Ram's New Midsize Truck to Prioritize Capability and Value

Daily Car

·

06/02/2026

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Ram has confirmed development of a new midsize pickup truck for the North American market, designed to enter the segment with a focus on capability and an accessible price point. Company statements indicate a target starting price in the mid-$30,000 range, positioning the vehicle to compete for volume sales.

The upcoming model is intended to fill a void left by the discontinuation of the budget-oriented Ram 1500 Classic and challenge established leaders like the Toyota Tacoma. According to Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis, the truck must be a “credible” and “proper truck” to succeed.

A True Truck Foundation

A core element of the new truck's strategy is its construction. It will be built using a body-on-frame design, a traditional method for pickups where the body is mounted onto a separate, rigid steel frame. This architecture is known for providing superior strength for towing and hauling heavy payloads compared to unibody construction, where the body and frame are a single unit, a design common in cars and SUVs like the Hyundai Santa Cruz. This choice underscores Ram's commitment to delivering the high levels of capability that truck buyers expect.

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Modern Powertrain Strategy

Regarding the powertrain, Ram has confirmed that a V8 engine will not be an option for the new midsize model. This decision reflects a broader industry trend of moving away from large-displacement engines in smaller vehicle classes. Instead, the company is strongly considering a hybrid powertrain. A hybrid system combines a gasoline engine with an electric motor, offering a balance of power, torque, and improved fuel efficiency, which Kuniskis referred to as a “sweet spot in the industry.”

The new truck, with production planned to begin in 2028, is being engineered to offer a smaller, more accessible package without disconnecting from the brand's reputation for strength. It represents a strategic move to blend traditional truck utility with modern powertrain efficiency in a highly competitive market segment.

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