2024 Ram Dakota: What We Know Thus Far
Ram produces one of the most popular full-size truck models, the Ram 1500. The Stellantis company is looking to produce a smaller popular truck model. The Ford Maverick tiny pickup truck changed the way consumers look at trucks. Here’s what we know about the 2024 Ram Dakota thus far.
The 2024 Ram Dakota will be a midsize pickup truck
The Ram Dakota will be a midsize pickup truck. This means that it will likely be larger than the Ford Maverick. Expect Ram’s midsize pickup to be closer in size to midsize models like the Ford Ranger.
Though the Ram Dakota may be larger than the Maverick, comparisons between the two small pickup trucks are all but guaranteed because of the buzz surrounding the Blue Oval’s innovative new truck.
The Dakota will be the smallest vehicle in Ram’s portfolio. This is important because there’s a growing market for small pickup trucks. The Ford Maverick is so impactful because it proved that there are plenty of consumers that desire smaller pickups. The Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz are shaking up the truck vehicle class.
The Ram Dakota has some stiff competition. Some of the most competitive midsize SUVs in the Dakota’s vehicle segment include the Honda Ridgeline and Jeep Gladiator. The Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger are also formidable foes for the American pickup truck.
Many speculate that the Ram Dakota will be closely related to the Jeep Gladiator
Experts and automotive publications like Car and Driver predict that the Ram Dakota will share many traits with the Jeep Gladiator. The Gladiator is a tough midsize pickup truck that’s ideal for off-roading. The Ram Dakota will likely be a better daily driver with slightly better fuel economy.
Chances are the Ram Dakota won’t be as geared toward off-roading as the Jeep Gladiator. The Ram 1500 is known for its smooth ride quality and refined cabin. The Ram Dakota could share some qualities with the Ram 1500 that allow the midsize pickup truck to offer similar value.
The 2024 Ram Dakota won’t break the bank
The Ram Dakota isn’t expected to break the bank. Car and Driver estimates that the midsize pickup truck will start at around $30,000. It could range anywhere from $30,000-$40,000 based on available trim levels.
The Ram 1500 has made a huge impact on its vehicle segment. It’s regarded as one of the best full-size pickup truck nameplates ever made alongside the Ford F-150. Ram knows how to produce a popular pickup truck. The idea of a smaller, more affordable pickup that’s better suited to drivers that live in crowded cities with tight parking spaces is intriguing, to say the least.
Will the Ram Dakota be more refined, like the Ram 1500, or more rugged, like the Gladiator? Will the pickup offer enough trims and packages to suit different types of consumers? We’ll just have to wait and see. There’s clearly a demand for the Dakota, so hopefully, Ram releases some more details soon as we approach 2023.
