The next year will be very exciting when it comes to FCA and the first thing that comes to mind are comebacks of famous nameplates. Among them, the 2020 Ram Dakota takes a special place. It looks like we are about to see this pickup truck once again, which isn’t surprising, considering that the segment of mid-size trucks is becoming pretty popular these days. As we are talking about one of the major truck makers, Ram definitely needs a player in this segment.
At this point, we are still waiting for the exact details, but some of the design solutions definitely seem certain. This refers to the platform, as well as to things like engines and dimensions. On the other side, we can only speculate about the styling and interior design at the moment. We expect that the new model will be ready already in the next year. More details will be known soon.
2020 Ram Dakota Design
Most of the things we know about the 2020 Ram Dakota are base design characteristics. We are about to see a mid-size truck, with typical dimensions for the segment. It will share the platform and most of the parts with the recently introduced Jeep Gladiator, which is based on the legendary Wrangler.
On the other side, details about the styling are still unavailable. At this point, we can only presume that the new model will have a lot in common with the Ram 1500. The full-size truck has been redesigned recently and it has brought a completely new styling. After decades, this truck doesn’t feature the legendary crosshair grille anymore. Therefore, we expect to see the application of the same design language on the 2020 Ram Dakota. The front end should look pretty much the same, while the overall shape should be quite similar, just in a little bit smaller package.
Compared to Gladiator, the new 2020 Ram Dakota is expected to be much more approachable to a wider range of buyers. This particularly refers to the fact that the new model should be offered in several configurations, with different cab designs and bed lengths. This includes a single cab model as well.
Interior
When it comes to the 2020 Ram Dakota interior, we can’t say anything more precise at this point. Still, we may presume that the new model will come with a pretty high overall quality. FCA models never had troubles with interior quality, so we have big expectations from the new truck. Attractive dashboard, quality materials and loads of tech features, including a large touchscreen, are something we definitely expect to see from this model.
As we already mentioned, the new Dakota is about to come in different cab designs. So, you may count on both single and two-row models, while different bed sizes also seem like a certain thing.
2020 Ram Dakota Engines
When it comes to the 2020 Ram Dakota specs, we count on multiple engine choices. It is still unclear, but we would like to see some pretty basic, four-cylinder engine options, which would be a perfect choice for fleet vehicles. On the other side, we have no doubt that higher trims will come with more capable engines. Of course, a familiar 3.6-liter V6 with 285 horsepower is the first thing that comes to mind. We could also see a new turbo-four gasoline engine, which is good for about 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque.
Ram has always been among leaders when it comes to towing capacity. Therefore, we definitely expect to see a diesel version of the new truck as well. Of course, the new 2020 Ram Dakota diesel would feature a familiar 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel, which delivers around 260 horsepower and 440 pound-feet of torque. With such numbers, we expect that the new truck will be able to deliver class-leading numbers in terms of towing capacity.
Release Date and Price
We expect to see the new truck already in the next year, though the exact date is still unavailable. Considering that the 2020 Ram Dakota will be offered also in more basic versions, in single-cab layouts, we count on a significantly more affordable price compared to the pricey Jeep Gladiator. Base models should go under 25.000 dollars.
Competition
As we already mentioned, the competition in this segment is pretty tough. First of all, there is the absolute class-leader Toyota Tacoma, which delivers all quintessential qualities of a pickup truck. The capable Chevy Colorado is also a quite popular model. On the other, side there are models that are still struggling to establish a respectable position on the market, such as Ford Ranger and Jeep Gladiator. Ford Ranger, in particular, is expected to compete with the 2020 Ram Dakota. Finally, keep in mind that the new generation of Nissan Frontier is on the way as well.
Source: Motor1, MotorTrend
