The 2027 Ram Dakota revives the nameplate as a midsize pickup for South America, built in Argentina with a 200-hp 2.2L turbodiesel, 8-speed and 4x4 low range.
2025-10-19T23:17:00+03:00
2025-10-19T23:17:00+03:00
2025-10-19T23:17:00+03:00
Ram broadens its lineup and revives the Dakota nameplate for the midsize pickup segment. The new 2027 model is aimed at South American markets and positioned as a more compact alternative to the Ram 1500 while keeping the same tough, square-shouldered look. Production is already underway at Stellantis’s plant in Argentina, with sales starting in November and a Brazilian launch to follow. The move hints at clear room beneath the 1500 for a capable work-and-leisure truck in the region.The Dakota’s design stays true to the larger Rams: a big grille, a muscular hood, and fully LED lighting. The Warlock version leans into off-road duty with matte wheels, all-terrain tires, and an Rambar-style sport bar. Inside, twin displays, advanced infotainment, and a suite of driver aids bring the cabin up to modern expectations—features that have quickly become standard fare even among 2025-bound work trucks. The interior reads more lifestyle than bare-bones, which should broaden its appeal.Under the hood sits a 2.2-liter turbodiesel rated at 200 hp, paired with an eight-speed automatic and a part-time 4x4 system with low range. This setup points to serious use: high payload and strong pulling power position the truck to go head-to-head with the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger. The inclusion of low range suggests capability hasn’t been an afterthought.For North America, Ram is preparing a different model—a dedicated body-on-frame pickup to be built in Ohio and slated for around 2028, with the Tacoma and Ranger clearly in its sights on home soil. That split underscores a tailored strategy by market.The Dakota’s return lands at the right time, with demand for midsize pickups climbing. If Ram holds the line on pricing, the truck has every chance to climb back onto shortlists in its class.
2027 Ram Dakota, midsize pickup, South America, Argentina production, 2.2L turbodiesel 200 hp, 8-speed automatic, 4x4 low range, Warlock, Toyota Hilux rival, Ford Ranger rival, Brazil, Stellantis
2025
Michael Powers
news
2027 Ram Dakota returns as a tough midsize pickup for South America
The 2027 Ram Dakota revives the nameplate as a midsize pickup for South America, built in Argentina with a 200-hp 2.2L turbodiesel, 8-speed and 4x4 low range.
Michael Powers, Editor
Ram broadens its lineup and revives the Dakota nameplate for the midsize pickup segment. The new 2027 model is aimed at South American markets and positioned as a more compact alternative to the Ram 1500 while keeping the same tough, square-shouldered look. Production is already underway at Stellantis’s plant in Argentina, with sales starting in November and a Brazilian launch to follow. The move hints at clear room beneath the 1500 for a capable work-and-leisure truck in the region.
The Dakota’s design stays true to the larger Rams: a big grille, a muscular hood, and fully LED lighting. The Warlock version leans into off-road duty with matte wheels, all-terrain tires, and an Rambar-style sport bar. Inside, twin displays, advanced infotainment, and a suite of driver aids bring the cabin up to modern expectations—features that have quickly become standard fare even among 2025-bound work trucks. The interior reads more lifestyle than bare-bones, which should broaden its appeal.
Under the hood sits a 2.2-liter turbodiesel rated at 200 hp, paired with an eight-speed automatic and a part-time 4x4 system with low range. This setup points to serious use: high payload and strong pulling power position the truck to go head-to-head with the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger. The inclusion of low range suggests capability hasn’t been an afterthought.
For North America, Ram is preparing a different model—a dedicated body-on-frame pickup to be built in Ohio and slated for around 2028, with the Tacoma and Ranger clearly in its sights on home soil. That split underscores a tailored strategy by market.
The Dakota’s return lands at the right time, with demand for midsize pickups climbing. If Ram holds the line on pricing, the truck has every chance to climb back onto shortlists in its class.
