These days, the 2020 Dodge Dakota is something you can find in many reports. There are several reasons why there are so many news about this model and there is no doubt that the biggest reason is that a mid-size truck from FCA has been confirmed for the near future. Given the fact that bringing back familiar nameplates from the past is quite popular these days, the 2020 Dodge Dakota makes a perfect sense.
However, keep in mind that the familiar nameplate hasn’t been officially confirmed yet. Moreover, there is a big chance that it will come under Ram’s badge. For now, we will stick with Dodge.
We have big expectations from the new 2020 Dodge Dakota. Mid-size trucks are popular once again and if we consider that both Chevy and Ford have their representators in the segment, all this sounds natural. Of course, FCA already has Jeep Gladiator in the offer, but this truck isn’t a direct rival to the aforementioned models, considering the starting price that goes nearly 35.000 dollars. This one will be much more affordable and that is where Dodge sees an opportunity for good sales numbers.
2020 Dodge Dakota Design
Although there are no official details about the 2020 Dodge Dakota pickup truck at the moment, we are pretty certain about some of the aspects of the new model. Of course, one of the first things that come to mind is the platform. In this aspect, things are pretty clear. The new Ram Dakota will ride on the same platform as the Gladiator.
The two models will have a lot of things to share, including almost complete mechanics. We count on the same size as well, particularly in terms of the wheelbase. Still, keep in mind that the new truck is expected to come in several body styles, including a single cab layout, so a shorter-wheelbase is about to come as well.
2020 Dodge Dakota Styling
We can only speculate at this point, but it seems natural to expect from the 2020 Dodge Ram Dakota to have a lot of similarities with the full-size Ram 1500. The full-size truck has been redesigned recently and features a completely new styling. Of course, the first thing that comes to mind is a new face. After several decades, this model abandoned the famous crosshair grille layout, which was a kind of the model’s trademark.
Still, the new one looks amazing, as well as the rest of the face. Therefore, we definitely expect to see it on this mid-size pickup truck as well. Moreover, the overall shape should be pretty similar, just in a smaller package, of course. Still, that doesn’t mean we don’t expect to see a nice portion of exclusive details as well.
Interior
When it comes to things like dashboard design, it is still early to talk about details. Still, we may presume that the 2020 Ram Dakota will take a lot of inspiration from the full-size Ram 1500, which features arguably the nicest cabin among pickup trucks. Therefore, we count on hi-quality materials, attractive styling solutions and loads of tech features in the new Dakota.
Still, the thing that sounds more interesting at the moment is that we count on more versions in the offer, compared to the Gladiator, which is available in a crew cab version only. We expect that the 2020 Dodge Dakota will come in a single cab version as well, as well as with different bed configurations. Simply, this model needs a much wider range of versions, from mules to luxury versions, if the company wants to make it competitive in this growing segment.
2020 Dodge Dakota Engines
When it comes to the powertrain, things are pretty clear in this case. We have no doubt that the familiar 3.6-liter V6 is the first pick for this truck. A familiar unit already powers the Gladiator and features a max output that goes around 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. A new 2.0-liter turbo-four also looks like a possible option. This unit is good for about 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque.
Finally, we count on a diesel version as well. Once again, things are pretty clear, as we expect a familiar 3.0-liter V6 from VM Motori. The engine has been updated recently and now delivers around 260 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque. All models should come with 8-speed automatic transmission, though a manual gearbox could be in the offer as well.
Release Date and Price
When it comes to the 2020 Dodge Dakota release date, most reports suggest the summer of 2020. This means the new truck will more likely come as the 2021 model year. In any case, the starting price should go around 25.000 dollars. Competition in the segment is pretty tough, as there are models like Toyota Tacoma, Chevy Colorado, Ford Ranger etc.
Source: Car and Driver, Motortrend
