For a decade, the Dakota name was gone. Perhaps it is time to return.
Perhaps the plan to revive the Dakota, or whatever Ram calls the future mid-sized Ram truck , is still alive. Automotive News has been informed by an insider that work continues to build a smaller pickup for the brand.
After the 2011 model year, Ram Dakota was gone. Rumors were already swirling in 2012 About a return for your nameplate. It never happened.
FCA (now Stellantis), decided to try out a new Dakota by launching the Jeep Gladiator model year 2020. The vehicle sold 77,542 units in its first year of full-year sales.
Ram dealers are looking for a midsized truck that will fit below the 1500. It’s understandable that rivals are expanding their pickup ranges. Ford is an excellent example, with its new full-range of pickups including the Maverick and the Ranger. The venerable F150, as well as the Super Duty, is coming soon. There are also new options like the Hyundai Santa Cruz unibody pickup.
Ram’s 2018 product roadmap mentions a new mid-sized truck coming by 2022. The automaker has done a great job keeping the pickup under wraps if it is coming in that time frame. The vehicle has not been seen in spy photos, and rumors have even questioned its existence.
Ram already offers smaller trucks outside the US. The Ram 700, for example, is available in Mexico and South Americaas an almost identical version of the Fiat Strada. The little truck is available in two- and four-door versions. These pickups have front-wheel drives and small-displacement engines. This allows you to tow up to 882 lbs (400 kg) and haul 1,653 lb (750 kg) of payload.