Does Dodge Make A Midsize Truck? | Ram Options By Size

No, Dodge does not sell a new midsize truck today; Ram sells full-size pickups and used Dakota models fill the midsize gap.

Truck shoppers often phrase the question as does dodge make a midsize truck?, because they remember older Dodge pickups and see Ram badging on dealer lots now. The naming change can feel confusing, especially if you have not followed the brand split over the past decade.

Dodge now concentrates on cars and SUVs, while Ram holds the truck line. At the moment there is no new Dodge-badged midsize pickup sitting beside rivals like the Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger, Chevrolet Colorado, or Nissan Frontier. Instead, Ram sells larger full-size models such as the Ram 1500, plus heavy-duty trucks for bigger towing jobs.

That answer is only part of the story though. Stellantis, the parent company behind Dodge and Ram, has confirmed a new Ram Dakota midsize pickup coming later this decade. This article walks through what that means for buyers right now, how midsize trucks differ from full-size options, and what to shop for if you want a smaller pickup that still feels like a Dodge truck in spirit.

Dodge And The Midsize Truck Question

If you walk into a Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram showroom and ask does dodge make a midsize truck?, a salesperson will usually point you toward Ram models. That is because Dodge stopped selling pickups when Ram spun off as a separate brand years ago, while older trucks still wear Dodge badges.

For new vehicles, Dodge does not offer any pickup at all, midsize or full-size. Every new truck on that shared showroom floor carries Ram branding. The smallest Ram pickup you can buy today in North America is still a full-size truck, the Ram 1500, which competes with the Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado.

The midsize slot once belonged to the Dodge Dakota. Production ended after the 2011 model year, leaving Ram without a smaller pickup for many seasons while rivals grew the segment with Tacoma, Ranger, Colorado, and Frontier nameplates. That gap explains why shoppers keep asking about a Dodge midsize truck and why the upcoming Ram Dakota announcement matters so much.

What Counts As A Midsize Truck?

Before you decide whether the lack of a Dodge midsize pickup is a dealbreaker, it helps to know what separates a midsize truck from a full-size one. Both ride on body-on-frame platforms, haul payload in an open bed, and tow trailers, yet their dimensions and daily feel differ in ways you will notice immediately.

Midsize pickups run shorter and narrower than full-size rivals. Beds typically measure around five feet long on crew cab versions, with some models offering a six-foot bed when paired with an extended cab. Curb weight sits below most half-ton trucks, which makes parking in cities easier and can improve fuel use when you are not towing heavy loads.

Truck Class	Typical Length	Common Examples
Compact	Around 210 inches	Ford Maverick, Hyundai Santa Cruz
Midsize	Around 215–225 inches	Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger, Chevy Colorado
Full-Size	Around 230–250 inches	Ram 1500, Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado

Those numbers shift a little from one brand to another, yet the pattern stays the same. Midsize trucks aim to balance bed space and towing with easier maneuvering and a smaller footprint on tight streets and in older garages. Full-size pickups stretch longer and wider to carry more gear and tow heavier trailers, which suits work sites and large campers better.

Ram Pickup Lineup And Size Classes

Since Dodge no longer handles trucks, the natural next question is what Ram offers today. In North America, the light-duty Ram 1500 competes in the core half-ton market, while Ram 2500 and 3500 heavy-duty models handle serious towing and payload needs. All of these trucks sit above midsize territory in size.

The Ram 1500 uses a range of gasoline and electrified powertrains, multiple cab styles, and several bed lengths. Buyers can choose trims that lean toward work duty, off-road use, or luxury comfort. Even in its shorter configurations, the 1500 still parks like a full-size truck and may feel big for drivers stepping out of a crossover or sedan.

Below that, Ram does not yet sell a compact or midsize pickup in the United States and Canada. Jeep, a sibling brand under the same corporate umbrella, fills part of that space with the Jeep Gladiator, a midsize pickup that shares much of its hardware with the Wrangler. Some shoppers cross-shop Ram 1500 models with the Gladiator when they want a smaller bed and off-road flavor inside the Stellantis family.

Dodge Midsize Truck Options On The Market

A new Dodge-badged midsize truck is not sitting on lots right now, yet drivers who want that flavor still have a few paths to follow. Each route has different tradeoffs in price, warranty backing, and driving feel.

The first option is the used market. Older Dodge Dakota trucks span several generations, with both rear-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive versions and a mix of V6 and V8 engines. These pickups give you the Dodge name on the tailgate and true midsize dimensions, though age means you will want a careful inspection for rust, suspension wear, and outdated safety tech.

The second option is to buy new within the Stellantis family, even if the badge reads Ram or Jeep instead of Dodge. A Ram 1500 in a shorter configuration may still fit your driveway and daily routes, especially if you mainly need bed space on weekends. A Jeep Gladiator offers midsize proportions plus open-air off-road character, which appeals to drivers who like the idea of a smaller truck with lifestyle flavor.

The third option is to shop rival midsize trucks while you wait for the coming Ram Dakota. Models such as the Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger, Chevrolet Colorado, and Nissan Frontier give you the size and capability you want today, with full factory warranties and the latest driver-assistance features. If the Dodge name matters less than the way the truck drives and fits your life, these rivals might solve your problem more quickly.

Choosing Between Midsize And Full-Size Trucks

Once you understand that Dodge does not sell a new midsize pickup today, the real choice becomes midsize versus full-size from whatever brand you pick. Both classes can haul lumber, tow a camper, or carry sports gear, yet day-to-day use can feel noticeably different.

Midsize pickups suit drivers who run shorter trips, park in narrow streets, visit older parking garages, or share driving duties with family members who feel nervous behind the wheel of a tall, wide truck. These trucks still tow small boats and light campers, yet they slide into spaces that might intimidate a half-ton model.

Full-size pickups suit drivers who tow heavier trailers, carry large slide-in campers, or fill the bed with building materials on a regular basis. The extra length and width add stability at highway speeds with a trailer attached and create more room inside the cab for passengers and gear. If you often drive on open highways or across rural routes, the size does not feel as awkward as it might in older downtown areas.

Buying Tips If You Want A Smaller Dodge-Style Truck

Shoppers who miss the old Dakota often want a truck that feels similar in size and character, even if the badge says Ram or carries another brand. A few practical steps can keep the search from dragging on.

• Measure Your Space — Check garage depth, driveway length, and tight turns near home so you know what overall length and width you can live with.
• List Your Real Jobs — Write down how often you tow, what you tow, and which loads you haul in the bed during a normal year.
• Test-Drive Both Sizes — Spend time in a midsize truck and a Ram 1500 on the same day, driving the same route, so the differences stay fresh in your mind.
• Compare Total Costs — Ask dealers for out-the-door pricing, estimated insurance, and fuel use to see how midsize and full-size options stack up over time.
• Think About Timing — Decide whether you truly need a truck this year or can wait for the upcoming Ram Dakota to arrive.

If you decide not to wait, a well-equipped midsize truck from Toyota, Ford, Chevrolet, or Nissan will meet your needs today and comes with a full warranty and tested hardware. If you decide to hold out for the Ram Dakota, keep an eye on official announcements and start planning which cab style, bed length, and powertrain best match your towing and hauling needs once order banks open.

Key Takeaways: Does Dodge Make A Midsize Truck?

➤ Dodge does not sell any new pickup trucks today.

➤ Ram handles trucks and offers only full-size models for now.

➤ The old Dodge Dakota remains a midsize option on used lots.

➤ A new Ram Dakota midsize pickup is officially on the way.

➤ Rivals like Tacoma and Ranger fill the gap for new buyers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Did Dodge Stop Building The Dakota Midsize Truck?

Dodge ended Dakota production after the 2011 model year as buyers shifted toward larger half-ton pickups and fuel prices moved around. The brand also restructured its lineup when Ram split off as a separate truck division.

That change left Stellantis without a midsize pickup in North America for many years, even while rivals refreshed their smaller trucks with new engines and safety gear.

Is The Jeep Gladiator A Good Stand-In For A Dodge Midsize Truck?

The Jeep Gladiator uses midsize dimensions, body-on-frame construction, and a five-foot bed on most trims, so it fills much of the same role the Dakota once held. It brings strong off-road hardware and a removable top instead of a traditional closed cab roof.

Buyers who like weekend trails, open-air driving, and a smaller footprint than a half-ton truck often find the Gladiator a good fit, even if it wears Jeep badges instead of Dodge or Ram.

Should I Wait For The New Ram Dakota Or Buy A Midsize Truck Now?

If your current vehicle runs well and your towing or hauling needs are modest, waiting for the new Ram Dakota can make sense, since it will offer fresh design and modern driver-assistance features out of the box.

If you need a truck soon for work or family duties, a midsize pickup from Toyota, Ford, Chevrolet, or Nissan will meet your needs today and comes with a full warranty and tested hardware.

How Does A Midsize Truck Drive Compared With A Ram 1500?

Midsize trucks generally feel more agile in city traffic, need less room for U-turns, and are easier to park in older garages or tight store lots. Ride quality can feel firmer, especially on rough pavement, since these trucks weigh less.

A Ram 1500 supplies more cabin space, a smoother ride on the highway, and stronger towing numbers, at the cost of a larger footprint and higher purchase price in many trims.

What Should I Inspect When Shopping For A Used Dodge Dakota?

On a used Dodge Dakota, walk around the truck and look for rust on the frame, bed, and lower doors. During the test drive, pay attention to steering play, brake response, and any clunks from the suspension over bumps.

Ask a trusted technician to check for fluid leaks, worn bushings, and outdated tires, since those items affect safety and can add repair costs right after purchase.

Wrapping It Up – Does Dodge Make A Midsize Truck?

Right now, the direct answer is no: Dodge does not build a new midsize pickup, and Ram fills only the full-size and heavy-duty truck slots on dealer lots. That gap leaves shoppers weighing used Dodge Dakotas, new Ram 1500 models, Jeep Gladiators, and rival midsize pickups from other brands.

The picture will change once the Ram Dakota returns to showrooms, giving Stellantis a true midsize entry again. Until then, a clear view of your parking space, towing plans, and budget will tell you whether a current midsize model, a full-size Ram, or a well-kept used Dakota makes the most sense for your truck life.