The 2024 Ram Dakota Is Coming in Hot With Gas and Electricity
After years of being teased by Ram Dakota rumors, we could have a solid piece of evidence to decipher. Ram CEO Mike Koval Jr. showed a new concept to dealers in March that must have gotten some motors running. Now the 2024 Ram Dakota is finally taking shape with plenty of muscle and hybrid power.
2024 Ram Dakota: What we know so far
The 2024 Ram Dakota may have just inspired multiple dealers during its presentation in March. Mike Koval has had the midsize truck waiting in the wings for the perfect time to strike.
Because it’s a midsize truck, we don’t think it will have the Ram 1200 name. It will also slightly differ from the new Ram Rampage, a compact truck for international markets.
The Ram 1200 seems to fit more of a compact ute, designed to beat the Ford Maverick. However, the new Ram truck has bigger targets in its sights, like the Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger, and Chevrolet Colorado.
You may have noticed that the Ram REV didn’t debut until after its rivals hit the stage. That decision was made on purpose to build a truck that’s better than the competition. The same approach could be taken with the Ram Dakota.
If Stellantis has been waiting to see what the new Chevy Colorado, next-generation Ford Ranger, and totally new Toyota Tacoma are like, then they could potentially make the Ram Dakota better.
For example, it could be the first midsize truck to offer an electrified powertrain. As Gear Patrol notes, it’s expected to be built on the medium-sized STLA platform, which supports electrification.
How much power could the Ram Dakota have?
We’re still waiting for the official specs about the 2024 Ram Dakota, but we know that electrified and internal combustion engines are both possible. There could be room for a hybrid or PHEV setup as well.
Mike Koval shared that making the new truck electric only could limit its potential in global markets. Plus, you can’t ignore the success and demand for the Ford Maverick Hybrid. A hybrid truck would provide a nice step for people wanting to save fuel without going fully electric.
Internal combustion engines continue to be a part of the Ram strategy to avoid limiting opportunities, and Ram wants the new midsize truck to be popular worldwide.
It could borrow the 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine from the Jeep Compass with 200 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque, but we would like to see a little more muscle.
The Jeep Wrangler 4xe uses a 2.0-liter inline-four engine, two electric motors, and a battery pack to generate 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. But the Alfa Romeo Tonale Hybrid and Dodge Hornet provide 256 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.
What could the Dakota be like?
The 2024 Ram Dakota could take off in multiple directions based on what drivers want. We could see the Dakota SRT emerge with Hellcat-like power to satisfy those after a muscular, racing truck.
It could also be a comfortable and efficient daily driver with a similar rear suspension setup as the Ram 1500. The Ram 1500 still has the best ride quality out of every full-size truck available. The Dakota could be quiet and spacious as well.
Plus, we could see the Dakota TRX debut to tackle the Ford Ranger Raptor and Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro. It would have a suspension lift, beefy tires, skid plates, and tow hooks.
We might not have to wait much longer to learn more. The new Ram Dakota is expected to debut by the end of 2023, so stay tuned for the latest updates.
