Will the Dakota ever make a comeback?
It was the first midsize truck segment to be launched in the US by Dodge Dakota. Ram still cherishes it fondly. The subject of persistent rumors for several years has been the Dodge Dakota. They claim it will be back and join the growing number of trucks below the full-size. There is a new rumor, with a 2024 timeframe, but it seems that the truck still will not be heading for the States.
This rumor might seem a bit unbelievable to those who are familiar with Small Wide. This platform is also used in subcompact Stellantis vehicles such as the Jeep Renegade. So how can this become a mid-size competitor to trucks such as the Ford Ranger. This platform seems to be adaptable and capable supporting larger designs. In fact, the three-row Jeep SUV, based on the Compass, will debut later in the year in Brazil.
Ram could pick from a number of small pickup trucks already in the Stellantis fleet, should it decide to enter the midsize or compact truck market in the States. Rumours suggest that this machine is a step ahead of the rest, and could therefore offer more value to US buyers. The elephant in the room, however, is the one that saw the Dodge Dakota vanish – the price.
Ram sells the 1500 from its previous generation as the Ram Classic. It is priced several thousand dollars lower than its handsome successor. Ram buyers might not be motivated enough to abandon their full-size lifestyle by paying a slightly higher price for a midsize truck. Ram may be left out of the market when the 1500 Classic ends. However, there are the Ford Ranger and the Hyundai Santa Cruz and the Ford Maverick that will fill up the smaller truck market.