The last couple of years were pretty turbulent for the Dakota nameplate. After the initial plans that led to nearly official confirmation, the new Dakota was dismissed by the new Stellantis management. Nowadays, it looks like things are changing again. According to the latest reports, the company once again works on the new generation of the familiar mid-size pickup. The new model should come in the next year, after a decade-long hiatus. At this point, the officials are still quiet but we expect that the new model will debut as the 2024 RAM Dakota.
If this return happens, we are pretty sure that we know what to expect from the new pickup. We count on a typical mid-size layout, with a lot of things in common with the Gladiator. However, the Dakota will be designed to be more approachable to the masses, with more basic versions on the offer and a more affordable starting price.
2024 RAM Dakota Design
Of course, the first thing that comes to mind about the 2024 RAM Dakota is the overall design. We don’t expect surprises in this aspect. The new model will come in a typical mid-size pickup layout but we think that are two possibilities regarding the platform and the base design.
The more probable is the one that suggests a lot of things in common with the Gladiator. The two models would share most of their parts, which means that the Dakota would actually be based on the Jeep Wrangler. This means it would have a lot of off-road potential, but also a higher expected starting price.
The other scenario means a modified RAM 1500 platform. It would be downsized, though many of the parts would remain. One of the reasons why this scenario sounds likely is the fact that the new Dakota would be produced in Mexico in this case, which could lead to a more affordable starting price.
In both cases, we expect that base models will come with rear-wheel-drive, while higher trim levels would come with standard four-wheel-drive, as well as with lots of off-road upgrades, including two-speed transfer case, locking differentials, upgraded suspension etc.
Exterior Design
In both cases, we count on the same or very similar exterior design. As we’ve just mentioned, the 2024 RAM Dakota would come as a mid-size pickup, with typical dimensions for the segment. Unlike the Gladiator, which is available only in a crew cab layout, the new Dakota would come offered in a single-cab layout as well.
In terms of styling, we presume that RAM would implement its contemporary design language. So, the new Dakota would feature a similar design to the half-ton 1500, just in a smaller package. Of course, there is always plenty of room for exclusive details.
Interior
The interior design is currently a bit of a mystery. Simply, the new model is still in the development phase, so it’s early to talk about the specifics of the interior design. Still, we presume the new model could take some bits from the half-ton sibling, which features by far the nicest cabin among full-size trucks. The new 2024 RAM Dakota could come with a similarly designed dashboard, as well as with fine materials, lots of tech goodies and similar things.
As we’ve just mentioned, base models will probably come in a single cab layout, while the crew cab model will be available too. We also count on two or more bed lengths on the offer.
2024 RAM Dakota Engines
There are few possibilities for the 2024 RAM Dakota regarding the powertrain offer. Of course, we are pretty sure that the good-old 3.6-liter V6 will represent the core of the offer. It will come with 8-speed automatic transmission, though we wouldn’t exclude the possibility to see it on offer with a manual gearbox. This engine puts out 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque in the Gladiator, while the version found in RAM 1500 features a max output of 305 horsepower.
We wouldn’t be surprised to see a turbo-four engine on offer as well. That would be the familiar 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, which puts out 270 horsepower and a pretty impressive 295 pound-feet of torque. Unlike the V6, this one would come in pair with an 8-speed automatic only.
Finally, we could see a turbodiesel engine under the hood of the 2024 RAM Dakota. That would be the well-known 3.0-liter V6, which puts out 260 horsepower and 440 pound-feet of torque.
2024 RAM Dakota Release Date and Price
At this point, the 2024 RAM Dakota is still just a rumor. The officials are still quiet, so you should remain reserved, even though some rumors suggest its arrival already in the next year. If it arrives, we presume that base versions would go under 30.000 dollars.