In the past several months, we’ve been hearing all kinds of opposite reports about the Dakota. Not so long ago, it looked like Stellantis gave up from this truck completely. These days, we can read completely different reports. According to Autoevolution, this comeback is a certain thing and the new model will most likely come already in the next year, as the 2023 RAM Dakota. At this point, we haven’t heard anything more specific about the revived pickup.
So, all we can do at the moment is to speculate. Therefore, we will rely on the earlier reports, which were suggesting pretty logical design solutions. Simply, the platform is read and we don’t see any reason why the new truck wouldn’t share its parts with the Gladiator. This makes perfect sense from any aspect, though we have no doubt that RAM would insist on making this pickup far more approachable to those buyers who are looking for a genuine working machine.
2023 RAM Dakota Design
So, what should we expect from the 2023 RAM Dakota? At this point, the first thing that comes to mind is the platform and most experts believe it will be the same one that underprints the new Gladiator. In other words, we would see Wrangler-based mechanics. Still, we presume that base Dakotas would come in a simpler layout, with a simple suspension setup and other design solutions.
Some sources, though, suggest a little bit different scenario. They speculate about the possibility to see the new Dakota riding on the same platform as RAM 1500, downsized of course. This also makes a lot of sense, but the first scenario sounds more likely in our eyes. Simply, it’s a cheaper way for the company to get the final product. We hope that the officials will clear things out pretty soon.
Exterior
When it comes to exterior design, one of the first things that come to mind is that the 2023 RAM Dakota is expected to be offered in more cab layouts. While the Gladiator comes in a four-door crew cab layout only, this truck should be more of a working machine than an off-road-lifestyle pickup. Therefore, we believe that single cab versions should be offered as well. Such models would make the new Dakota very affordable.
While the mechanical aspect will probably be shared with the Gladiator, we have no doubt that the aesthetics would be heavily based on the RAM 1500. We would expect to see pretty similar styling, just in a smaller package. This particularly refers to the front end, which should take a similar approach regarding grille and headlights designs. Of course, it will certainly come with some exclusive details as well but we all know what to expect from the new model.
Interior
If you look at the current RAM trucks, one of the reasons why they stand out is their amazing interior design. Therefore, expectations from the 2023 RAM Dakota are pretty big. We expect that the new mid-size pickup will also come with an upscale dashboard design, full of quality materials and with the good build quality. Of course, it probably won’t be as upscale as the full-size sibling, but should be more luxurious than its rivals. If we look at the competition, that won’t be hard at all, considering that small pickups are primarily working machines, without bigger ambitions regarding luxury. As we’ve just mentioned, the new pickup should come with different cab layouts in the offer. This refers to bed sizes as well.
2023 RAM Dakota Engines
Thing is probably the clearest aspect of the new 2023 RAM Dakota. We presume that RAM will rely on proven units, starting from a 3.6-liter V6, which puts out around 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. This engine could be offered with both manual and automatic transmission.
A diesel version is also possible and we have no doubt that the choice would be a 3.0-liter V6 from the Gladiator, which puts out around 260 horsepower and an impressive 440 pound-feet of torque, which would probably ensure class-leading towing ratings.
A turbo-four is also a possibility but we rather believe that the new Dakota would come in a hybrid version, based on the same engine. That powertrain has just debuted in Wrangler, and puts out a pretty respectable max output of 375 horsepower.
All models would come standard with 8-speed automatic transmission, while some variants would be offered with a manual gearbox as well.
2023 RAM Dakota Release Date and Price
It looks like the 2023 RAM Dakota release date could happen already in the next year. When it comes to the price, we believe that base models would cost around 25.000 dollars, roughly.
