Ram Aims to Challenge Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux

The Australian ute market could soon see a major shake-up, with Ram Trucks considering bringing a smaller, mid-size dual-cab ute to take on local heavyweights like the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux. Known tentatively as the Ram “Dakota,” this anticipated model could become a strong player in Australia’s hugely competitive dual-cab market, complementing Ram’s already successful full-size 1500 series.

Key Takeaways:

• Ram is actively pursuing a mid-size ute for the Australian market, dubbed “Dakota.”
• Official production approval is yet to be announced, but local enthusiasm from Ram Australia is strong.
• MRT is prepared and has extensive experience fitting Ram vehicles with its popular canopy packages, including the Tradesman Package and Explorer Package.

Australia’s Ute Market and the Ram Dakota Potential

Despite narrowly losing the US pickup crown to Chevrolet last year, Ram remains the preferred choice for Australian drivers seeking full-size dual-cabs. Now, the brand aims to replicate this success in the mid-size segment, which currently sees fierce competition between the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux.

Jeff Barber, General Manager of Ram Trucks Australia, recently shared his optimism with CarExpert at the 2025 Ram 1500 launch event, stating clearly: “We’ve always had our hand up for [a mid-size ute] and hope we’ll see it in the future. Would we love one? Absolutely. The market is huge, and a Ram-branded model would be fantastic.”

MRT Ready to Support Ram’s Expansion

At MRT, we’ve seen firsthand how Ram’s robust, practical vehicles resonate with our customers. We’ve already fitted many Ram vehicles, including numerous Ram 1500s, with our specialised canopy packages. Particularly popular have been our Tradesman Package, ideal for tradies looking for reliable and secure storage solutions, and our Explorer Package, designed specifically for off-road adventurers seeking the perfect combination of durability and functionality.

Should Ram introduce the Dakota to Australian shores, MRT will be prepared from day one with custom canopy options tailored specifically for its dimensions and the unique demands of Australian drivers.

The Road Ahead for the Ram Dakota

While excitement builds, it’s important to note that the Dakota hasn’t officially received the production green light. However, significant indicators suggest it’s moving closer to becoming a reality. In the past few years, Ram has hinted at various mid-size ute concepts, including an electric-powered vehicle previewed back in 2021. Ram’s former CEO, Mike Koval Jr, indicated that any global mid-size model would likely be produced in right-hand drive configurations, ideal for Australia.

Further encouraging news came recently with reports suggesting the Ram Dakota will be manufactured at Stellantis’ reopened Belvidere factory in Illinois, with production potentially commencing around 2027.

Ram’s global CEO, Tim Kuniskis, emphasised the strategic importance of adding a mid-size ute to their lineup, especially following the discontinuation of the affordable Ram 1500 Classic. With rising vehicle prices, Kuniskis sees an opportunity for Ram to capture a substantial share of this growing market segment.

Platform Possibilities and Specifications

Speculation remains around the exact architecture underpinning the Dakota, whether it will utilise a traditional ladder-frame construction or adopt the more modern monocoque design like the smaller Ram Rampage currently sold in Latin America.

The new ute is expected to offer multiple powertrain options, potentially including petrol, diesel, hybrid, and fully electric variants, reflecting Stellantis’ flexible STLA platforms capable of supporting diverse drivetrain configurations.

MRT’s Commitment to Ram Owners in Australia

At MRT, we remain committed to providing Australian drivers with premium canopy solutions tailored specifically for their utes. As the Ram Dakota moves closer to reality, our engineers are already preparing designs to ensure owners can immediately benefit from MRT’s signature quality, reliability, and innovative storage solutions.

In the meantime, owners of existing Ram models can confidently enhance their vehicles with our industry-leading Explorer and Tradesman packages, proven in rugged Australian conditions and beloved by tradespeople and adventurers alike.

Keep an eye on our blog for updates about the Ram Dakota and its future availability in Australia—and rest assured, MRT will be ready to outfit your Ram ute as soon as it hits our shores.