2023 Dodge (RAM) Dakota: News and Updates

There is a new kid on the block, it is the 2023 Dodge (RAM) Dakota. Dakota is not a new name, but we
are getting a brand new and refreshed truck from Dodge. It is competing in the mid-size category. This
segment is fierce and there are a lot of competitors. Probably the most crowded portion of the truck
market. So it is needless to say, Dakota will have to do a lot to walk out a winner. Updating the interior is
one thing. But making it functional and practical is another story.

There is a lot to be done and designers
have to put their thinking caps on. On the outside, the truck looks great. But making it contemporary and
aggressive is a prerogative for Dodge. Powertrain should get an update, or at least some hybrid and electric
variants. After all, it is where the car industry is headed and it should help us preserve the planet.
Considering the gas prices it wouldn’t be the dumbest idea to invest in an electric pickup. Dodge had their
hands full with this redesign. Let’s read in more detail what they have come up with.

2023 Dodge (RAM) Dakota Interior

On the inside, the Dakota has a lot to offer. Designers made it practical and functional. This is a feat not
achieved by many. Contemporary style is present and there is a bit of luxury as well. Well cushioned seats
offer maximum comfort along with improved lumbar support. They are also heated and ventilated. This
comes in handy during long drives in harsh environments. There is a bit of luxury added with chrome
accents along the instrument panel. A step further would be a wood-sprinkled interior. This might not
happen, except on higher ended trims. The dashboard is digital which allows for easier tracking of
information. Safety features introduced in the Dakota are excellent. We get lane change alerts, front
collision alerts, pedestrian alerts and many more. Dodge doesn’t have their own hands-free driving
system. This makes us believe they are going to borrow an already existing software. They could invest
in developing their own, but that takes time. The sunroof is present which is a nice amenity. Also, there is
seating for five people with plenty of legroom and headroom.

Exterior

On the outside, the 2023 Ram Dakota looks quite similar to the Ram 1500. This is fine by us as 1500
is an excellent pickup. The wheels are lightweight aluminum and sharp looking. Standard is a 22-inch rim in
multiple colors, depending on the trim you choose. There is a RamBox cargo management system that
can store tools or even make a freezer for your drink. It has auxiliary outlets in the cargo bed. Tailgate has
multiple options as a seat or a stopper. You can put 2000 pounds on it without having to worry. There is a
side running board that makes getting in and out much easier.

Cameras are all around the truck so you won’t have to worry about parking in tight spots. LED headlamps are present and they have  a sleek linear appearance. Bumpers are prominent and protrude a bit. They have nice approach angles so don’t worry about anything getting stuck under them. Winches can be added to them. For exterior colors, we have Diamond Black Crystal Pearl, Maximum Steel Metallic, Granite Crystal Metallic, Billet Silver Metallic, Patriot Blue, Delmonico Red, Flame Red, Bright White and Ivory White.

Engine and Specs

There is a veil of mystery surrounding the 2023 Ram Dakota. We haven’t been given much information
about it by Stellantis. However, reports claim that the new Dakota won’t be a compact truck like the Ford
Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz, but rather a mid size truck. The Dakota will make a comeback to take
on seasoned rivals like the Chevy Colorado, Toyota Tacoma, and Ford Ranger. According to rumors, the
Dakota may use a body-on-frame vehicle architecture similar to the Honda Ridgeline. Additionally, it
might utilize the Ram 1500’s platforms. The Dakota could go into production more quickly if it shared
parts with the Ram 1500.

The Ram Dakota and Jeep Gladiator can also have some traits in common. Although we don’t anticipate it having the Ram 1500’s V8 engine, it is undoubtedly a possibility. The most sensible engine is the 3.6-liter V6 gasoline unit. We hope the small but mighty 3.0-liter EcoDiesel engine with 260 horsepower and 485 lb-ft of torque is added to the Dakota. The Dakota could receive the same hybrid powertrain if the Jeep Gladiator 4xe debuts this year. The most intriguing rumors surround a powerful Ram Dakota SRT model. The Maverick can also come with a racetrack trim. Of course, we anticipate the arrival of off-roading centered 2023 Ram Dakota trim as well. A fully electric Dakota is not in the books just yet.

This comes as a surprise as many manufacturers are racing to ship their electric trucks. Looking at Ford’s F-150 Lightning. It has good range, good power and great reliability. Dodge might be missing out on a lot of potential sales if they choose not to electrify their trucks. A battery pack of no less than 150 kWh should be enough. This puts Dakota above 300 miles range and gives it an extreme amount of horsepower. Perhaps even using a tri-motor setup like the strongest Tesla Cybertruck.

Fuel Economy

There weren’t any official tests conducted so there is no reliable information about fuel consumption.
Based on the size and previous version of the Dakota we could assume that the combined driving would
give around 20 mpg.

2023 Dodge (RAM) Dakota Price and Release Date

It is most likely that we will have the chance to see the new 2023 Dodge Dakota on the road later this
year. Perhaps early 2023 because of pandemic and supply chain issues. Starting price for this mid-size
pickup is estimated at $26000. No official announcement so it is still speculation.