From Idle to Iconic: Ram Revives Mid-Size Pickup Lineup
After years of speculation, Ram has officially announced its reentry into the mid-size pickup truck market. Production of the highly anticipated truck is set to begin in 2027 at the Belvidere, Illinois, factory—a facility that has been idle since Jeep Cherokee production ended in February 2023. This move signifies Ram’s commitment to diversifying its lineup and leveraging Stellantis’ multi-energy strategy to offer internal combustion engine (ICE), plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and battery-electric (BEV) variants of the new model.
A Historic Comeback
The last time Ram’s parent company, Stellantis (then Fiat Chrysler), had a contender in the mid-size truck segment was with the Dodge Dakota, which was discontinued in 2011. The Dakota had a loyal following and a long production run, but its absence left Ram without representation in a segment that has since seen increased competition from models like the Ford Ranger, Toyota Tacoma, and Chevrolet Colorado.
Rumors of Ram’s return to this segment have been circulating for years. In 2023, dealerships reportedly previewed an electric mid-size truck concept. Around the same time, the gas-powered Ram Rampage, a truck sold in Brazil, was spotted testing on U.S. roads. Now, with production confirmed for 2027, Ram is poised to deliver a new competitor in the fiercely contested mid-size truck market.
Belvidere Factory Reopening
The new mid-size truck will be built at the Belvidere Assembly Plant, which has been shuttered since early 2023. This decision brings renewed hope to the region, as the plant’s reopening is expected to restore approximately 1,500 union jobs, according to the United Auto Workers (UAW). At its peak in 2019, the Belvidere facility employed around 5,000 workers, but staffing levels dwindled to 1,350 before it was idled.
Illinois Senator Dick Durbin took to social media to confirm the plant’s revitalization, aligning with Stellantis’ plans outlined in the 2023 Collective Bargaining Agreement. This agreement played a pivotal role in ending the high-profile UAW strike last year and included details about the company’s production roadmap. The Belvidere plant’s transformation into a hub for multi-energy vehicles marks a significant milestone for Stellantis and its ambitious electrification goals.
What We Know About the New Truck
While specific details about the truck remain under wraps, Ram has confirmed that the new mid-size model will adopt a mix of powertrains, including gas, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric options. This aligns with Stellantis’ broader strategy of offering diverse powertrain solutions to meet the needs of various customers and markets.
Industry insiders speculate that the truck will feature body-on-frame construction, likely utilizing a shortened version of Stellantis’ STLA Frame platform. This platform, designed for larger vehicles like the upcoming Ram 1500 REV and the plug-in hybrid Ramcharger, supports wheelbases ranging from 123.7 to 145.3 inches. This flexibility positions the new mid-sizer as a direct competitor to established models in the segment, such as the Ford Ranger, Toyota Tacoma, and Chevrolet Colorado.
A Look at the Competition
The mid-size truck market has seen a resurgence in recent years, with manufacturers introducing innovative designs and advanced technologies to capture consumer interest. Ford’s Ranger offers rugged off-road variants like the Ranger Raptor, while Toyota’s Tacoma remains a favorite among adventure enthusiasts. Chevrolet’s Colorado boasts a well-rounded lineup with strong performance options.
Ram’s new truck will need to carve out its own niche in this competitive field. By offering a range of powertrains, including electric and plug-in hybrid options, Ram has the potential to attract a wide spectrum of buyers, from traditionalists seeking reliable gas engines to environmentally conscious customers looking for zero-emission alternatives.
What’s Next?
As we approach the production start date in 2027, more details about Ram’s mid-size truck are expected to emerge. From its name to its capabilities and features, anticipation will only grow as Ram reestablishes itself in a market it once helped define.
For now, the confirmation of production at Belvidere signals a new chapter for Ram, its workforce, and the mid-size truck segment as a whole. With a focus on innovation, versatility, and sustainability, the new model is poised to make a significant impact in the years to come.
