The pandemic has stamped out too many good things in the past years. It eliminated the interaction with car salespersons, boosted gasoline prices, and killed the affordable used car market. In between, it also forced us to accept the demise of the car industry as we knew it, so when we finally heard about a positive thing that came out of the COVID-19 crisis, we have to celebrate it. In this case, it is the return of the midsize pick trucks. Prior to the pandemic, midsize trucks had lost the popularity contest against the sport utility vehicles, heavy-duty pickups, and other heavier and bulkier full-size rivals. But with gas prices skyrocketing in Western nations, things are changing fast.
Nowadays, consumers are rediscovering the unique benefits of midsize trucks like the Ram Dakota, which were discontinued in 2011. Accordingly, automakers had to return to the classics, giving them a new life. In the end, it’s easier to revive a giant than build a new pickup truck from scratch. Plus, Ram has understood that since 2011, when the Ram Dakota was officially retired, the pickup truck audience has expanded as millennials have settled down and Generation Z has grown up. This means that Ram can reach new audiences and expand its base with minor marketing efforts. Instead of investing in big, expensive marketing campaigns, Ram can revert to nostalgia to attract millennial consumers. Apart from the nostalgic happiness we feel when thinking about the Dakota days, these are other reasons why we’re looking forward to the return of the Ram Dakota.
The 2024 Ram Dakota's Engine Candidates
The 2011 Dodge Dakota was equipped with a 3.7-liter V6 engine that generated 210 horsepower. Dakota buyers could also upgrade to the V8 engine that was generating 302 horsepower. Fast-forward to 2024 and the Ram Dakota is forecasted to come equipped with a 3.6-liter V-6 engine, which is the one used for other popular Stellantis options.
Most certainly, Ram Dakota's engine will be paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It is also feasible that Stellantis will offer the new Dakota even with a 3.0-liter V-6 turbodiesel that could generate 260 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque.
The 2024 Ram Dakota: Off-Road Features
Some fear that Dakota will be re-imagined as a lifestyle pickup and this will kill its off-road capabilities. But, with surging gas prices, we doubt consumers would want to buy a pickup just for the style or the adventurous lifestyle automakers promise in marketing campaigns. As such, we forecast that the 2024 Ram Dakota will have a Rebel trim, similar to the one of Ram 1500. This trim will have superior off-road features, so expect to find off-road 33-in. tires, locking rear axle, and the sport performance hood. Additional options might include the 360-degree trailer surround view camera and advanced safety features.
The 2024 Ram Dakota: Interior And Exterior Design
Long gone are the days when buyers expected only incredible off-road features and high payload capacity from their trucks. Modern consumers demand even upscale interiors and modern design, so automakers had to deliver. Industry experts believe the 2024 Ram Dakota won’t cut corners in the design department, surprising buyers with its interior, tech and safety features, and infotainment.
The exterior will probably take some style notes from the Ram 700, although the grille and front headlights will resemble the ones of the Ram 1500. The doors and fenders seem dissimilar to the ones used for the Ram 1500, and so far, we don’t know what customization options customers have for exterior colors, tires, and accessories.
As for the interior, industry experts forecast that the new Ram Dakota will come close to the Ram 1500. Naturally, this will provide an unparalleled level of comfort and safety. The Ram 1500 has a spacious cabin, where crew members travel in style having 45.2 inches of rear legroom and their seats experience eight varying degrees of recline. Meanwhile, the cabin amenities are advanced, making driving a pleasurable experience. The 2024 Ram Dakota is forecasted to have a 12-inch touchscreen, sunroof and a digital instrument cluster. Furthermore, it will probably share the air filtration system and Head-Up Display with the Ram 1500.
The Ram Dakota Will Have An Affordable Price
Stellantis and Ram are still hush-hush on pricing, so official information is missing. Nevertheless, various sources estimate that the 2024 Ram Dakota will have a starting cost of $26,000. Naturally, higher trims are expected to go over $32,000. But even if buyers select the higher trims, prices will still be very affordable.
Just to put things into perspective, the 2023 Chevy Colorado will have a starting price of roughly $28,000, while the 2023 Toyota Tacoma is forecasted to have an MSRP of $27,500.