Ram Seriously Wants A Midsize Truck
Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis dropped a significant hint at the Detroit Auto Show about the long-rumored return of a midsize truck to the brand’s lineup.
It's no secret Ram has been grappling with production issues with its bread-and-butter 1500 lineup—among other marketability problems. Comments to Road & Track during the 2025 Detroit Auto Show suggest the brand is looking to diversify its lower-cost offerings, which currently lack a midsize option.
“We’re a truck brand, and we don’t have a compact or a midsize truck,” Kuniskis said. “It’s kinda disingenuous to call me a truck brand, isn’t it? I need a midsize truck for sure. I’m not telling you I’m going to have it in six months, but I desperately want it, and there is a market for it.”
The midsize truck segment has long been lucrative for competitors like Toyota, Ford, and GM. The Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger, and Chevy Colorado have been strong performers in the U.S. market, with Toyota selling over 200,000 Tacomas annually and Ford achieving similar numbers with the Ranger and Maverick combined. GM's midsize offerings account for around 140,000 sales annually.
“There’s a clear, obvious market there that I want to go after,” Kuniskis elaborated. Ram hasn’t had a presence in the midsize truck segment since the discontinuation of the Dodge Dakota in 2011.
The re-introduction of a midsize truck could be a game-changer for Ram, allowing the brand to capture new customers and compete in a segment it hasn't had a presence in for nearly 15 years.
In the immediate term, Ram needs to shore up its 1500 production and ensure that dealers can meet customer demand. In all honestly, Ram is more likely to announce the Hemi's return to the 1500 before a proper midsize truck.
Become an AutoGuide insider. Get the latest from the automotive world first by subscribing to our newsletter here.
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.
More by Michael Accardi
Comments
Join the conversation
Still no sale. I, and many of my friends, want a small truck, like the 1979 Toyota Tacoma or the 1994 Mitsubishi Mighty Max I once owned. Why is automotive management so out of touch (or so greedy)?
Something like they already have in the Ram Rampage already on sale. Beef it up to meet US standards if not already and sell it here.