Are We Actually Getting the Ram Dakota After All?
Say what? The Ram Dakota might make a return after all? But wasn’t the Ram Dakota just canceled? To be clear, yes, it was. However, a new Ram midsize truck might be on the way with a different name.
The Ram Dakota might not be dead
According to Car Buzz, the Ram Dakota truck was canceled. Sources from Stellantis indicted that the Dakota project had been canceled but didn’t provide any details of the time. Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares has been re-examining all upcoming product plans and making cuts as necessary.
He has a reputation for cutting costs. He may have felt that the company could get by without a more traditional midsize truck, thanks to the Jeep Gladiator. Also, it’s worth noting that the Jeep Gladiator isn’t going anywhere for a while, and it may become even more important.
But the plans for the new Ram Dakota were simple. They could use the Jeep Gladiator platform and powertrain to make a more traditional truck. It would include the 3.6-liter V6 engine with 285 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. It could also utilize the 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine that provides 260 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque.
Is the Dakota back on the table?
According to Driving.CA, Stellantis reported that the Ram Dakota project is still on the table. It even received some development funds. This may be because Ram is the only one out of all of its direct competitors that doesn’t offer a midsize truck.
Meanwhile, you have the Ford Ranger, Chevy Colorado, GMC Yukon, Toyota Tacoma, and more. But this could also be seen as negative because the market is already saturated with midsize trucks.
But there could be a new Peugeot truck with a unibody frame that’s offered in America soon. Rumors suggest that the unibody Ram would provide buyers with an alternative option to the Jeep Gladiator.
But why would they want another option? Well, the Jeep Gladiator is a great truck, but it’s not for everyone. It’s a serious off-roader, meaning it’s not the best on the pavement. It can be bumpy and loud. Also, it’s pretty expensive.
Fans like the Ram 1500 because it has a smooth and refined ride. The cabin is quiet, and the interior is pretty luxurious. A new Dakota would allow fans to enjoy a comfortable yet capable truck without having to go for the full-size Ram 1500.
Does the Peugeot Landtrek provide any clues?
Not really. The 2020 Peugeot Landtrek is a cheap truck that’s only for China. It may also enter Latin American markets, but according to Motor Trend, this might not be a loss. Cheap trucks designed for rugged use aren’t exactly what American’s want.
It has a 1.9-liter diesel engine with 150 hp that’s paired with a six-speed manual gearbox. A 2.4-liter turbocharged gas engine that provides 210 hp is also available, along with a 4×4 version. Front-wheel drive comes standard.
Peugeot vehicles aren’t sold in the United States, so we probably won’t see the Landtrek over here. However, because of the merger, The Landtrek may serve as a model to base the new Ram Dakota on. But it may have a different name as the Jeep Cherokee also requires a new title.
