Very true, most Gladiator owners don't need a SFA. Just like most Harley Davidson owners don't need the two connecting rods and one crankpin thing that makes the HD rumble and vibrate the way is does. Honda, Yamaha and others use counter balancers.
The removable top and doors could put off some buyers, but I think if they had a power roof option like on the JLUās most people would be satisfied.
Unfortunately, for us, you wonāt be able to share anything. lol
My diphshit PM said it's a small Cherokee... And he's probably totally wrong, but maybe he's right?
Excuse me for asking and not researching overseas' models, but what "Dakota" sold overseas would not "cut it" here in the US? Perhaps they offer a small diesel that we won't likely get here?
Do you honestly think theyād make a SFA Dakota?
I think there are several layers. Federal emissions standards. More stringent state emission standards. Federal mandates for EVs, then not. America's love for the Ford Maverick, but hate for the Hyundai Santa Cruz. To diesel or not to diesel. Perhaps the biggest challenge to selling a truck in the US is that much of US R&D goes to the cash-cow full-size trucks. It's hard to beat their bang-for-the-buck value.
I get what you are saying. The others; Tundra/Tacoma, Titan/Frontier, F150/Ranger/Maverick, Silverado/Colorado, Sierra/Canyon and whatever else is out there. Each have their niches.
That's been the million-dollar question. JL/JT are both due for a complete replacement for 2029 model year, most likely going on sale in calendar year 2028. That's coming up FAST. And there have been rumors that Jeep is internally looking at the question "what if Gladiator was separated from Wrangler?" So while it has been stated many times that Dakota and Gladiator will share platforms, it seems more likely to me that a NEW platform will be used for both trucks since both should be all new for the same model year.
There are LOTS of actual videos on YouTube already of the Dakota in other nations. And it's got a small diesel (which we 100% will not get here) but otherwise it's very cookie-cutter. Crew cab with almost no rear leg room, 5 foot box, boring design. It even looks like everything else that's on the market. Actually, it looks like the PRIOR model of the U.S. Chevy Colorado to me. Ick. Just very boring. WHY would anybody buy a Ram Dakota over a tried and true Ranger, Tacoma, or Colorado that already has a solid track record here in the States? Honestly, I wouldn't. In my opinion, to be successful so late to the party Ram really NEEDS to give this Dakota features the other trucks don't have. More second row leg room (which Gladiator currently leads the segment), 6' bed option, V8 engine option, SOMETHING to set it apart in a crowded market.
I think it's more likely they make a IFS Jeep. For decades Jeep had no direct competition and they were scared to mess with the formula. But Ford has now proven that you can build a dedicated off-road vehicle with IFS and it will sell like hotcakes. 95% of buyers never even look under the vehilce. They couldn't care less what kind of suspension is under it. They like the look, the tires, the removable doors, the convertible top, the millions of accessories, etc. That's all they care about. Jeep got FREE reconnaisense from Ford when Ford dropped that Bronco with IFS, and now Jeep has no reason to keep the solid axle around anymore. It's been a sore spot for the Jeep bean counters for years...death wobble warranty claims and negative press, poor ride quality, poor handling, reduced ground clearance, poor tire wear, etc. etc. They would LOVE to go IFS and now nothing is stopping them. 2028 is going to be a very interesting year of news for Dakota, Wrangler, and Gladiator.
I donāt see any reason at all we couldnāt have both. A strong case could also be made for the Mojave to be IFS #FlameSuitON! LOL
I had a '98 single cab 5 speed v6 Dakota when I finished school and it was great for just myself.
