After many speculations, we found out that the famous Dakota truck is coming back in 2022. The same year Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon will go into the new generation. The return of the classic nameplates is becoming more and more popular. Ford returned Ranger to mid-size truck class, and soon we will see Bronco SUV again. Honda presented the new Passport, and Toyota unveiled 2020 Supra after the discontinuation in 2002. The FCA will bring back Jeep Gladiator pickup, and the next comeback is already scheduled. It is the 2022 RAM Dakota.
We saw the last Dakota back in 2011. The economic crisis hit heavily the mid-size segment. Now, the segment is showing signs of the recovery and all the major companies in the automotive world are now trying to make their way to this market. The 2022 RAM Dakota might be late behind the competition. On the other hand, that means we will see it with much more advanced features. But, it is still early to talk about details. For now, we only have a confirmation from official sources. Until the first info when development starts, everything else will be speculations.
2022 RAM Dakota Concept
Recently, the FCA launched the new Jeep Gladiator. But, the company is not stopping there. The new 2022 RAM Dakota will be based on the same platform the Wrangler is using as well. The mid-size segment won’t require big changes. A four-cylinder and V-6 engine will fit this truck as well, while Dakota could borrow some design solutions from its larger sibling RAM 1500.
Drivetrains
We will start our speculative analysis from the existing engines the FCA is using. A 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine would be the most likely choice if the Dakota would appear this year. However, we still don’t know what will be the situation in two or three years. A 2.0-liter engine could be used as the base for a hybrid setup. That is again a topic for discussion in the future since there is no official confirmation about such plan.
The famous Pentastar 3.6-liter V6 unit is certain for the 2022 RAM Dakota. We can’t imagine the truck, having this unit as a possibility, but not using it. Well, the 2020 Jeep Gladiator will get it. Dodge Durango and Jeep Wrangler are using it as well. So, 285 horsepower will be maximum output of the mid-size pickup, which is not bad compared to the competition.
2022 RAM Dakota Diesel
Well, to be the best, the 2022 RAM Dakota must make various upgrades. The diesel engine and an off-road package will improve the truck’s chances on the market. Jeep Gladiator comes with a 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine. The new Dakota could use a smaller engine. Euro-spec Wrangler will get power from a 2.2-liter diesel unit. With it, the new truck can count on 200 hp. However, it can’t make 7,650 pounds of towing capacity the Gladiator offers.
2022 RAM Dakota Release Date
As said, it is too early to talk about specs and details. During 2021 we can expect first prototypes and spy photos to confirm all upcoming info. The good thing is that the FCA already announced the new 2022 RAM Dakota. But, fans will have to wait for at least two years to get more evidence. Well, Ford started the comeback of the 2020 Bronco way back in 2015.
I work hard, I insist, I will succeed
make it look like the rebel had a2003 Dakota loved it I thought 2011 Dakota was ugly go back and look at yearly sales if it looks like 2011 I would not buy it
what I see the maroon concept 2022, the grill and the piece behind the cab that slants is ugly would not buy that one
Love Dakota I have owned two first was 2000 quad cab lost in 2005 to a total loss accident it had the 3.6 and a five speed manual 286000 miles. My second I still own it is a 2006 quad cab R/T 4.8 magnum V8 high output solar yellow with black R/T stripe package and R/T headrest and white faced R/T gauges
I had my 2006 quad cab w/4.7L, automatic, & 4WD. Absolutely loved it. Close to 200k miles when I sold it, BUT ONLY due to its MI rust! It was a great truck! What a perfect size too, not too big & not to small. Wish the new 2022 would come the 5.7L V-8 as an option!
I especially like the ‘mini’ Ram 1500 look in the ‘extended cab’ Dakota version shown in recent Car & Driver speculation PICS.