After years of speculation and rumors, Ram’s Hilux and Ranger long-awaited mid-size pickup truck, designed to rival the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger, is officially set to debut globally in 2027. This announcement brings excitement to truck enthusiasts and marks the long-overdue return of a successor to the Dakota, which was discontinued in 2011.
Ram’s Hilux and Ranger New Chapter for Belvidere Plant
The new truck will be manufactured at the Belvidere Plant in Illinois, a facility that has faced significant challenges over the years. Formerly producing the Jeep Cherokee until operations ceased in March 2021, the plant’s closure left over 1,300 workers without jobs.
In November, former Ram CEO Chris Feuell hinted at the possibility of reviving the Belvidere Plant following agreements with the United Auto Workers (UAW). That vision is now becoming a reality. According to a leaked internal memo from Stellantis COO Antonio Filosa, the plant will reopen in 2027 to produce Ram’s new mid-size pickup. This confirmation aligns with earlier claims by former UAW Vice-President Rich Boyer, who revealed that a deal had been struck to support two production shifts at the facility.
Workers’ Victory
The UAW hailed the decision as a significant win for its members. In a statement released on January 22, the union said, “We are excited to announce that we have successfully moved Stellantis to Keep the Promise they made in our 2023 agreement to our union and our hardworking membership.”
The reopening of the Belvidere Plant is expected to create 1,500 jobs, surpassing the number of positions lost when Cherokee production ended. The UAW also credited Antonio Filosa’s leadership as instrumental in achieving this outcome.
What to Expect from the New Ram Pickup?
While Ram has not revealed the full details of its upcoming mid-size pickup, industry insiders and leaks have provided hints about its potential features. The new truck will reportedly be built on one of Stellantis’ modular platforms, such as STLA Medium or STLA Large, rather than the heavy-duty STLA Frame platform used for the Ram 1500.
The new Ram pickup truck is expected to feature a combination of petrol and hybrid powertrains. Earlier rumors of an all-electric model seem less likely, at least for the initial release. Unlike the unibody Ram Rampage 1200 sold in Brazil or the Mexican-market Ram 1200 based on the Peugeot Landtrek/Fiat Titano, this will be a completely new development, designed from the ground up to cater to global markets.
Key Features at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Platform | Likely based on STLA Medium or STLA Large platforms |
| Powertrain Options | Petrol and hybrid options (all-electric unlikely for now) |
| Market Position | Competitor to Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger |
| Manufacturing Location | Belvidere Plant, Illinois, USA |
| Job Impact | Rehiring 1,500 workers at the plant |
| Launch Year | 2027 |
| Design | Ground-up development, distinct from existing unibody models |
A Strategic Move
The addition of a mid-size pickup truck to Ram’s lineup represents a strategic effort to expand its global market presence. The Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger dominate this segment, and Ram’s entry is poised to shake up the competition with a fresh, innovative product.
The decision to manufacture the truck at the Belvidere Plant also reflects Stellantis’ commitment to revitalizing its U.S. operations and investing in local communities. With the facility celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, its reopening in 2027 will not only breathe new life into the region but also reaffirm Ram’s commitment to the mid-size truck segment.
Looking Ahead
Although production is still two years away, anticipation for Ram’s mid-size pickup is building. Further details about the Ram pickup truck’s specifications, pricing, and performance are expected to emerge later this year. With its global debut set for 2027, the new Ram pickup is already being hailed as a game-changer in the fiercely competitive mid-size truck market. As workers return to the Belvidere Plant and Ram prepares to challenge the industry’s giants, the stage is set for an exciting chapter in the brand’s history. For now, all eyes are on Ram as it gears up to deliver a worthy contender in the highly sought-after Ram pickup category.
Related article: Ranger vs Hilux vs D-Max: Which One Is Your Fighter?
