The Ram 1200 Provides New Ram Dakota Clues
It’s finally happening. The Ram 1500 will be a big brother to the Ram Dakota. However, the Dakota will be known as the Ram 1200 in other countries. Now we can piece a few more clues together about the new smaller truck.
The Ram 1200 sets the stage for the Ram Dakota
We’ve been hot on the trail, following Ram Dakota clues for months. Now according to Gear Patrol, there is more information to go on. Autos Segredos from Brazil confirmed that a new Ram 1200 pickup truck is on the way.
This new compact truck could be called the Dakota in America. You can think of it like the Ford Ranger. In other countries, the Ranger offers engines that don’t meet higher emission standards in America. But aside from different engine options, the trucks are nearly identical.
Reportedly, the Ram 1200 will be coming to America, so that’s a great sign. It will have a unibody truck that’s designed to conquer the highly successful Ford Maverick. But rumors suggest that the American version will have a body-on-frame design.
Were not sure how exactly that would work with two incredibly similar trucks but were too invested to give up now. Some reports also suggest that the new Ram truck will be a midsize option to tackle the Ranger.
How much power will the new Dakota have?
Rumors suggest that the Ram Dakota will be built on a modified version of the Stellantis Small Wide 4×4 platform. This platform is used by the Jeep Compass and Alfa Romeo Tonale. Also, it could only be available with 4×4.
Having standard 4×4 will be a great perk against the Maverick and Ranger, which offer all-wheel drive, as long as there is enough power to back it up.
The Ram 1200 or Dakota could get a Turbo Flex version of the Tigershark 2.0-liter inline-four engine with more than 200 hp in America. That’s a great start. It could serve as the base engine.
Other countries like Australia and Brazil could get 1.5-liter and 2.2-liter diesel options. However, an EcoDiesel engine could meet the higher emission standards in America. Also, a hybrid engine is already in the mix as a potential option.
The Ford Maverick has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid setup with 191 hp and 155 lb-ft of torque. You can upgrade to the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine for 250 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque.
How much does the Dakota cost?
The Ram Dakota could start with a higher price than the Ford Maverick. The Maverick is cheap because it shares a lot of parts with the Ford Escape. But the Dakota could borrow pieces from the Jeep Compass.
The Maverick starts at $19,995. However, the standard model can’t be equipped with AWD or the towing package. If the entry-level Dakota has more power and functionality, it could be a little more expensive.
Also, there could be two new trucks in the mix. If the Dakota is midsize and the Ram 1200 is a compact option, then the game would definitely change. We know that at least one new Ram truck has been officially confirmed and will keep you updated.
