks offer plenty of capability for the 95% of real-world towing needs without all the extra bulk you only use twice a year.
Think about it: boat to the lake? Check. Small camper for weekend trips? Absolutely. Helping your buddy move his motorcycle? Easy. The average midsize truck can handle 5,000-7,500 pounds of towing capacity, which covers nearly everything except your delusions of becoming a professional horse trailer operator.
The Daily Driver Dream
There's something magical about a vehicle that can haul plywood on Saturday and feel perfectly at home in the office parking lot on Monday. Midsize trucks nail this balance in ways that full-size trucks simply can't.
I'll never forget the first time I drove a midsize truck after years in full-size rigs. It was like suddenly being able to use drive-thrus again without worrying about clipping the building with my mirrors. Small victories matter when you're living the truck life every day.
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FAQs
Q: Will Ram's new midsize truck be electric or gas-powered?
A: Here's the exciting part - Ram plans to offer multiple powertrain options for their new midsize truck! The STLA platform they're using is super flexible, meaning we could see traditional gas engines, hybrids, and maybe even full electric versions. While Ram hasn't confirmed which options will make it to production, we're betting on at least a gas and hybrid model at launch. Why does this matter? Because it gives you, the buyer, more choices to fit your lifestyle and budget. Want maximum efficiency? Go electric. Need to tow your boat every weekend? The gas version might be your best bet.
Q: How much will Ram's new midsize truck cost?
A: While official pricing won't be announced until closer to launch, we can make some educated guesses. Looking at competitors like the Toyota Tacoma ($27,000-$48,000) and Ford Ranger ($32,000-$48,000), expect Ram's new midsize truck to start around $28,000-$35,000 for base gas models. Hybrid versions might run $32,000-$40,000, with electric models (if offered) potentially starting around $38,000. Remember, these are just estimates - but they show Ram wants to compete directly in this hot segment without pricing themselves out of the market.
Q: Will the new truck be called Dakota?
A: That's the million-dollar question! Ram's executives have confirmed they still own the Dakota name and think it's "a great name." While nothing's final yet, there's a strong chance we'll see the Dakota nameplate return after its 2010 discontinuation. Why bring back Dakota? Because name recognition matters in trucks, and Dakota has serious brand equity with truck buyers. It would immediately position Ram's new midsize truck as a serious contender against the Tacoma and Ranger.
Q: Where will Ram build their new midsize truck?
A: Good news for American manufacturing - Ram plans to build their new midsize pickup at the Belvidere Assembly Plant in Illinois, which is getting a major overhaul for this project. Production is expected to start in 2027, according to UAW reports. This location choice tells us two things: First, Ram is serious about creating American jobs. Second, they're investing heavily in making this truck right, with a dedicated production facility rather than sharing space with other models.
Q: How will Ram's midsize truck compare to the Tacoma and Maverick?
A: Ram isn't just entering this segment - they plan to win it. While exact specs aren't available yet, expect Ram to leverage their truck expertise to offer superior towing capacity, innovative storage solutions, and that signature Ram ride quality. The STLA platform's flexibility means they can potentially offer powertrain options competitors don't have. And let's not forget styling - if the REV concept is any indication, this midsize truck should turn heads while still being practical enough for daily use.
