Fiat Chrysler Autos Needs a Mid-Size Truck — Enter the Dodge Dakota
Trucks are becoming more popular, and not just because they’re versatile when it comes to manual labor. Families that need a larger vehicle are turning to trucks rather than minivans, they’re tearing up the race tracks, and some people just like the look of a pickup. The sticker price may shock some people, but there are still some affordable options.
One growing trend of the truck craze is the desire for smaller midsize trucks. Not everyone needs a huge vehicle to haul heavy things, so a midsize is perfectly adequate and dependable truck.
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) is not blind to this growing development, even though it doesn’t have a midsize in its line up at this time. This may be about to change, however. Let’s look at why midsize trucks are so great, and which classic truck may make an epic comeback.
Why buy a midsize truck?
There are a lot of reasons why some people prefer a midsize truck. According to USA Today, “The latest midsize trucks are able to tow, haul and transport passengers nearly as well as their full-size brethren, yet they offer increased maneuverability, lower starting prices, and the potential for better fuel economy.”
The lower sticker price alone may be enough to tempt buyers. Add in a tank that doesn’t guzzle gas like a camel drinking water, and the decision is pretty clear.
Something else to consider is that you have to make sharp turns and find parking in most cities. Not all parking spaces are big, and not all drivers are able to park well. Put these two together, and driving a large truck in the city could be a recipe for disaster.
Why doesn’t Fiat Chrysler Autos have a midsize
FCA is more than aware it needs to add a midsize truck to its lineup in order to keep up with the competition. It’s not as if FCA is a stranger to the midsize lineup, so some may question why the automaker is even hesitating.
The Detroit Free Press reports that FCA does have plans for a midsize that will be able to compete with trucks like the GMC Canyon, Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier, Honda Ridgeline, and the Chevy Colorado. While Jeep fans may point out that the same automaker makes the Gladiator, the Detroit Free Press reports that the Gladiator is geared more toward consumers who off-road.
Enter the 2021 Ram Dakota
According to Car and Driver, FCA may consider bringing back the Dakota. It was last produced back in 2011 before being pushed aside in favor of other projects. We don’t have all the juicy details yet, but there’s enough information circling have a pretty good idea about the Dakota’s new specs.
Car and Driver states, “The 3.6-liter V-6 used across Fiat Chrysler’s lineup seems a sure bet, and it will come with either rear- or four-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission.” While this is just a guess, it’s based off of what automakers use for their own midsize trucks, as well as what Jeep uses with the Gladiator.
If you’re dying to know when the Dakota may hit Ram dealerships, Car and Driver reports that it’s expected to arrive sometime later this year.