The market of mid-size pickup trucks is growing at a pretty fast pace and many believe that it’s about time to see RAM in this segment. As one of the most renowned truck makers in the world, this company definitely needs to be present in this class and if we can trust the latest reports, this will finally happen in the next year. After so many rumors and speculations, it looks like the company will finally revive the familiar nameplate and introduce the all-new 2024 RAM Dakota.
At this point, the officials are still quiet but we know what to expect from the revived pickup. The new model would come in a typical body-on-frame setup, with familiar engines that RAM already uses in its models. However, there are two possible directions in which the new design could go. One of them would be a close relationship with Jeep Gladiator, while the other would mean more things in common with RAM 1500. In both cases, RAM has most things already prepared for the new pickup.
Therefore, we are pretty sure that the new 2024 RAM Dakota will debut already in the next year.
2024 RAM Dakota Design
As we’ve just mentioned, there are two possible directions for the new 2024 RAM Dakota. One of them is to see a design approach that has a lot of things in common with the Jeep Gladiator. This would probably be the easiest solution for the new pickup, considering that the Jeep’s model competes in the same segment. So, the new Dakota would feature the same mechanics and probably the same or very similar dimensions. Among other things, this also promises a pretty impressive off-road potential.
The other possibility goes in the direction of the RAM 1500. In that case, the new Dakota would have a lot of things in common with RAM’s full-size pickup, so we would see a familiar design but in a smaller package. Also, this means that the 2024 RAM Dakota would be produced in Mexico.
Exterior
In any case, we expect to see a pretty interesting exterior design. First of all, we don’t expect to see a uniform approach like in the Gladiator. Instead, the new 2024 RAM Dakota would come not just in a crew cab layout, but also as a regular cab pickup truck, which would be more affordable and more suitable for workers.
Of course, another thing that comes to mind is the styling. At this point, we don’t know the details but we presume that a lot of inspiration would be taken from RAM’s half-ton pickup. This refers to the same or similar front-end design, while the rest of the vehicle should look pretty similar as well. As a result, the new Dakota would look largely the same, just in a smaller package.
Interior
As we’ve just mentioned, the new pickup would probably come in a different cab configuration. Regular cab models would come with a single row of seats and a longer cargo bet, while the crew cab models would be the opposite. Crew cab models would feature two pretty spacious rows of seats, with the ability to accommodate five adult passengers with ease.
The dashboard should take a lot of inspiration from the 1500 and that doesn’t refer to aesthetics only, but also to the overall quality. RAM is pretty much the industry leader in this aspect, so we presume that the new Dakota would also feature class-leading interior quality. Naturally, we would also expect to see a full load of modern tech features, maybe even the same, vertically oriented 12.0-inch infotainment screen.
2024 RAM Dakota Engines
There are many possibilities for the 2024 RAM Dakota engine lineup. Of course, the first thing that comes to mind is the good-old 3.6-liter V6. It would come in a version that puts out 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. For those who look for something more efficient, the company will probably offer a 2.0-liter turbo-four as well, with 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Both engines would come in pair with 8-speed automatic transmission.
Some sources also speculate about a diesel version. That unit would feature e 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6, with a max output of 260 horsepower and 440 pound-feet of torque and it would also come paired with 8-speed automatic transmission.
2024 RAM Dakota Release Date and Price
We believe that the 2024 RAM Dakota could arrive already in the next year, with a starting price of under 30.000 dollars. Key competitors would be models like Chevy Colorado, Ford Ranger etc.