The segment of mid-size pickup trucks is live again. The demand for these vehicles is bigger than ever, so models like Tacoma and Colorado aren’t the only models in the segment. The Ranger came back after years of hiatus, while there is also a brand-new Jeep Gladiator. Finally, the ancient Nissan Frontier is also about to get a redesign in the near future. Therefore, the 2021 Dodge Dakota sounds like a natural thing.
Despite that FCA has recently introduced the new Gladiator, we can’t look at this model as a typical mid-size truck, something that can compete with models like Ranger or Colorado. Simply, there is a huge price gap between these models, as the base Gladiator starts at around 35.000 dollars. The new Dodge Dakota 2021, on the other side, would be a typical work machine, with the cheaper interior, smaller base engine and similar features, including a single cab layout. At his point, we are still waiting for the official confirmation.
Another thing that may bother you is the name. Most likely, the new Dakota will be a part of Ram brand, though we are still waiting for some words from the officials.
2021 Dodge Dakota Design
In terms of base design characteristics, there is no doubt that the 2021 Ram Dakota will stick to its traditions. A typical mid-size truck layout is something we expect to see. Naturally, the new model should have a lot in common with the Gladiator. The two models will ride on the same platform and share most of the mechanics. Moreover, the new 2021 Dodge Dakota will also be built in Ohio.
On the other side, we count on the notable difference in terms of 2021 Dodge Dakota specs. One of the things that come to mind is the size. The Gladiator is a pretty large vehicle, which seems logical, considering its crew cab layout. On the other side, the Dakota is expected to come in various body styles in the offer, so we may see versions with both single and two rows of seats, different bed sizes etc. All this indicates different wheelbase lengths as well.
Exterior
While the mechanics are about to be largely the same as in the Gladiator, we count on a completely new different exterior design. Naturally, the styling will be heavily inspired by the new generation of the full-size Ram 1500. In practice, this means we won’t see the famous crosshair grille design, which is something that characterized Ram/Dodge vehicles for decades.
Other than that, we count on a typical truck layout, with a lot of similarities with the full-size counterpart. Moreover, the overall shape should be pretty similar, just in a smaller package. As we already mentioned, the 2021 Dodge Dakota should come in different body styles. The offer should start with single cab models, while extended and double cab versions should be in the offer as well.
Interior
When it comes to interior design, we presume that a lot of inspiration will once again be taken from the full-size 1500 models. If that happens, the new 2021 Dodge Dakota will feature a pretty stylish cabin, full of quality materials and with a pretty stylish dashboard. Of course, this would include a large touchscreen at the center console (not as large as in the Ram 1500), as well as all other kinds of advanced tech goodies. Still, keep in mind that the new Dakota will need to have a competitive price, so most of these features will be available in higher trims only. Standard models will probably be pretty basic in this aspect.
2021 Dodge Dakota Engines
A wide engine offer is another thing we expect to see from the 2021 Ram Dakota. While the Gladiator comes with a V6 engine only, we presume that four-cylinder versions will be available in this case as well. Most likely, we will see the same turbo-four that powers the new Wrangler, while the aforementioned V6 will be reserved for higher trims. The two engines are similar in terms of power, but the turbo-four features more torque, which in practice means a little bit better driving dynamics.
Also, we expect to see a diesel version in the offer. That should be a 3.0-liter inline-six, which delivers around 260 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. Which such numbers, we expect nothing less than class-leading ratings.
2021 Dodge Dakota Release Date and Price
The 2021 Dodge Dakota is still waiting for the official confirmation. So, all those reports that suggest a launch date for the next year should be taken with a reserve, as it’s also possible to see this truck a little bit later. On the other side, things are pretty simple when it comes to the price. This truck needs to be affordable if the company wants to successfully compete with rivals. Therefore, base models shouldn’t cost more than 25.000 dollars.
C’mon Dodge! Please bring back the Dakota. I owned a ’98 Dakota Extended Cab with a 318 and still own a ’05 Dakota Quad Cab with a 4.7L.. My ’05 has over 138,000 miles and shows no sign of slowing down. With that in mind, I’d still like to own a new Dakota. That hasn’t been possible since 2011, so I’ve had to settle for a Nissan Frontier SL Crew Cab (sorry). C’mon Dodge! Chevy blew it when they came out with the newly designed Blazer. What a P.O.S. looking snowflake-mobile. In the late-70s, I also owned a ’74 Blazer with a 350 in it. That was a fun & sexy vehicle! Please don’t make the same mistake that Chevy made. We want a “Dakota” looking Dakota! C’mon Dodge!
There’s nothing else like ride, power, and feel of a 2000 DODGE DAKOTA SPORT with a 4.7 V8 Magnum Engine!!!! None of the other mid-size trucks have that, and it is a major Plus!!!
make new Dakota look like the ram rebel I would buy one
I loved my 2001 Dakota. I tried the 2005 and hated it and move over to the Ramm 1500.
There is no comparing a truck to a jeep; a “work machine” with a smaller base engine that will not be able to compete with increasing power demands? The 2021/22 Dodge Dakota should be the leader in horsepower/torque for its class if the goal is to be competitive in today’s changing market. Otherwise, is it worth the effort?
Id look at a Dakota if they offer the 3.0l diesel with a manual transmission. Jeep screwed up not offering a stick shift with the available diesel engine.
The new Dakota needs a sport look the square look went out in the 70/ 80s . Give the drivers some thing that will be a stand out. to make a smaller version of the Ram is a poor idea think out of the box. All sport aspects should carry over to 4x4s also.
I have a 1998 Dodge Sport with 225,000 miles. Best truck ever. Only problem had to replace computer. Ever problem in anything has been the computer. Don’t need them. Bring back the Dodge Sport.
I still own my 1998 Dakota. 341,000 miles and it just keeps going. I have no plan to replace it. Nothing else compares. The more I look around at what is out there, the better what I already have looks.
I emailed Dodge on when the Dakota will be available in 2021.
The answer I got, “not happening”.
On hold? or no decision coming due to pandemic?
My 03 Dakota SLT Quad cab has 239000 + miles on it and it is still the best ride on the road. No major problems. still major power from the 4.7 V8. decent gas mileage. Wouldn’t own any other truck, unless it was another Dakota. one of the best things about it, is the interior. Pure class,plenty of room. only thing that could be better is storage inside. One could do no better than to own a Dakota. The new one coming out soon, from what i read needs to have a 4.7 V8 available.
Im currently restoring my 87 dodge dakota priced and certified oem for 30 grand give or take
I have owned 3 Dakota’s. First one with the 318 regular cab and then a quad cab. Managed to find a 2011 with the 4.7. Just over 100k miles and still looks great. Dodge needs a small truck. With kids gone I would probably like the club cab.
I had a 1993 Dodge Dakota with the v6 best little pickup I ever had , so come on Dodge bring back the Dakota and I’ll buy a brand new one ,and I hope that you would have the option between a v6 and a V8 but that little 6 cylinder with a good engine
I had 2 Dakota’s a 2002 and a 2007 both with the 4.7 v/8. I got about5 22 mpg and good power. I put 115 miles on the 2002 mode3l and spent 89.00 on maintence besides brakes and tires .and oil changes The guy I sold it to gave it to his daughter who put another 85,000 miles on it before totaling it out and the insurance gave him 5500.oo for it. Can’t beat a deal like that. The 2007 was bought used with 20000 miles on it and I drove it to about 85000 miles and traded it in on a Durango with the Penstar v/6. I like the V /6 in my 2013 Durango which gets better gas mileage and has more power. I have 90000 miles on the Durango but miss having a bed on back to put my Electric bike in so looking forward on the new Dakota as the Ram 1500 is more than I need.
was going to get a new Colorado until I heard about a possible Dakota coming out. I will wait for a while longer. Sure hope it’s true