For years, rumors of an upcoming Ram Dakota have run amok. But now it looks as if we might finally be getting a revived midsize truck from the automaker — the 2024 Ram Dakota! Here’s a look at what that could mean.
Key Takeaways
- The Dakota is a once and future midsize truck from Dodge and now Ram. This upcoming model looks to compete with popular options like the Chevy Colorado and Ford Ranger, delivering a balance of power and efficiency.
- Although we don’t know what will be under the Dakota’s hood just yet, this midsize truck may feature anything from a familiar V6 to an all-electric powertrain.
- Ram hasn’t announced any details about the upcoming Dakota, but we expect it to be competitively priced, perhaps starting around $26,000.
- A 2024 Ram Dakota is looking increasingly likely! But we have to wait until we hear the official word from Ram before we know for sure when this midsize truck will hit the streets.
What is the 2024 Ram Dakota?
Once upon a time, from the 1990 model year through 2010, the Dakota was Dodge’s midsize truck. After Ram became its own moniker for the 2011 model year, there was one single 2011 Ram Dakota, also a midsize truck. And now that there’s a major demand for smaller, more efficient trucks, it looks as if Ram may be reviving the Dakota for the 2024 model year.
This new Ram Dakota may borrow its exterior styling from the bigger Ram 1500 truck and a platform from the midsize Jeep Gladiator truck. There has been widespread speculation about what kind of engines the Dakota might offer, from the sturdy 3.6-liter V6 found in many Jeep models to the thrifty (yet powerful) plug-in hybrid powertrain known as 4xe.
Like other modern midsize trucks, the Dakota will likely offer your choice of rear-wheel drive or trail-friendly four-wheel drive. Not only do we expect the new Dakota to offer off-road upgrades, like all-terrain tires, but we also expect it to include a trail-ready trim model in its lineup.
How powerful is the 2024 Ram Dakota?
When it comes to Dakota power, we’ve heard every rumor there is. Some say there may be an EV option. Others say a hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrain may be available to help balance strength with fuel efficiency. And, of course, there’s very likely going to be a gas-powered engine (or two) available.
The new Dakota will very likely feature the 3.6-liter V6 engine (285 horsepower, 260 lb-ft of torque) seen in so many Jeep models, including the sporty Wrangler SUV. It’s also possible that this upcoming midsize truck will borrow the Compass’s 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (200 horsepower, 221 lb-ft of torque).
Better still, the Dakota could offer a 4xe plug-in hybrid powertrain, like the one in the Wrangler that makes 375 horses and 470 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain even helps the Wrangler 49 MPGe, a figure the Dakota might even be able to improve. Or perhaps the Dakota will help you blend a torque-heavy ride with fuel economy, via Ram’s diesel 3.0-liter V6 engine (260 hp, 442 lb-ft).
How much will the 2024 Ram Dakota cost?
Great question! Without hearing anything whatsoever from Ram, we’d hate to speculate too much on price. But as a midsize truck, the Dakota would be competing with models like the Chevy Colorado (currently starting at $29,200) and the Ford Ranger (currently starting at $27,400). Some say the Dakota will start around $26,000, but we’ll have to wait and see!
Will there be a 2024 Ram Dakota?
Rumor has it that the Dakota will hit the streets late 2023 or early 2024. It will likely be the 2024 Dakota, though Ram has yet to confirm the release, much less the model year!