While we are getting reports about the possible cancelation of this comeback, many experts still believe that the new Dakota is on the way. The well-known mid-size pickup was in production between 1987 and 2011 and rumors about the comeback appeared years ago. Now when the market of compact pickup is once again growing, offering such a vehicle makes perfect sense. After all, rival companies already have their players in the segment, while there are also popular Japanese trucks, Tacoma and Frontier. The latter will get a full redesign soon.
From what we know, the initial plan was to bring back this truck in the form of a 2022 RAM Dakota. The new model would come with a classic BoF layout, with a genuine pickup design. While many believe that the mule they saw on the road is actually the new Dakota, the fact is that the officials are still very quiet about this model, which is enough reason to feel suspicious about this comeback. In any case, we will come up with a couple of suggestions in the following paragraphs but makes sure to take them with a big reserve.
2022 RAM Dakota Design
When it comes to base design characteristics, things are pretty clear. This would be a genuine mid-size pickup truck, which rides on a BoF platform. The platform is actually where thongs start to become a little bit fuzzy. There are two possible scenarios for the 2022 RAM Dakota and in both cases, it looks like FCA won’t have to put that much effort to make everything work.
Simply, FCA already has a couple of platforms in its pocket, which seem like a perfect basis for the new Dakota. According to one scenario, the new model would be a downsized RAM 1500. It would use the same but shortened platform, borrowing a lot of mechanics from the bigger brother. Also, this means the new model would be produced in Mexico.
The other scenario that comes to mind is to see this model based on Jeep Gladiator. The Wrangler’s pickup iteration debuted not so long ago and given its size, a Dakota with such mechanics would work pretty well. The two models would probably share the size, as well as the powertrain.
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Exterior and Interior
No matter the platform, we are pretty sure how the new 2022 RAM Dakota would look like. In terms of the exterior, things are pretty easy to predict, considering that the new model would take a lot of inspiration from the bigger 1500 model. We simply don’t see any other possibility in terms of aesthetics. So, the new model would use the same design language and feature pretty much the same look, only in a smaller package.
The same kind of influence would appear on the inside as well. Of course, the overall quality wouldn’t be on such a high level, but shouldn’t be too far from that either. We would see a handsome cabin, with fine materials and attractive aesthetics, while a long list of standard and available tech goodies also sounds quite likely.
One of the major differences compared to Gladiator will be the offer of cab styles. While the Jeep’s pickup comes in a crew cab layout only, we presume that the 2022 RAM Dakota would also be available in a work-oriented, single-cab version.
2022 RAM Dakota Engines
Under the hood, we would see no bigger surprises. Unlike most rivals who start their offer with a cheap four-cylinder engine, the 2022 RAM Dakota won’t have such a thing in the offer. Instead, all models will come standard with a well-known 3.6 liter V6. Depending on the version, this engine puts out either 285 or 305 horsepower. Also, the transmission would largely depend on the platform. The RAM 1500-based layout would mean an 8-speed automatic gearbox. On the other side, the Gladiator-based design would also mean the possibility of a manual gearbox.
A diesel option also sounds possible. In that case, we would see a familiar 3.0-liter V6, which is good for about 260 horsepower and 440 pound-feet of torque. Finally, we shouldn’t exclude the possibility of a 2.0-liter turbo-four gasoline option.
2022 RAM Dakota Release Date and Price
As you can see, it’s still hard to say whether 2022 RAM Dakota is coming or not. Most optimistic predictions suggest it could hit the market by the end of the year. In any case, we don’t expect that the base price will go over 30.000 dollars if the new model arrives one day.