Ram is officially back in the game with a mid-size pickup truck in development—one that promises to be more affordable than the full-size Ram 1500. But before you start saving for a down payment, here’s the catch: you won’t be able to buy it any time soon. While the move makes sense for Ram’s long-term strategy, this new mid-size truck is still years away from showrooms.
Let’s break down what we know about this upcoming truck, how it compares to the current Ram 1500, and what it could mean for buyers looking for a budget-friendly pickup.
The Need for a New Ram Pickup Truck
Ram 1500 Is Getting Pricey
With the discontinuation of the Ram 1500 Classic in 2024, the brand lost its most affordable full-size pickup option. Today, the entry-level Ram 1500 starts around $40,000, which puts it out of reach for many consumers who simply want a reliable truck without premium features or massive towing capacity.
Ram executives have acknowledged this issue. The gap between budget buyers and the starting price of the 1500 is too wide—and the solution, according to Ram, is a new mid-size truck that can fill that space.
Ram’s CEO Wants It Badly
At a recent auto show, Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis expressed his strong desire for a mid-size model, saying outright, “I want a mid-size truck so bad.” That’s not just wishful thinking—it’s a signal that the company recognizes the market demand and is actively working to deliver.
What We Know So Far
Production Timeline
Ram has confirmed that a mid-size pickup is in the works and is targeting production in 2027. The truck will be manufactured at the Belvidere Assembly Plant in Illinois, a facility that previously went idle but will now be revived for this project. This move also brings back hundreds of union jobs, reinforcing the company’s commitment to U.S. manufacturing.
Platform & Design Approach
Earlier speculation suggested Ram might go for a unibody design to lower costs and compete with crossover-style pickups. However, the most recent updates confirm the truck will use traditional body-on-frame construction—just like the larger Ram 1500. This ensures a rugged design with better off-road and towing capabilities, aligning with what truck buyers typically expect.
Powertrain Options
Ram is developing this new pickup as part of a broader multi-energy strategy. This means the truck could launch with:
- A gas-powered internal combustion engine (ICE)
- A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) version
- A fully electric battery-powered model (BEV)
This variety will make it competitive across different customer segments and futureproof the truck in an increasingly electrified auto market.
Comparison: Mid‑Size Ram Truck vs. Ram 1500
Here’s how the upcoming mid-size truck is expected to compare with the current Ram 1500 lineup:
| Feature | Upcoming Mid‑Size Ram Truck | Current Ram 1500 |
|---|---|---|
| Production Start | 2027 | Currently available |
| Target Model Year | 2028 | 2025 |
| Factory Location | Belvidere, Illinois | Multiple U.S. plants |
| Chassis Type | Body-on-frame | Body-on-frame |
| Drive Options | ICE, PHEV, BEV | Mostly ICE, some hybrid variants |
| Estimated Starting Price | Low $30,000s | Starts around $40,000 |
| Cab Style (Expected) | Four-door crew cab | Multiple options |
| Segment | Mid-size pickup | Full-size pickup |
Why This Matters for the Market
More Affordable Options
The U.S. truck market has seen rising prices for years. With compact and mid-size pickups now starting well above $35,000 in many cases, Ram’s plan to introduce a model in the low-$30,000 range could appeal to price-sensitive buyers who don’t need a full-size workhorse.
This move helps Ram compete not only with traditional rivals like Ford and Chevrolet but also newer offerings from brands like Hyundai and Honda, which have made progress in the compact truck space.
A Return to a Forgotten Segment
Ram hasn’t had a mid-size truck since the Dodge Dakota was discontinued in 2011. While competitors like the Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma have dominated this segment, Ram’s absence has been notable.
This new truck could effectively serve as a spiritual successor to the Dakota, offering capability, affordability, and modern features in a slightly smaller package.
Electrification on the Horizon
With multiple powertrain configurations, Ram is positioning this mid-size pickup to appeal to a broad audience. It may launch with traditional gas engines, but electrified options—especially a plug-in hybrid—could follow shortly after, catering to environmentally conscious buyers without sacrificing utility.
What the Truck May Look Like
While there are no official images yet, industry insiders expect the new mid-size truck to borrow heavily from the Ram 1500’s design language. Expect:
- A bold front grille
- Modern LED lighting
- A high ground clearance for off-road variants
- A spacious, tech-friendly cabin similar to Ram’s higher trims
The interior could also include popular features like a large infotainment touchscreen, digital instrument clusters, and wireless connectivity options. That said, the base trims will likely be more spartan to keep pricing low.
Ram’s Bigger Plan: Electrification and Versatility
Ram isn’t just building this mid-size pickup as a one-off project. It’s part of a much larger strategy that includes:
- Ram 1500 REV – An all-electric version of the full-size 1500, delayed to 2027
- Ramcharger – A plug-in hybrid model of the 1500 with an onboard gas-powered generator to extend range
- STLA Platforms – Stellantis (Ram’s parent company) is developing multiple vehicle platforms (like STLA Frame) to support gas, hybrid, and electric options
All of these efforts indicate a major shift in Ram’s design and production strategy. The mid-size truck will benefit from this transition, using newer architectures that allow for both traditional and electric configurations.
Who Should Be Paying Attention?
This upcoming Ram truck will likely appeal to:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers – Those priced out of today’s full-size pickups
- New Truck Owners – Drivers transitioning from sedans or crossovers who want the utility of a truck without a giant footprint
- Fleet Buyers – Businesses needing a capable work truck that’s more affordable and easier to maneuver
- EV-Curious Customers – Buyers who want electric capability but still need a rugged, reliable vehicle
When Will It Be Available?
While it’s exciting to see Ram re-enter the mid-size market, don’t expect this truck to arrive before the 2028 model year. Even though production is set to begin in 2027, mass availability at dealerships will likely lag until later that year or early 2028.
This timeline puts the truck several years away from customer hands, so while you can start getting excited, don’t expect to test drive one anytime soon.
Potential Challenges for Ram
Even with all the excitement, Ram faces some challenges:
- Crowded Market – The mid-size segment is highly competitive with well-established models like the Ford Ranger, Toyota Tacoma, Chevy Colorado, and Nissan Frontier.
- Launch Timing – Delays are common in the auto industry. Pushing production to 2027 means competitors have time to improve or refresh their offerings.
- Affordability Target – Starting in the low $30,000s sounds good, but that’s only if Ram can hold the line on pricing. Rising material and labor costs could drive prices higher.
Final Thoughts
Ram’s decision to develop a mid-size pickup truck makes perfect sense. The brand has a loyal following, but many buyers have been left behind by rising truck prices and the removal of affordable options like the 1500 Classic. By introducing a more budget-friendly, flexible mid-size model, Ram is poised to reenter a segment it’s been absent from for over a decade.
But here’s the bottom line: you can’t buy it yet. The truck won’t roll off the production line until 2027, and it won’t hit dealer lots until 2028. Still, this is great news for future truck buyers who want affordability, versatility, and possibly electrification—all wrapped in a rugged Ram package.
Stay tuned. The mid-size truck market is about to get a lot more interesting.