Overview
Those who’ve fond recollections of the Dodge Dakota that disappeared in 2011 could have been completely satisfied to listen to rumors that Ram was contemplating resurrecting the nameplate on a mid-size pickup. We had speculated initially that it might debut in 2021 and an providing cheaper and smaller than the half-ton Ram 1500. Unfortunately, the revived Dakota has did not materialize. While it might have shared some elements with its bigger sibling, we thought it might have been smarter for Ram to base it on the Jeep Gladiator, which had earned a spot on our 2020 10Best list following the Jeep’s debut. The resurrected Dakota would have competed with the Ford Ranger, the Chevrolet Colorado, the GMC Canyon, and the Toyota Tacoma. While we’re hopeful {that a} Dakota might nonetheless be a part of the mid-size pickup market sooner or later, we’re now not as assured in its reappearance.
What’s New?
Had the Dakota launched as anticipated, it might have been a brand new providing for the Ram model. The rumors that had circulated all through the automotive business again in 2021 advised that the Dakota would both be constructed alongside the Gladiator in Toledo, Ohio, or at Ram’s manufacturing unit in Saltillo, Mexico. (We had heard both rumors.)
Pricing and Which One to Buy
Ram by no means obtained round to asserting how a lot the Dakota would have price or what trim ranges would have been provided. We assume its base worth would have been considerably decrease than the Gladiator’s, which on the time began at $35,040. A beginning worth someplace round $26,000 would have aligned it with key rivals such because the Ranger and the Colorado.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
No matter if the Dakota had been a downsized model of the Ram 1500 or a rebodied Gladiator, its choice of engine choices would have been fairly simple. While there was nearly no probability {that a} V-8 would have been within the playing cards, the three.6-liter V-6 that is used throughout Stellantis’s North American lineup was a positive wager, most likely paired with an eight-speed automated transmission and each rear- and all-wheel drive. Another potential engine possibility was the model’s not too long ago launched diesel 3.0-liter V-6, which was good for 260 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque. The Dakota would have absolutely had an off-road-oriented mannequin to problem comparable choices from its mid-size rivals. We can think about a Rebel trim stage with a rugged look, beefier suspension, underbody skid plates, and knobbier tires.
Towing and Payload Capacity
Based on the Gladiator’s towing and payload scores, the Dakota may need been capable of pull as much as 7650 kilos and haul as much as 1600 kilos in its cargo mattress. These maximums have been by no means confirmed by Ram, although.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Neither the EPA nor Ram ever launched any data on fuel-economy estimates for the Dakota. If plans for the truck are ever carried by way of, we’ll replace this story with gas economic system figured as soon as they’re printed.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
We suspect the Dakota would have had comparable inside styling to the Ram 1500, though it most likely would not have lived as much as that pickup’s luxurious requirements. Still, the smaller pickup would have possible supplied a plethora of normal and non-compulsory facilities. This could have included a heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated entrance seats, leather-based upholstery, wi-fi charging, and extra. The lineup would have possible provided a crew cab and a smaller prolonged cab. However, since even the roomiest mid-size vans—except for the Honda Ridgeline—don’t have very spacious again seats, we doubt the Dakota would have been any totally different.
Infotainment and Connectivity
While the Ram 1500 provides an enormous vertically oriented 12.0-inch touchscreen, we’re unsure that that infotainment system would have been shared with the Dakota. The firm’s Uconnect infotainment system would have possible included fascinating content material equivalent to Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Base fashions would possible have had a extra primary setup, however nonetheless would have had the aforementioned options.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The Dakota would possible have been geared up with an assortment of normal and non-compulsory driver-assistance technology. The roster would possible have included options equivalent to adaptive cruise management, automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping help, and extra.
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
The Dakota would have had a median restricted and powertrain guarantee in contrast with its mid-size rivals. The Canyon, Colorado, and Tacoma all have complimentary upkeep, one thing that the Ram model doesn’t at the moment supply.
- Limited guarantee covers three years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain guarantee covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled upkeep
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