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Pickup truck market is buzzing with new announcement for Brazil. The RAM Dakota pickup truck could be about to be launched to compete with models like the Hilux and Ranger.
The RAM Dakota pickup marked a generation, being a true icon of desire among Brazilians during the 1990s and 2000s. With its robust design, impressive power and off-road capability, it rivaled big names in the pickup market, such as the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger and Chevrolet S10, consolidating itself as a benchmark in performance and durability. However, its prolonged absence left a gap for fans of this segment, especially those who value the combination of American style and strength.
Now, rumors and expectations indicate that the new version of the RAM Dakota may be about to return to Brazilian dealerships, bringing with it the promise of modern technology, superior performance and innovative features.
Could the new RAM Dakota pickup truck arrive on the national market soon?
Produced in Campo Largo from 1998 onwards, the Brazilian pickup truck was based on the North American model and, among the options, offered a naturally aspirated 8 Magnum V5.2 engine, imported from the United States, with 232 horsepower and 41,6 kgfm.
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However, production of the RAM Dakota pickup truck in Brazil was discontinued in 2001, when Chrysler ceased its operations in the country. Despite this, there are rumors that a new RAM pickup truck will arrive to fill this market gap and compete with the Hilux and Ranger.
Although a timeline was not specified, Chris Fewell, CEO of Ram, said that a new mid-size pickup truck will be launched in the pickup market. Apparently, according to preliminary information, it will be built on the STLA Frame platform, competing directly in the future with Hilux and Ranger.
The new RAM Dakota midsize pickup could adopt the STLA Large architecture, shared with the Wagoneer S and Charger Daytona, or it could be a smaller utility vehicle, based on the STLA Medium platform.
When will the new pickup truck be announced?
Among the attributes designed to win over consumers are performance and affordability. While North America is the primary market, the new RAM Dakota midsize pickup will be offered globally.
According to the brand, the objective is not to be a niche model, but rather a utility vehicle capable of boosting sales, including internal combustion, hybrid and purely electric engine options.
The name Dakota for RAM's new pickup truck has not yet been officially announced, and it may be some time before we see a completed concept from the manufacturer. New details of the Hilux and Ranger rival will be released over the next year.
Apparently, the new pickup will be produced at the factory stellantis in Belvidere, Illinois (USA), as part of an agreement reached with the local union after the Jeep Cherokee was discontinued. The union itself (UAW) confirmed the information at the end of last year, announcing that the plant will resume operations from 2027 with the arrival of a new model.
History of the RAM Dakota pickup truck
The Dakota made its debut in the U.S. pickup truck market in 1987, when the first generation was launched. At the time, mid-size pickups were gaining popularity, and the Dakota entered the market with a bold design and versatile proposition. The model offered single, extended, and crew cab options, meeting the demands of a variety of drivers.
A defining feature of the RAM Dakota pickup truck was the variety of available engines. Consumers could choose from 4-cylinder gasoline or turbo diesel engines, gasoline V6s, and even gasoline V8s. This provided a wide range of performance and efficiency options to suit individual preferences.
In Brazil, the model began its history in 1998, when Chrysler decided to invest in its model line after the success of the Jeep Grand Cherokee in 1994. Dakota arrived on the Brazilian market with a bold proposal and breaking sales records.
It would be great to further improve competition and lower the very high prices of current brands on the market at the moment.
This pickup truck is top notch