By The whole story of Dakota’s comeback looks more like some saga. After the initial plans to bring back the mid-size pickup, the company’s new management announced that the plan has been dropped. These days, we are once again getting reports about this comeback, even though there is still no official confirmation. Allegedly, Ram is working on the new model, which could come already in the next year, as the 2024 Ram Dakota.
It looks like it’s much harder to say whether this pickup come back or not than talk about its design characteristics. If the company is willing to bring back this pickup, we know pretty much what to expect from the new model. Practically, there are two possible scenarios for the revived Dakota and both guarantee great performance and overall capability.
As we’ve just mentioned, the officials are still quiet but on the other hand, rumors suggest that the 2024 Ram Dakota will arrive in the second half of 2023.
2024 Ram Dakota Design
The previous generation of this mid-size pickup was discontinued a decade ago and we’ve been hearing about its return several times. Now, it looks like something is really happening, even though there are still no words from the management. On the other hand, rumors offer two possible scenarios in terms of the base design approach.
The first and most probable is to see a design that’s based on the Jeep Gladiator. Jeep’s mid-size pickup has been around for a while and there’s no doubt it would serve as a great basis for the new Dakota. The two models would share pretty much complete mechanics, including the powertrain.
The second scenario suggest a design based on the full-size Ram 1500. Instead on Wrangler’s, the 2024 Ram Dakota would ride on the same platform as its full-size sibling. Of course, it would be downsized but there’s no doubt that this design approach would bring all kinds of benefits, especially when it comes to ride quality.
Image Source: Motor1
Exterior Design
No matter the platform, we have no doubt that the 2024 Ram Dakota would represent the company in the segment mid-size pickups. Therefore, you may count on typical dimensions for the class, similar to those on models like Ford Ranger or Chevy Colorado. Also, we expect that the new Dakota would be offered in different cab styles and bed lengths, including both 2- and 4-door configurations.
When it comes to the styling, we expect to see a lot of resemblance with the Ram 1500. The 2024 Ram Dakota should feature very similar front end, as well as the rest of the exterior design, though everything would be a little bit downsized
Interior
As we’ve just mentioned, the 2024 Ram Dakota would probably come both in single and dual cab layouts, with different sizes. So, count on both versions that accommodate two and five passengers, where we expect that the latter would be capable to offer a sufficient amount of space for adult passengers.
When it comes to the cabin design, we presume that a lot of inspiration will be taken from the full-size sibling. That would definitely be a fantastic thing, considering that Ram 1500 features arguably the nicest cabin among trucks, whether it’s about quality, materials or style. Of course, the Dakota would be a little bit downgraded but still pretty impressive for a mid-size pickup, we presume.
The cabin should also come equipped with all kinds of modern features, including the latest infotainment system, massive screens, various driver aids etc.
2024 Ram Dakota Engine
In terms of powertrain, we don’t expect surprises. Base models will probably come with a familiar 3.6-liter V6, which puts out around 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. Also, there’s a big chance to see a 2.0-liter turbo-four, which puts out around 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. A diesel version also seems quite possible and in that case we would see a familiar 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel with a max output of 260 horsepower and 440 pound-feet of torque.
Finally, we wouldn’t exclude the possibility to see some form of electrification. Most likely, that would be a plug-in hybrid version, probably with the same powertrain as the Wrangler PHEV, with a turbo-four engine and electric motor that together put out 375 horsepower.
Image Source: Carscoops
2024 Ram Dakota Release Date and Price
At this point, the 2024 Ram Dakota still waits for the official confirmation. On the other hand, rumors suggest it could arrive already in the next year, with the starting price of around 30.000 dollars.
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