2027 Ram Dakota Won't Be A Jeep Gladiator Twin After All
Although Ram already sells a Dakota-badged pickup in South America, the upcoming U.S.-market truck will be a completely different vehicle. According to new information, the U.S. market truck won’t share the Jeep Gladiator’s architecture as many expected.
Key Points
- Ram’s upcoming midsize pickup will ride on a unique body-on-frame platform developed specifically for the brand, rather than sharing the Jeep Gladiator’s architecture.
- Stellantis will build the truck at the Toledo North Assembly Plant in Ohio, with pilot production scheduled for March 2027 and a full launch expected for the 2028 model year.
- The project includes a $400 million investment to support up to 100,000 annual units and 900 new jobs, positioning the truck as a new competitor to the Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger.
Stellantis plans to develop a unique body-on-frame platform that should deliver both towing and hauling capability blended with a refined on-road character. Before everyone jumped on the Dakota-is-a-Gladiator bandwagon, it was widely expected that the new truck would use a version of the STLA Frame platform. This is still the most likely outcome. Stellantis really doesn't need two modern midsize trucks with solid axles.
Of course, this could point to the eventual migration of the Wrangler and Gladiator onto the STLA Frame platform, by the time the Dakota enters production in 2028, the JL Wrangler will be a decade old—all of this is mere speculation at this point.
According to Mopar Insiders, Dakota production will take place at Stellantis’ Toledo North Assembly Plant in Ohio, which currently builds the Jeep Wrangler—not the South Plant that churns out Gladiators. Ram's new truck will enter pilot production in March 2027, with full-scale manufacturing expected to ramp for the 2028 model year.
Stellantis expects to build up to 100,000 trucks a year, supported by the addition of a third shift and the recall of laid-off workers, potentially creating more than 900 new jobs.
The project is part of a $13 billion U.S. investment initiative by Stellantis—$400 million of which is earmarked for the new midsize truck program.
While official specifications remain under wraps, industry expectations point toward both gasoline and electrified powertrains, likely including the automaker's new Hurricane 4-cylinder turbocharged engine.
A 2027 debut would position it against updated rivals like the Tacoma, Ranger, and Nissan Frontier, offering buyers another American-built option likely starting around $30,000.
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An experienced automotive storyteller and accomplished photographer known for engaging and insightful content. Michael also brings a wealth of technical knowledge—he was part of the Ford GT program at Multimatic, oversaw a fleet of Audi TCR race cars, ziptied Lamborghini Super Trofeo cars back together, been over the wall during the Rolex 24, and worked in the intense world of IndyCar.
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Wow, leave it to stellantis to design a truck on 2025 standards only to be on the roads a few 2 years later.
Hey maybe they can put in a Battery Electric drivetrain since that is all the rage.