The new truck for the US market is not going to be Ram. The FCA is going to use the Dodge badge for the new, classic mid-size pickup. Besides that, the familiar nameplate is expecting reappearance. The 2022 Dodge Dakota is almost ready for production. However, precise release dates and other details are still unknown. One thing is sure – the mid-size model is not going to get the Hellcat engine. Experts believe the new Dakota will be a mechanical twin of the Jeep Gladiator.
Well, the 2022 Dodge Dakota will deliver a classic look of a pickup. The Gladiator is the Wrangler truck. For a long time, we could read rumors of such a vehicle. Now, the situation is the same with the Dakota. Another name mentioned in these speculations is Rampage. FCA, the big car- and truckmaker, made a few interesting moves recently. Like said, Jeep Gladiator is a new member of the mid-size market. The company discontinued Fiat Fullback, which was believed to be the base for the Dakota. Instead, Ram 700 took its place in some countries. Of course, the loudest news is about the Ram 1500 Hellcat. So, the FCA is a serious player in the pickup market and this promises a lot of fun for truckers. Will they continue the expansion with the new Dakota?
2022 Dodge Dakota Specs
Under the hood of the Gladiator, we can find a six-cylinder engine. It is up to buyers if they want to go with a petrol or a diesel. Most rivals in the mid-size class start the offer with a four-banger. It makes the offer more attractive, regarding the price. However, truckers cannot be tricked and most of them will opt for a larger unit.
The 2022 Dodge Dakota might change that and offer a 2.4-liter four-cylinder powerplant just as an option. It won’t change things too much, but it can meet the demands of buyers looking for a more efficient ride. Still, a 3.6-liter V6 will be the most popular option. It can provide 285 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, which will be transferred through an eight-speed gearbox. A manual stick might also be an option. A 3.0-liter turbodiesel is questionable. Many experts have shown a surprise since the engine is well-known as the powertrain of the full-size Ram 1500. Torque of 442 pound-feet is too much for a mid-size pickup. Still, it will make the gas mileage way too better than the petrol engine. However, it won’t cover the price difference.
2022 Dodge Dakota Release Date and Price
By the end of the year, we will know more about the 2022 Dodge Dakota. One of the options is to be part of the Ram lineup. It is also possible that the company might introduce the concept next season as the prototype of the 2023 YM. The price will depend on the base engine. A four-pot unit will be under $25,000. But, even the saving of $5,000 is not good enough for truckers seeking extra power. For a V6, they will need to add more than $6,000. Depending on the trim levels, the high-end versions will be over $40,000.