Home FAQ

Does Ram make a Dakota truck?

No, Ram does not currently make a Dakota truck. The Dakota was a mid-size pickup truck that was previously produced by Dodge, but it was discontinued in 2011. Since then, Ram has not introduced a new mid-size truck to replace the Dakota in its lineup.

The History of the Dodge Dakota

The Dodge Dakota was first introduced in 1987 as a mid-size pickup truck, slotting between the full-size Ram and the compact Dodge Rampage. It was designed to offer more capability than a compact truck, but with better maneuverability and fuel efficiency than a full-size model.

The Dakota was produced for over two decades, with several generations introduced over the years. It was known for its available V8 engines and the option of four-wheel drive, which helped it stand out in the mid-size truck segment.

Why Was the Dakota Discontinued?

Dodge discontinued the Dakota in 2011 due to declining sales and a shift in consumer preferences towards larger, full-size trucks. As the mid-size truck market shrank, Dodge decided to focus its efforts on the larger, more profitable Ram 1500 and heavy-duty Ram models.p>

Since the Dakota's discontinuation, the mid-size truck segment has seen a resurgence, with competitors like the Toyota Tacoma, Chevrolet Colorado, and Ford Ranger gaining popularity. However, Ram has not yet introduced a new mid-size truck to compete in this market.

The Future of Mid-Size Trucks at Ram

While Ram has not announced plans to revive the Dakota, the company has hinted at the possibility of introducing a new mid-size truck in the future. In recent years, the automaker has been closely monitoring the growing demand for mid-size pickups and may consider adding a new model to its lineup to better compete in this segment.p>

For now, Ram's focus remains on its full-size Ram 1500 and heavy-duty models, which continue to be strong sellers for the brand. However, if the mid-size truck market continues to grow, it's possible that Ram may eventually decide to re-enter this segment with a new, modern mid-size pickup.

Is Ram bringing back the Dakota truck?

Yes, the Dakota is returning, but the revived model is first launching in South America as a 2026 model year truck, with a US-bound version still in development. A separate, US-market body-on-frame Dakota is planned for a later date, potentially as a 2027 model.

This video discusses the return of the Dakota and its potential features: 1mMarspeedYouTube · Sep 28, 2025

South American version: The first all-new Dakota has been confirmed for South America, with its first unit rolling off the line in Argentina as a 2026 model, with sales beginning in late 2025.
US version: A body-on-frame version of the Dakota for the US market is also in development, though a specific release date has not been confirmed. Some reports suggest it could be a 2027 model.
Platform: The South American version is built on a different platform than what is planned for the US market.
Target market: The South American Dakota aims to fill the mid-size truck gap between the compact Rampage and the larger Ram 1500 in that region.

This video discusses the design of the Dodge Dakota: 57sReMaxi CarYouTube · Feb 19, 2025

How much is the new 2025 Dodge Dakota?

There is no 2025 Dodge Dakota because the model was discontinued in 2011, and its revival is not planned for the 2025 model year. While there is speculation about a future model, it is expected to be a 2026 or 2027 model year vehicle under the Ram brand, not Dodge. Pricing and features for any future vehicle have not been officially announced.

This video discusses the features and expected price of the 2025 Dodge Dakota: 1mAuto insider YouTube · Dec 29, 2024

No 2025 model: The Dodge Dakota was discontinued in 2011 and will not be offered as a 2025 model.
Future revival under Ram: There are reports that a mid-size pickup truck, which may revive the Dakota name, is being developed by Stellantis, but it will be released under the Ram brand, not Dodge.
Not a 2025 model: The new truck is expected to be a 2026 or 2027 model year vehicle, with production potentially starting in late 2025 or early 2026.
Pricing and features unknown: Official pricing and specifications for the future Ram truck have not been announced.

Is Dodge making a 2026 Dakota?

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.

When was the last Ram Dakota made?

Ram (formerly Dodge) stopped making the Dakota after the 2011 model year. The brand has since confirmed that the Dakota nameplate is being revived for a new mid-size truck, with a 2026 model expected to be released in late 2025 or early 2026.

Discontinuation: The Dakota was discontinued after the 2011 model year due to declining sales.
Revival: A new Ram Dakota is planned to return to the market.
Expected Launch: The new model is expected to be released in late 2025 or early 2026.

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.