Ram Dakota Rumor Mill Heats Up

Exciting times lie ahead for midsize pickup truck enthusiasts as Ram Truck gears up to introduce a new offering in its lineup. The buzz surrounding the highly anticipated Rampage has intensified, with an increasing number of prototypes being spotted across the country. However, the excitement doesn’t stop there, as it appears that the Ram Dakota is also preparing to join the competition. Positioned as a smaller sibling to the mighty Ram 1500, which reigns supreme in the Ram lineup, the rumored upcoming Ram Dakota aims to captivate a younger audience with its sportier and more stylish appeal. 

As the midsize pickup truck segment gains momentum with the arrival of popular models such as the Ford Ranger, Chevy Colorado, and Toyota Tacoma in the U.S. market, Ram Truck has also decided to make its mark in this competitive space. Here’s everything we currently know about Ram’s latest potential offering, as the truck maker aims to make a splash in the midsize pickup segment. 

As it stands, the Dakota nameplate has a long history in the world of midsize pickup trucks. Originally introduced by Dodge in 1986 and marketed as the Ram Dakota in its final years until 2011, the decision to bring it back stems from Ram recognizing the potential for sales in the thriving midsize pickup market. With Ford unveiling its new Ranger and Toyota finally revealing its highly anticipated Tacoma, Ram has taken notice of the growing interest and competition in this segment. 

A revival of the Dakota would give Ram presence with two midsize pickup trucks in its lineup. With the Rampage also on its way, with a confirmed version for South America, it is likely that another version will be introduced in the U.S. However, a key distinction between the two is that the Dakota would be domestically built in the United States, while the Rampage might be manufactured in Mexico to navigate the 25 percent tax imposed on imported light trucks by the U.S. government. 

What can we expect from the upcoming Ram Dakota? According to enthusiasts, Ram took a prototype of the Dakota to various dealerships to gauge interest, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. Ram indicated that the upcoming Dakota will share many underpinnings with the popular Ram 1500, but it will feature a fresh styling approach aimed at attracting younger buyers. While the new pickup is sure to have sportier aesthetics, it will also retain some similarities to the Ram 1500. 

The upcoming Dakota is expected to offer buyers different trim levels to cater to various preferences. A luxurious interior is anticipated, alongside an off-road trim to appeal to adventure enthusiasts and thrill seekers alike. Ram will also make more conventional trims available as well.The availability of varied packages will provide potential buyers with a wide range of choices, including trims like the Tradesman, a Rebel package, and potentially even a Dakota TRX trim. Ram Truck aims to ensure that the new Dakota pickup aligns with other midsize trucks all while incorporating the existing multi-link setup currently found in the Ram 1500. This feature sets Ram Truck pickups apart from competitors as they utilize leaf springs for suspension needs. 

Want to see what features buyers may find in the upcoming Dakota? Check out the revamped 2023 Ram 1500 inventory at University Dodge. You’ll be surprised at how much technology and luxury accents can add to a pickup. Schedule your test drive today! Follow University Dodge on social media to stay up to date with the latest Ram Dakota news. 

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