2023 RAM Dakota Think back to that time in 2018 when Ram confirmed Dakota’s revival on Capital Market Day.
In various automotive reports, Ram canceled the development of the mid-size Dakota in 2022. This was first reported by all sites, GM Authority.
It cites “sources within Stellantis” and we do not doubt that their sources say what they say. But while all the working Ram may have been turned off, at MotorBiscuit we take a different view of the rumors.
GM Authority attributed some of the reasons for “canceling” the Dakota to the fact that it was based on the Jeep Gladiator platform.
Since the Gladiator wasn’t the grand slam Jeep was hoping for, Stellantis decided that was why Dakota was killed. Others say not owning a V8 is ruining the future of the Dakota Ram.
We thought Stellantis was killing the Dakota it was working on, but the speculation was wrong – there’s no reason the Ram failed to capture a share of the midsize pickup market.
Especially since it now has a ready-to-go pickup that Ram can have at almost zero development costs.
2023 RAM Dakota Rumors
The midsize truck segment is alive and well thanks to the combination of the popularity of the Ford Ranger, Chevy Colorado/GMC Canyon, Toyota Tacoma, and the recently launched Nissan Frontier. The Jeep Gladiator, while similar in size, is a bit more specialized.
This is why rumors have been circulating for some time about a Dodge Dakota revival, only now the Ram truck. Gladiator-based Dakota Ram was supposed to be part of Fiat Chrysler’s next product line, but the automaker merged with PSA Group to become Stellaris.
The new automaker is currently reviewing FCA’s previous plans and last month we learned that the reborn Dakota had been canceled.
Automotive News now claims to have been informed directly by a source at Stellantis that Project Dakota is still ongoing.
No further details were given, but if it’s still reasonable to assume that it will share the Gladiator architecture. There’s only one problem with this: segment saturation; Ram is late for the party.
Watch Ford work on the next-gen Rangers and updates will be available soon for GM and Tacoma trucks. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t opportunities for Stellantis here. The new mid-size truck is larger than its predecessor.
Like almost all new vehicles these days they are getting bigger and bigger, Hyundai for example is paying attention to the future Santa Cruz, which will be a little smaller than the others. Ford came to the same conclusion, hence the 2022 Maverick.
Instead of the resurrected Dakota being the Rangers’ direct rival, she could take on Maverick and Santa Cruz. The
Stellaris declined to comment on future product plans, but we wouldn’t be surprised to learn that the automaker completely redesigned the Dakota for a new segment of fast-growing compact trucks.
This is pure speculation on our part, but the smaller and still highly capable revival Dakota might be exactly what Stellantis is looking for.
Ram had been talking about the new Dakota, but this time it had to happen.
2023 RAM Dakota Preview
The preview of Ram Dakota’s 2023 rebirth is very well presented with Familiar Style Influences. Rumors had that Stellantis canceled the project altogether, but as expected, those rumors were debunked by a subsequent report from Automotive News. The
Now, set to arrive in 2022 as the model year 2023, the Dakota will no doubt borrow some design cues from 1500.
Crafted with familiar stylistic influences by pixelated artist Kleber Silva, these mid-sized pickup trucks from Before your eyes, also feature multiple tow hooks, sleek headlights accented with signature LED headlights, and the automaker’s logo in large letters in the center. grille.
The side profile, hatchback, and taillights aren’t particularly impressive, nor are the gleaming wheel designs and square holes.
As for the current Dakota, it’s pretty safe to assume that Ram will improve the Gladiator recipe with more skills.
While closely related to the Wrangler Unlimited, the Gladiator is a bit more practical thanks to its 1,700 pounds (771 kilograms) payload capacity and 7,650 pounds (3,470 kilograms) maximum towing when used.
At the top of the range, the Ford Ranger has the highest payload (1,770 pounds or 803 kilograms) while the brothers’ Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon can tow up to 7,700 pounds (3,493 kilograms).
As for the greasy parts, Ram is expected to sell the Dakota with a stock 3.6 liter Pentastar V6.
A 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 and a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder PHEV transmission based on the upcoming Gladiator 4xe for the 2022 model year are very likely.
Read next: 2023 RAM 3500: All-New Update RAM 3500 Specs, Price and Review
2023 RAM Dakota Redesign
Do you remember the Dodge Dakota? The redesign that led to this popular mid-size truck was produced from 1986 to 2011 as a rival to the Ford Ranger and Chevrolet Colorado.
Fast forward to 2020 infused with COVID and it looks like the FCA is looking to return to intermediate action, as evidenced by the Dakota trademark application filed in late April.
While our eagle spy photographer hasn’t shot a test mule to roam around, we’ll take a look at the crystal ball image of what we can expect in terms of looks, engine, and all we’ve known to date.
Inspired by its 1500 RAM sibling, this studio quad cab has a rounded, muscular look without being overwhelming.
The styling front features a chunky chrome trapezoidal grille flanked by LED headlights, color-coded lower bumper, and tow points.
The side view shows an industrial-inspired approach with items such as the clamps on the pillar trim and with the fastened sheet metal surfaces of the doors and fenders.
Further back, the short-bed layout features vertical “slice” LED taillights and a 1500 RAM box for more space and comfort.
2023 RAM Dakota Interior
Old truck interiors have never been a bastion of outstanding design, quality, and technology, but that is all changing with many people jumping from their luxury sedans to full-size, fully-loaded vans.
And if there’s anything the new Dakota should emulate, the RAM 1500 will complement it with a large 12-inch touchscreen interface and premium finish.
Expect plenty of room for all occupants with interior dimensions that offer the best of Colorado and Gladiator.
Essential amenities can include items such as a digital dashboard, rear storage compartment, Harmon Kardon audio system, panoramic sunroof, Wi-Fi connectivity, heated/cooled seats, and various driver assistance functions.
RAM Dakota 2023 Engine
In the 2023 engine section, the Dakota will have to ride a shortened version of the 1500 chassis or the Jeep Gladiator platform. Either way, power will likely come from a 3.6-liter V6 mated to a 48V eTorque mild hybrid system that makes 305 hp.
Alternatively, the EcoDiesel V6 3.0-liter turbo RAM could also be the ticket; in some applications, it can pull up to 12,560 lb aided by a generous 260 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque.
Power is transmitted to the rear wheels (or four optional) via an 8-speed automatic transmission.
RAM Dakota 2023 Platforms and Powertrains
The most obvious way to build the new Ram Dakota is to use a small chassis truck that could share the bones with the Jeep Gladiator, which would make its powertrain options competitive with its city rivals, or it could be based on the sleek Ram 1500 Platform. (above), which would allow for a unique Class 8 V mount (which seems to be the right thing to do). produced by Mopar).
It is also possible that the Dakota will be reborn as a lifestyle pickup throughout the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz lineup.
Stellaris already sells such pickups in Central and South America; it is known as the Fiat Toro in Brazil, but in other Latin American countries it is sold as the Ram 1000.
RAM Dakota 2023 Rival & Reveal
The new Dakota comes late to the revived pickup party already filled with offerings like the Ford Ranger, Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon, Toyota Tacoma, Jeep Gladiator, Nissan Frontier, and Honda’s Ridgeline.
2023 RAM Dakota Price
The Dakota Ram Pickup’s Bodyonframe price has to compete with the Colorado and Ranger prices, which today start at around $27,000 (estimated).
Jeep sells the Gladiator for at least $60,000. Considering the variety of convenience and comfort features available on Ram’s full-size pickup and the potential diesel horsepower options, it’s also easy to believe that a top-of-the-line Dakota Ram with all the trimmings could easily exceed $50,000.
For now, Ram’s answer to the mid-size pickup is the 1500 Classic which costs $5,095 less than the Generation 1500 DT.
With a pre-set price option of $29,700 for the Tradesman Regular Cab, it is certainly an attractive proposition as it is a work truck with quite a comfortable creature.
2023 RAM Dakota Release Date
We hope the Dakota RAM 2023 can appear in the truck segment that will fill the market by the end of 2022, although this is still uncertain because there is no official information from GM, we are waiting for the latest release schedule.
