The 2020 Dodge Dakota is a must for the FCA. Their pickup truck lineup needs a compact model more than ever. Ford came back into the game with Ranger. Chevy is preparing the new generation of its Colorado. GMC Canyon twin is coming alongside it. Toyota Tacoma is getting a diesel engine. Honda considers a launch of the Ridgeline Type R model. FCA can just let it go. They MUST do something. Well, the company already produces a compact pickup. But it is Fiat Fullback, and it is not available for American buyers.
This pickup, very popular in South America and Europe, will be used as a concept for the upcoming 2020 Dodge Dakota. Actually, the upcoming compact pickup will be a rebadged version of Fiat Fullback. On the other hand, the complete drivetrain should be new. Petrol engines will be standard, probably both four-cylinder and V-6. The Dodge Ram Dakota diesel will compete with likes of Chevrolet Colorado Diesel, and upcoming Ford Ranger Diesel and Toyota Tacoma Diesel.
Will There Be 2020 Dodge Dakota?
This is the main question. The pickup truck was very popular at its peak. However, economic crisis took its toll – Dakota was discontinued in 2011 after poor sales. Ever since the compact truck segment is recovering. Meanwhile, we have a large expansion of crossovers and SUVs. These vehicles are the most popular in the market because of their versatility. These are kinds of Frankensteins made of the best parts from every class. They take the utility from pickups. Some big SUVs can tow over 8,000 pounds. The best towing truck in the compact tier is Chevy Colorado with 7,700 pounds. Whatsoever, there are still some advantages SUVs can’t match. That is where the mid-size pickup segment sees its chance.
Ford brought back Ranger for the upcoming season. That alarms others. Existing models need updates. Companies that don’t produce compact trucks will do it as soon as possible. Ram 1500 is becoming the second best-selling truck in the US. And it doesn’t have a sibling in a lower category. The 2020 Dodge Dakota? Well, the company is still quiet about this. It is clear to everyone they must do something. This kind of vehicle must be there by 2020. It is only a matter of time when we will hear officially if FCA brings back the old Dakota nameplate, will it be Fiat Fullback, or they will create an all-new truck.
2020 Dodge Dakota Concept
The 2020 Dodge Dakota will definitely be based on the Fiat Fullback. The development of this model is very fast. It was introduced back in 2016 and now already it will head into US market as 2020 Dodge Ram Dakota. Well, the Fullback share a lot with Mitsubishi L200. So, we can speak about this model sharing the platform with upcoming Dakota.
Besides that, the FCA will build a new pickup. Designers and engineers will have a lot of job. New look and drivetrains must be competitive. Well, the status of Ram and FCA will offer a good start.
2020 Dodge Dakota Specs
Fullback is using a diesel engine only. It shares a 2.4-liter displacement with Mitsubishi L200. A 2.4-liter four-cylinder petrol unit is another option for L200, also called Triton.
The 2020 Dodge Dakota is not getting any of these. The FCA must search another option to start with, and it will probably be a V6. Well, Ford Ranger is using a turbo-four. Nissan Frontier is the cheapest pickup in the mid-size segment. But, its base model is not as popular as the higher-end version with V6 unit. A 3.6-liter V6 is too powerful for the Dakota, so the company needs to start with some smaller displacement.
2020 Dodge Dakota Diesel
What about diesel? Definitely, at the same time as petrol, this kind of drivetrain will appear on the market. Another ‘must do’ for FCA. They will have to keep up with Chevy Colorado and its towing capacity of 7,700 pounds. For that, the 2020 Dodge Dakota will need a diesel unit. A 3.0-liter Cummins unit is a new part of the lineup for a full-size pickup. A 2.8-liter still remains the option for the smaller vehicle. A similar engine is under the hood of Chevrolet Colorado. Tacoma and Ranger are also getting almost equal powertrain.
2020 Dodge Dakota SRT
Top of the class models in the FCA is SRT (Street & Racing Technology). Dodge Durango has this version. Jeep Grand Cherokee also. The 2020 Dodge Dakota SRT will be a rival to Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 and Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro off-road vehicles. Besides distinctive visual upgrades, the 2020 Dodge Ram Dakota SRT will get a special tuning, with the possibly more powerful engine. Well, the small pickup can’t carry a huge Hemi engine its siblings from SUV lineup are using. But, engineers will figure out how to maximize the output of the compact pickup.
2020 Dodge Ram Dakota vs 2020 Jeep Scrambler
There are two sides of rumors about the upcoming compact truck by the FCA. Some believe in 2020 Dodge Dakota return, while others are saying the next Jeep Scrambler will take a position in this segment. Well, the Jeep is definitely after a truck. But, it is still unclear if the vehicle is coming as Scrambler or Wrangler.
Also, this lineup is somehow specific, and we can’t take it as the serious rival to other, abovementioned pickups. On the other hand, rumors are reporting about a 2.0-liter engine which perfectly fits into this category. Now, it is more likely that Wrangler will remain a 4×4 off-road vehicle, and the Scrambler as a truck. But, there is still room for the 2020 Dodge Dakota. In which class, we will have to wait to see.
2020 Dodge Dakota Price
The new 2020 Dodge Dakota will definitely start from around $25,000. All rivals are carrying a similar price. There are cheaper versions with four-cylinder engines, but these are not as near as popular as their V6 and turbo versions. The SRT version will be the most powerful and the most expensive model. Its MSRP will go above $50,000. With big upgrades, this will be a model for an off-road adventure, rather than the work.
I want a pickup that is a pickup. A truck that looks like it was designed by a guy for a guy. A tough looking body, you sit higher inside for better visibility, bench seat, the name stamped on the tail gate, crank windows and not all the crap you have to pay for and don’t want.
New Dakota must have a HEMI, blow the others out of the water.
I’ve been waiting for a Dakota to come out – no fancy spancy crap – crank windows – 4×4- cd player – then I’m good – nothing else – just a good ole tough truck with Mopar