by Thanos Pappas
- Ram has unveiled a new Dakota midsize pickup for South America.
- It is based on a Chinese ladder-frame chassis and has a diesel engine.
- Production has started in Argentina next to the Fiat Titano sibling.
Update: Stellantis has dropped the curtain on its new Dakota truck, releasing official photos and details that we’ve been waiting to see since the slow rollout of teasers began. We’ve gathered all the key information and updates in the full article below.
Ram is setting its sights on a bigger footprint in South America with a new midsize pickup that brings the Dakota name back to life. Following the reveal of the Dakota Nightfall concept, Stellantis has now shown the final production model headed for Argentina and Brazil.
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The truck keeps much of the concept’s DNA, but skips on the oversized wheels, lift kit, and off-road gear for a more production-ready look. It features LED lighting front and rear, a broad grille, and pronounced fenders that give it a muscular stance.
Top-Tier Warlock Trim
The launch model is the Warlock trim, which is expected to sit near the top of the range. Details include black badging, unique decals, 17-inch alloy wheels with diamond-cut edges, and a sports bar.
Despite the unique flourishes, the profile and greenhouse of the truck can’t hide the fact it shares the same underpinnings with the Fiat Titano, Peugeot Landtrek, and the lesser-known Ram 1200, all of which have Chinese origins. Even so, the Dakota will be positioned more upmarket.
This is evident from the interior, featuring soft-touch materials and a fancier digital cockpit compared to its siblings. The latter comprises a 7-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment display mounted on the same panel. Equipment will also include a wireless phone charger, six airbags, a multi-directional camera, and an ADAS suite.
Underneath, the Dakota rides on a ladder-frame chassis sourced from China, incorporating updates introduced last year on the domestic Changan Hunter. However, a plug-in hybrid system doesn’t appear to be on the cards.
Instead, power comes from a 2.2-liter Multijet turbodiesel producing 197 hp (200 PS) and 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) of torque. The mill is exclusively mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and a permanent four-wheel-drive system with low range, an electronically-activated rear differential lock, and four driving modes (Normal, Sport, Sand, and Snow).
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Size-wise, the Dakota stretches beyond the 5,028 mm (198-inch) length of the unibody Ram Rampage, aligning more closely with the 5,331 mm (209.9-inch) Fiat Titano. That places it in direct competition with regional fixtures like the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, Chevrolet S10, and Volkswagen Amarok.
Ram has confirmed a payload capacity of 1,020 kg (2,249 pounds), a cargo volume of 1,210 lt (42.7 cubic feet), and a towing capacity of up to 3,500 kg (7,716 pounds). The rear bed will be coated and offer LED lighting.
Production will take place at Stellantis’ Córdoba facility in Argentina following a R$2 billion (US$368 million) investment. The Argentine launch will come first, with Brazil set to follow in 2026. Pricing will be announced closer to market arrival.
Will America Get a Mid-size Ram?
Yes, but not this one. While this Dakota will most likely be confined with South American borders, Stellantis is also developing a different midsize pickup for the United States, due in 2027. That model will take on the Ford Ranger, Toyota Tacoma, and Chevrolet Colorado with a body-on-frame layout and gasoline engines.
