After everyone wrote off the mid-size trucks, this segment is now stronger than ever. The 2022 Ram Dakota is one of the most anticipated mid-size models. However, reports from a couple of weeks ago said that this model won’t happen. A few days ago, reliable sources said that the 2022 Dakota will go on sale after all. Ford returned its Ranger model and Nissan will redesign its Frontier pickup truck.
The FCA offers a relatively new Jeep Gladiator. And Dakota will reportedly share the underpinnings with the Gladiator pickup truck. We don’t know if the Dakota model will arrive later this year or at some point in 2022. Anyway, this is everything we know at the moment.
2022 Dakota Design
The upcoming 2022 Ram Dakota will look closer to the Ram 1500 pickup truck. This is not a surprising decision by the manufacturer at all. However, Dakota will be smaller and it will host some unique details. Still, the design language is the same and two models will wear the same lines and some of the exterior features. The front fascia will host a bolder trapezoidal grille and LED headlights.
The lower bumpers seem to be different, but the sheet metal on the side is exactly the same. Ram Dakota will offer different fenders and doors. The rear section comes with the short-bed option and LED taillights. We don’t know if Ram plans to deliver completely new wheels and exterior colors.
Interior
Similar treatment will happen inside the cabin. Thanks to that, the new 2022 Ram Dakota won’t depart from the Ram 1500 and its interior design. Both variants are very modern, comfort is great and there are a lot of standard features. We expect to see some important updates, including the infotainment system. On top of that, Dakota will gain the latest safety aids as well.
What we don’t know is the 12-inch touchscreen and if Ram plans to offer it as standard or optional equipment. Dakota is smaller than the Ram 1500, but the manufacturer promises a spacious cabin with a high level of comfort. The latest reports are suggesting a digital instrument cluster as standard. Lastly, features such as a panoramic sunroof or Wi-Fi will be optional.
Hybrid Powertrain is Included
As we said, the 2022 Ram Dakota is a smaller truck. Because of that, Dakota won’t offer larger engines such as 5.8-liter or 6.4-liter engines. Instead, a 3.6-liter V6 gasoline engine comes as standard. Optional 3.0-liter EcoDiesel is also in offer. A diesel engine is capable of producing 260 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque. However, the highlight of this model will be its mild-hybrid powertrain option.
Ram will combine a standard 3.6-liter V6 with the 48-volt eTorque system. Reportedly this hybrid powertrain will develop slightly above 300 horsepower. Moreover, Dakota will be able to tow almost 12,000 pounds and an eight-speed automatic transmission will be standard.
2022 Ram Dakota Price, Release Date
The price of the brand-new 2022 Ram Dakota will start at $30,000. As we already said, some reports said that this pickup truck won’t hit the production. Now, the most recent stories are saying that the Dakota model is coming to the dealerships. The launch date is not available yet, but this truck will arrive in a one-year time.
