Mid-size pickups have been gaining popularity since the discontinuation of the Dodge/Ram Dakota in 2011. Stellantis, however, has been missing out on the fun. Finally, Ram is working on a new mid-sizer, confirming that production will start in 2028 as part of a $13 billion investment in the US.
The pickup will be built in Toledo, Ohio, where Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator are currently produced. This indicates that the new pickup will likely use a body-on-frame construction, distinguishing it from lifestyle-oriented unibody models like the Honda Ridgeline or Hyundai Santa Cruz.
Ram is setting its sights on the heart of the segment – Ford Ranger, Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon, and Toyota Tacoma. Initially, the automaker planned to produce this mid-size pickup at the recently closed Belvidere, Illinois plant.
Instead, Stellantis will reopen the facility in 2027 to manufacture the new Jeep Cherokee and Compass, which were not originally confirmed for the US. Additionally, Stellantis announced today that they will build a large internal combustion engine SUV with a wider range in Warren, Michigan, and will start building the new Durango in Detroit in 2029.
“This investment in the US – the largest in the company’s history – will drive our growth, strengthen our manufacturing footprint, and bring more American jobs to the states we call home,” said Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa in a statement. “As we kick off the next 100 years, we put customers at the center of our strategy, expanding our vehicle offerings, and giving them the freedom to choose the products they want and prefer.”
All of this is part of Filosa’s plan to correct past mistakes at Stellantis. Under his predecessor, Carlos Tavares, the company canceled customer-favorite V-8 models, launched unpopular electric vehicles, and failed to elevate Jeep to the top tier. Filosa seems to be making all the right moves, with the re-introduction of the Ram 1500 V-8 and the upcoming Cherokee and Compass being the right and swift steps.
However, the fact that the mid-size pickup won’t arrive until 2028 and the new Durango even later only shows how far behind the company is. There’s still a long road ahead.
