Many pickup truck enthusiasts view the Dodge Dakota, which was discontinued in 2011, in a favorable light. Tapping into that sentiment, Stellantis and Ram will revive the Dakota nameplate with the 2024 Ram Dakota midsize pickup truck. The Dakota will likely be based on the Jeep Gladiator — and possibly borrow design elements from the Ram 700. Find out what we know so far about the release date, price, and specs of the 2024 Ram Dakota.

2024 Ram Dakota specs: Engine, transmission, towing, and payload

Car and Driver speculates that while the 2024 Ram Dakota could share some mechanical components with the Ram 1500 full-size pickup truck, it will mostly be based on another Stellantis model, the Jeep Gladiator midsize truck. 

It’s unlikely that the Ram Dakota will offer a V-8 engine. However, it will likely offer the 3.6-liter V-6 engine that’s utilized for many Stellantis models. The engine will probably be mated with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Another possible engine option is Ram’s diesel 3.0-liter V-6 engine, which produces 260 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque.

Buyers of the Dakota will undoubtedly have a choice of either a rear-wheel drive or a traction-enhancing four-wheel drive system. Also, you can expect to see an off-road-focused Dakota model, such as a Rebel trim, with off-road features like beefy all-terrain tires, underbody skid plates, and an off-road-tuned suspension, as well as rugged styling.

If you go by the Jeep Gladiator’s specs, the Ram Dakota could be able to tow up to 7,650 pounds, with a payload capacity of 1,600 pounds. Those figures will probably change once Ram releases the official specs for the Dakota. However, they will probably be near the Gladiator’s specs.

2024 Ram Dakota: Exterior and interior design 

For the exterior design, the 2024 Ram Dakota could incorporate design elements from the Ram 700, which is sold in Mexico, as well as the Fiat Strada. You can also expect the Dakota to have similar exterior styling as the Ram 1500, especially for the grille and front headlights. 

The Dakota will probably have similar interior styling as the Ram 1500 as well. However, it likely won’t match its larger sibling’s level of luxury and premium features. We’ll have to wait until the Dakota makes its debut or when Stellantis and Ram release teaser images or video of the pickup truck.

When will the 2024 Ram Dakota be released and available?

The 2024 Ram Dakota will likely hit roads in late 2023.

How much will the 2024 Ram Dakota cost?

Stellantis and Ram did not yet release the price and trim information for the 2024 Dakota. However, Car and Driver estimates that the Dakota will have a starting cost of $26,000. The publication also gives a price breakdown for a possible Dakota trim lineup:

• Tradesman: $26,000
• SLT: $30,000
• Laramie: $32,000
• Limited: $34,000