Upcoming Ford Ranger challenger from Ram confirmed

Ram is preparing to make a big comeback in the mid-size ute market, according to the latest reports. Based on media interactions from Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa at the Kepler Cheuvreux Autumn Conference, a brand-new model is officially on the way for 2027. This new Ram ute will be aimed directly at the Ford Ranger in North America. Given Australia’s love for dual-cab utes of that size, this new Ram offering is almost sure to arrive here as well.

Back in the smaller ute game

It’s been more than a decade since Ram had a model in this segment. The last model, the Dakota, was discontinued in 2011 after three generations. Since then, Ram has focused on its full-size pickups like the 1500, which have become popular worldwide, including in Australia through local conversions.

But the upcoming 2027 model signals a proper return to the high-volume mid-size ute class, where the Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux and Isuzu D-Max dominate sales in global markets.

What can you expect?

Details are still under wraps, but reports from the US suggest a ute is being engineered with serious global appeal.

Key expectations include:

• Body-on-frame construction – making it a true competitor to the Ranger and HiLux.
• Powertrain options that could include:
  • Ram’s Hurricane 3.0-litre twin-turbo petrol six-cylinder
  • A diesel option may also be considered to cater to markets like Australia, where diesel utes remain the top choice.
• Production in Illinois, USA, with global export in mind.
• A chance at right-hand drive – something Australian buyers will be watching closely.

If these predictions hold, Ram’s ute could enter the market with a strong mix of performance and practicality.

Name still a mystery

What Ram will call this new ute is still up in the air. The Dakota nameplate is the obvious candidate, having served the brand for years before its retirement. However, Ram has also used the Dakota badge on a Latin American concept recently, meaning the new US-built ute could debut under a different name altogether.

Why it matters for Australia

The dual-cab ute is Australia’s favourite vehicle type, with models like the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux consistently topping the sales charts. If Ram confirms right-hand drive for the new mid-size ute, it could:

• Give Australians a fresh alternative to the established favourites.
• Allow Ram to expand its presence locally beyond the full-size 1500.

Shake up the competition in a market segment that shows no signs of slowing down (see BYD Shark 6 and Kia Tasman).