2026 Ram Dakota Release Date
2026 Ram Dakota Release Date
The Ram brand has been known for full-size and heavy-duty pickup trucks but it hasn't had a mid-size entry since the Dakota nameplate was discontinued in 2011. Reports indicate that's about to change as Ram has confirmed that it will re-enter the mid-size segment with the coming 2026 Dakota model. The 2026 Ram Dakota will reportedly be released in late 2025 or early 2026. While an official launch is expected in late 2025, the actual on-sale date could be in early 2026. Here's more of what we know about the 2026 Rams Dakota pickup truck at Bender Chrysler Dodge Ram Jeep® in Clovis, NM.
Speculation on the powertrain and performance
Ram has been reluctant to commit to its powertrain strategy by saying it could be internal combustion, plug-in hybrid or a full electric but experts believe the electric option is almost surely not going to happy. EVs have proven to be increasingly unpopular, especially in pickup trucks. Of course, it's possible this new mid-size pickup will get a plug-in hybrid, but the popular gas engine is pretty much a sure thing.
It could be a turbocharged four-cylinder engine like some of the top-selling competitors or it might even be a Hurricane six-cylinder engine, which would be a bold move. It's a powertrain that's already part of the Ram 1500 lineup. In all reality, it's unlikely that a HEMI® V8 would be the choice in a mid-size pickup but the final outcome will be announced later.
The platform
Although there were some previous clues that the unibody Ram Rampage, which has been sold in Brazil, might be the successor to the Dakota in America, that doesn't seem to be a realistic option any more. Instead, Ram seems most likely to give its new mid-size truck a body-on-frame design and that could be based on the modular SLA frame platform. That would provide for wheelbases that will range between 123.7 and 145.3 inches in length. That would align nicely with other mid-size pickup trucks and allow the Ram Dakota to be competitive in the segment.
How the new 2026 Ram Dakota could fill an important part of the Ram lineup
The new Ram Dakota should allow the brand to retain customers who don't want to pay a high price for a half-ton Ram 1500 and might otherwise go to another brand for a more affordable mid-size pickup. The truck market can be volatile but Ram seems to be well advised to have an entry in the mid-size pickup segment in order to reclaim some of the ground it lost when it discontinued the HEMI® V8 in the Ram 1500.
Estimated starting prices
It's been estimated that Ram's mid-size Dakota will range in price from about $35,000 to $60,000. That range would be somewhat higher when compared with the most popular pickup in the segment, the Toyota Tacoma, with prices that currently range from about $33,200 up to about $54,100. But the Ram Dakota is attractively priced when compared with another popular model like the Chevy Colorado, with prices that range from about $33,600 up to about $62,900.
The Ram Dakota's higher $60,000 number might be for a high-performance off-road-focused version, although that might not arrive until a year or two after the launch of the mainstream models. Ram's ace in the hole is the higher level of comfort and even luxury that Ram is known for, so that can help justify the higher price. Meanwhile, if you're in the market for a mid-size pickup, we have popular used models in stock like the Chevy Colorado and the Toyota Tacoma at Bender Chrysler Dodge Ram Jeep in Clovis, NM.
* The advertised price does not include sales tax, vehicle registration fees, other fees required by law, finance charges and any documentation charges. A negotiable administration fee, up to $115, may be added to the price of the vehicle.
* Images, prices, and options shown, including vehicle color, trim, options, pricing and other specifications are subject to availability, incentive offerings, current pricing and credit worthiness.
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Bender Chrysler Dodge RAM Jeep
3400 Mabry Dr
Clovis, NM 88101-9200
- Sales: (575) 762-4511
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