Ram Dakota Rumors Fizzle Out Thanks to Ram 1500 TRX Success
Ram Trucks has been revolutionizing its lineup for a while now, with rumors sporadically popping up alluding to a midsize Dakota model. Last May (2020), Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) renewed an old trademark on the “Dakota” name, while a spy photographer in Illinois allegedly witnessed a Ram prototype along with a smaller, similarly camouflaged pickup truck, subsequently fueling rumors about a possible midsize offering from Ram. But, now the rumor mill is coming to a halt with new reports that Ram Dakota plans have gone awry, with development of the truck now on the chopping block.
This latest rumor began circulating on a few fansites, citing “sources within Stellantis,” but not providing any clear explanation as to why the automaker appears to be tossing the Dakota aside. A possible explanation — and a concern that’s been floated — is that the Dakota would run the risk of cutting into Jeep Gladiator sales, a somewhat sister vehicle that’s gained a footing in the midsize pickup segment since debuting in 2020. Given that the Dakota was also rumored to be based on the Gladiator’s platform, it wouldn’t have been wise to release a nearly identical pickup that could’ve possibly struggled to sell — especially as the Gladiator has carved itself a respectable share of the market.
Automotive experts pointed out other reasons why a Ram Dakota might’ve not worked in this day and age. Back in the day, when the Dakota model was in its heyday and under the Dodge Ram umbrella, it used to have an available V8 option in an affordable midsize segment. Offering a V8 under the hood of a possible Ram Dakota now would likely boost the price point somewhere between $50,000 to $60,000, thus defeating the purpose of making an accessible midsize pickup. Additionally, an elevated pricepoint would also up the Ram Dakota’s competition, placing it directly against the larger 2021 Ford F150 Raptor, a pickup that’s more or less the bitter rival of the existing 2021 Ram 1500 TRX. Essentially the Ram 1500 TRX occupied the space Ram wanted to carve out for the Dakota.
What’s next for Ram Trucks?
Efficiency seems to be taking center stage for Ram as the brand just released a new Ram 1500 High Fuel Efficiency (HFE) model with an unsurpassed highway rating up to 33 mpg. Additionally, the future likely features some form of electrification — be it plug-in hybrid or all-electric — now that regulations are tightening up around the globe and automakers make the switch to newer powertrains. Now that the Stellantis merger is complete, Ram Trucks has a new parent company eager to grow and expand the brand while forging the future ahead. In the end Stellantis might’ve seen the Ram Dakota as redundant, a move that could’ve possibly cannibalized Jeep sales and sent the new parent company down the wrong path. As is customary, Ram Trucks declined to comment on any future projects.
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