The FCA group is making big plans for the future. Besides the Ram 1500, the Fiat-Chrysler corporation is preparing a new truck for the US market. It is not quite new in the matter of fact. By using the current pickup Fiat Fullback and an old name, we will see it as 2019 Dodge Dakota.
The return of the vehicle discontinued in 2011 is not unrealistic. The 2019 Dodge Dakota pickup had excellent 4×4 drive system and towing capacity. However, release date and price of Dodge Dakota truck are still unknown. But, there are some hints it could get the diesel engine and an SRT version. We are pretty sure this unit will be borrowed from the newest 2019 Ram 1500 whose premiere was held at the latest NAIAS.
2019 Dodge Dakota Engine
The 2019 Dodge Dakota will be based primarily on the next Fiat Fullback. First of all, that means that look and the engine room will be pretty similar. Whatsoever, the Fullback truck is not present in the US. That means a lot of modifications to meet all standards are ahead of engineers.
The 2019 Fiat Fullback will continue to use the same engines as the Mitsubishi L200 Triton. This truck is offering both diesel and petrol variants. The gasoline engine is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder unit with paddle shifters and a five-speed manual transmission. A five-speed auto is also an option. This is the most likely engine to come as the main source of power for 2019 Dodge Dakota.
Diesel
On the other hand, 2019 Dodge Dakota diesel is not so predictable. Units which Fiat Fullback uses in Europe and the Middle East can’t meet emission requirements in the US. So, we doubt that engineers can tune 2.4-liter turbodiesel or 2.5-liter DI-D powertrains for this market. Nevertheless, it would be nice to see the second one and its dynamic power settings. Different setup would allow the new Dakota to deliver between 110 and 180 hp, and 150-300 lb-ft of torque.
2019 Dodge Dakota SRT Version
As the Dodge Durango, the 2019 Dodge Dakota truck could get a performance-oriented SRT version for show off. This move could lure more buyers with high outputs. Experts believe that the engine from Durango SRT could fit nicely under the hood of Dakota SRT model. It is a 6.4-liter Hemi V-8 with the capability to produce 475 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. But, this could be a model for later release, when the base one’s return starts to slow down.
Towing Capacity
The 2019 Dodge Dakota pickup will take a position in the compact segment. Its competition will be GMC Canyon, Toyota Tacoma, and Chevy Colorado. Small petrol engines can tow around 3,500 pounds. Toyota is at the same level, but with tow package, it can boost these numbers to 6,500 pounds. Colorado can match this with a diesel engine. The new 2019 Dakota is going to be competitive in this segment as well, responding to these numbers with similar values.
2019 Dodge Dakota Release Date
This is just a rumor based on some information from leaked sources. We only know that the FCA is considering this move, and all other details are an analysis of our experts. We are listening carefully to all gossips, and so far there is no confirmation from the carmaker. Whatsoever, the stories have a foundation, and the FCA needs a small truck for the US market. Our bets are rather on 2019 Dakota than the 2019 Fiat Fullback since Dodge has already a lot of fans waiting for the comeback.