Ram’s Midsize Pickup Due In 2027 Coming With Body-On-Frame Platform

Ram hasn’t had a midsize pickup truck since the demise of the Dakota (originally a Dodge Dakota) early last decade. Since then, Chevrolet, Ford, Nissan, and Toyota have all enjoyed major success with their respective midsize pickup offerings. Heck, even fellow Stellantis brand Jeep has a midsizer in the form of the Gladiator.

Instead, Ram chose to meet demand for a more affordable truck with its full-size 1500 Classic, essentially the previous-generation 1500 which was sold alongside the new model. However, with the 1500 Classic bowing out last year, Ram is finally ready to bring its own midsize pickup to the market. Ram confirmed that the new pickup will start production in 2027 at the idled assembly plant in Belvidere, Illinois, and now we have some tentative details on what to expect.

Ram Readying A Proper Work Truck

Citing anonymous sources, the MoparInsiders reported this week that Ram’s midsize pickup truck will ride on a body-on-frame platform, just like the Gladiator, which should make it a proper workhorse like the segment-leading Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma. This contradicts earlier speculation that Ram would use the unibody STLA Large platform, found in models like the Dodge Charger Daytona and Jeep Wagoneer S. That platform would have made it easier to offer an electric version, which Ram was still considering in 2023 when it showed dealers an electric midsize pickup concept.

The move to a body-on-frame platform is generally more durable and better suited for tasks like towing, hauling, and off-roading – key priorities for many truck buyers. Unlike unibody designs featured in the Honda Ridgeline and Ford Maverick, it delivers greater structural strength and easier customization, making it ideal for work and rugged use.

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Body-on-frame platforms can still support EV powertrains, should Ram choose to go that route, though a hybrid option in the new pickup is more likely at this point. Demand for EVs – particularly in the US where Ram primarily operates – isn’t growing as quickly as automakers had predicted, while demand for hybrids is growing at a strong pace.

Crew Cab Only For Now

According to MoparInsiders, buyers will only be able to order a four-door crew cab body, which will likely disappoint fans looking for a barebones regular cab option. There is no word yet on whether different bed sizes will be offered.

There’s also no word on pricing, but something close to $33,000 – where rivals like the Ranger and Tacoma start – is likely. This would provide a decent buffer with the 1500, which starts at about $40,000.

Lifestyle versions could easily creep past the $50,000 mark. We could imagine Ram offering a version aimed at off-roaders, and a high-performance off-roader like the former 1500 TRX – or possibly even a street truck – are likely, especially now that Stellantis has revived its former SRT division. The division is being headed by Tim Kuniskis, who is also Ram’s CEO and the father of the Hellcat series.

Sources: MoparInsiders