Ram is considering a Ranger-sized Dakota ute

“The biggest white space opportunity for our brand to grow, has been the midsize pickup"

Ram doesn’t offer a mid-size ute in the United States, but that could change if dealers show interest in a new vehicle.

It’s been 11 years since Ram offered the Dakota mid-size ute in North America. Reports in 2020 suggested that Ram had again trademarked the Dakota nameplate – it would make sense for a Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger rival to wear that badge.

“We're looking at it, believe me, I am. We'll see, but I am thinking about bringing it and giving our dealers a sneak peek,” Ram CEO, Mike Koval, told Automotive News.

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In the United States, full-size pick-up trucks are the most popular – with Ford’s F-150 the country’s best-selling vehicle. We’re seeing increased demand for full-size pick-ups in Australia with Ram 1500s converted to right-hand-drive in Melbourne.

Why would Ram make a one-tonne ute?

While Australia may be falling in love with full-sized trucks, one-tonne utes still outsell them significantly. In August 2022, Ford sold 4497 4X4 and 4X2 Rangers, while Ram shifted 499 1500s.

A new competitor in the mid-size segment from Ram therefore has more global prospects, as Koval pointed out to Automotive News.

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"We've always said we know that on a global basis, probably the biggest area, the biggest white space opportunity for our brand to grow, has been the mid-size pickup"

Australia isn’t the only market where mid-size utes are popular. It’s a significant segment in North America as well, where the Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger dominate.

Export markets for a mid-size ute are broader than a full-size truck, and include South American countries and South Africa. Even Europeans are starting to fall for the one-tonner.

What would a one-tonne Ram look like?

We can expect some of the Ram 1500's signature design details to feature, such as the crisp LED headlights and imposing grille.

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According to Randy Dye, chairman of the Stellantis United States dealer council, the one-tonne Ram won't 'just' be a shrunken 1500.

To work, it will need to be “a little more youthful version of our truck... Obviously, there's going to be some luxury associated with it. I think it's going to be more about being sporty and being youthful," Dye said to Automotive News.

A one-tonne Ram ute is still a long way from reality. But if dealer response in the United States is positive, it’s a vehicle that has plenty of Australian potential.