Ram is gearing up to expand its presence in South America with the revival of a familiar nameplate — the Dakota. After revealing the Dakota Nightfall Concept, Stellantis has now shared the first teaser images of the upcoming production version, which will soon hit markets in Argentina and Brazil. This new midsize pickup marks the return of a name that once carried significant weight in Ram’s lineup, and it aims to blend rugged styling with modern practicality to appeal to regional buyers.
While the concept truck showcased an aggressive, off-road-ready appearance, the production Dakota tones things down for real-world use. Gone are the massive wheels, lifted suspension, and heavy-duty accessories. Instead, the pickup adopts a cleaner, more production-friendly look while retaining the bold and muscular proportions that define the Ram design language. The LED headlights and taillights, a wide front grille, and sculpted fenders emphasize its strong stance. Among the teasers, one image highlights a Warlock variant, expected to sit near the top of the range. This trim features black badging, unique decals, dark alloy wheels, and a sports bar, hinting at its adventurous character.
Despite its distinctive Ram styling, the new Dakota shares its underpinnings with several models from within the Stellantis family — the Fiat Titano, Peugeot Landtrek, and the lesser-known Ram 1200, all of which trace their origins to Chinese platforms. However, Ram plans to position the Dakota higher on the market, differentiating it through superior materials, craftsmanship, and technology. Interior images reveal a more premium layout than its siblings, with upgraded materials, a digital instrument cluster, and a modern infotainment interface, making it more appealing to buyers seeking refinement alongside utility.
In terms of size, the Dakota is expected to measure longer than the unibody Ram Rampage (5,028 mm), aligning more closely with the Fiat Titano’s 5,331 mm length. This puts it squarely against regional rivals like the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, Chevrolet S10, and Volkswagen Amarok — a fiercely competitive segment in South America.
Under the hood, the new Dakota will likely forgo hybrid or electric options for now. Instead, power is anticipated to come from a 2.2-liter turbodiesel engine producing around 197 horsepower and 450 Nm of torque. This engine will be paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a full-time four-wheel-drive system in higher trims. The truck will ride on a ladder-frame chassis derived from China’s Changan Hunter, but with updates introduced last year to improve performance and durability.
Production is slated to take place at Stellantis’ Córdoba plant in Argentina, with local sales expected to begin soon, followed by a Brazilian launch in 2026. Ram has stated that additional information will be released in the coming months as the launch approaches. Though this version of the Dakota will remain exclusive to South America, Stellantis has confirmed that a separate midsize pickup is being developed for the U.S. market, scheduled for 2027. That truck will feature a body-on-frame platform and gasoline powertrains, positioning it to rival established American favorites such as the Ford Ranger, Toyota Tacoma, and Chevrolet Colorado.