The 2024 Ram Dakota Could Be Bigger Than Expected
Compact trucks like the Ford Maverick have been on the brain, but the Ram Dakota might go in a different direction. The Ram Rampage serves as a new compact option in other countries, but the 2024 Ram Dakota is expected to go mid-size. We hope it arrives by 2025!
Will there be a 2024 Ram Dakota?
Rumors, teasers, and spy shots suggest that the 2024 Ram Dakota is almost here. If it debuts for the 2024 model year, then it should come out any day now. There are a few events, such as the Detroit Auto Show, that could be the perfect place to unveil the new Ram truck.
Stellantis CEO, Carlos Tavares, shared that the truck is in future plans and might get the green light for 2024. But preparing the truck this soon might be a stretch unless it shares a lot in common with the smaller Ram Dakota.
Some of the big questions that need answers are about what the people want. Should Ram produce a lifestyle truck or something more powerful to get work done? Should it be a rugged body-on-frame option for global markets or a regional truck?
Ram is missing a mid-size truck in the lineup, leaving a massive gap in the market. The Ram Dakota was discontinued in 2011 due to a lack of sales, but the mid-size market has become incredibly popular again.
Stellantis does have the mid-size Jeep Gladiator, but it’s very rough and tumble for adventuring. It can tow up to 7,700 lbs, and a lifestyle truck might not need that much capability. Also, the idea of smaller trucks has been alive and well with concepts like the Bob at Easter Jeep Safari.
This leaves room for Ram to create a more comfortable or luxurious truck for road trips, work, and running errands.
How much power will the Ram Dakota have?
The 2024 Ram Dakota could borrow the plug-in hybrid setup from the Dodge Hornet and Alfa Romeo Tonale. These PHEV vehicles have a 1.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that’s paired with an electric motor and battery pack to generate 288 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque.
This would allow the new Dakota to be the first PHEV truck on the market. It could beat the new Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger. Plus, it has up to 30 miles of electric range on a single charge. Also, the Ranger PHEV might not even come to America.
The Ram Rampage uses a 2.0-liter diesel engine with 170 hp. It probably won’t come to America due to the higher emission standard. But it also uses the standard 2.0-liter Hurricane gas-powered engine that’s found in the Hornet with 268 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.
Official towing specs for the Rampage haven’t been released. It might tow up to 2,500 lbs like its SUV counterparts. But that’s not enough for the American market. The Ford Maverick can tow up to 4,000 lbs, and the Hyundai Santa Cruz can tow up to 5,000 lbs.
How much will the 2024 Ram Dakota cost?
Official pricing for the 2024 Ram Dakota hasn’t been released, but it will need to start at about $30,000 to compete with rivals. Although, we wouldn’t mind a more affordable option. The 2024 Ford Ranger starts at $32,565, and the 2023 Toyota Tacoma begins at about $28,250.
On the compact side of things, the 2024 Ford Maverick starts at $23,400, and the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz rings in at $26,650. If the Ram Dakota debuts soon, it might not release official pricing until a few weeks or months later.
There are tons of clues about the Dakota coming to America. There’s even a Ram Dakota teaser with an American flag decal on the taillight. We know something new is on the way, so stay tuned for updates.
