By The segment of mid-size is popular again and therefore, many carmakers have already brought their players back, as Ford did with the legendary Ranger. For a quite long time, we’ve been hearing reports about the comeback of another well-known pickup truck – Dakota. This model has been in production for a long time but has been discontinued due to low sales numbers about a decade ago. Now, its comeback looks more likely than ever and people are already speculating about the 2023 Ram Dakota. At this point, we are still waiting for the official confirmation.
Despite that the officials are still quiet about this comeback, some of the design characteristics are quite easy to predict. This particularly refers to the overall design, though it’s also to predict potential powertrain options and overall capability. On the other hand, it’s still early for details regarding styling, interior features and similar things.
We expect that the 2023 Ram Dakota could arrive already in the second half of 2022.
2023 Ram Dakota Design
As we’ve just mentioned, some things about the 2023 Ram Dakota are relatively easy to predict. This particularly refers to the base layout, which shouldn’t bring any surprise. In other words, we count on a classic pickup layout, which would be based on the same platform as Jeep Gladiator. The two models should share most of the parts, in terms of mechanics.
Some sources suggest a little bit different scenario, where the full-size Ram 1500 would be used as a basis. In that case, the new Dakota would come with a similar design, just in a smaller package. This could make production cheaper, which means a more attractive sticker price as well.
At this point, we can’t say which scenario seems more likely.
Exterior
When it comes to the exterior design, we have no doubt that the 2023 Ram Dakota will come in a typical pickup layout. This will be a typical mid-size pickup regarding size and we expect different cab configurations on the offer. Unlike the Gladiator, which is available only as a crew cab pickup, this one should also come in a single-row configuration, as well as with different bed lengths on the offer.
Another thing that comes to mind is the styling. At this point, we don’t know the details but we are pretty sure that a lot of inspiration will be taken from the Ram 1500. This particularly refers to the front-end design. So, we expect to see parts like the grille, headlights and bumper designed in the same fashion. The rest of the body shouldn’t bring bigger surprises either. Still, keep in mind that there is always room for exclusive design solutions.
Interior
This aspect of the truck is still a complete mystery. Still, we may guess the direction in which the new cabin will go. This particularly refers to the dashboard design, which should take a lot of inspiration from the full-size sibling. That’s definitely a great thing because in that case, we will see a really nice design, characterized by lots of fine materials and great overall build quality.
As we already mentioned, both single and two-row cab layouts are expected, as well as different bed lengths. The new model should also come with a lot of new tech features on offer. Base versions will probably be bare bones, but higher trim levels should include a large infotainment screen and other advanced tech goodies.
2023 Ram Dakota Engines
When it comes to the powertrain, the first engine that comes to mind is a 3.6-liter V6, which puts out around 285 horsepower, which seems like an adequate amount of power for a pickup like this. The engine would come with excellent ZF-sourced 8-speed automatic transmission, while the max towing capacity would certainly go over 7.500 pounds.
A diesel version is also possible. In that case, the new Dakota would use a 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel, which puts out around 260 horsepower and 440 pound-feet of torque. Some sources also speculate about a high-performance version with a V8 engine but at this point, we can’t say how likely this sounds.
Image Source: Carscoops
2023 Ram Dakota Release Date and Price
We believe that the 2023 Ram Dakota could arrive already in the second half of 2022. Base models should go around 30.000 dollars.
Comments