2028 Ram Dakota & Dakota SRT pickup confirmed for US / North America

[ChrisNLA]

exactly, i got my 99 Dakota because it was bigger than a S10 and offered the V8 plus it looked pretty good compared to the rest. But that 5.9 drank like a drunken sailor at an open bar ...

I nearly bought a '96 or so Dakota when I was around 18. It was 2WD, had the 318.

It was HILARIOUS on the test drive. It would absolutely destroy the back tires. It wasn't fast but it had plenty torque and no traction.

Looking back, I wish I would have gotten it. It was super clean inside and out. Had it been kept and taken care of long term it would have been rare as hens teeth at this point. This was about 18 years ago now.

Sponsored

 

[NC_Overland]

The Dakota was a midsized truck before Toyota, Nissan, and Chevy made a mid sized truck. That was its main draw IMO.

 

[DirkG]

Glad I got a gladiator before they stopped making them

I don't get this narrative. The Dakota is going to be the entry level truck in the CDJR range. It's the Civic (Dakota) that leads to the Accord (Ram 1500). It's going to attract a younger buyer that CDJR desperately needs.

The Gladiator is a purpose-built Wrangler with a bed. It's expensive because it has the underpinnings of an off-road beast that is also a convertible. I would argue that stripped down Gladiator Sports fall less in the hands of younger buyers and more in the hands of builders who want to construct their own rig.

I see these two definitely having two different missions in the CDJR lineup.

 

[LouisvEarlleJT]

I don't get this narrative. The Dakota is going to be the entry level truck in the CDJR range. It's the Civic (Dakota) that leads to the Accord (Ram 1500). It's going to attract a younger buyer that CDJR desperately needs.

The Gladiator is a purpose-built Wrangler with a bed. It's expensive because it has the underpinnings of an off-road beast that is also a convertible. I would argue that stripped down Gladiator Sports fall less in the hands of younger buyers and more in the hands of builders who want to construct their own rig.

I see these two definitely having two different missions in the CDJR lineup.

Assuming this is a competitor with the ranger, Tacoma, and the Colorado, it would put CDJM with two midsize trucks. None of the others carry that.

Sales drive production and the gladiator, due to its niche, isn’t as competitive in the market with the other mid-size trucks.

Maybe they keep it on, that’d be great, just doesn’t seem likely.

 

[cc1999]

The original Dakota trucks offered features the competitors didn't have. That was its calling card. V8 engines, slightly larger cabin, longer cargo beds, etc.

If this new one doesn't offer things the competitors don't have, it'll be DOA. The version they are selling overseas won't cut it here in the U.S. The competition is too fierce. I hope Stellantis is wise enough to see this.

Was thinking the exact same thing.

I know I for one have 0 interest in it without a V8 under the hood.

 

[Hoist]

Well, the Dakota killed the Comanche so I wouldn’t be surprised it does it to the gladiator. But I also agree, they will need to offer something better than the “self-destructo” PUG in the Dakota or it won’t compete enough to keep going here.

 

[Okie Gladiator]

It’s still not a Gladiator or a Jeep.

 

[Jrgunn5150]

It's funny to me the market has been telling them for 2 years now prices are too high, and their answer is, here's a smaller less capable truck for the same money you were paying for 1500's 4 years ago.,

 

[Mr Miami]

It's funny to me the market has been telling them for 2 years now prices are too high, and their answer is, here's a smaller less capable truck for the same money you were paying for 1500's 4 years ago.,

I get your frustration but please keep in mind, the Ram 1500 and Gladiator are two different animals. Rhesus monkeys and chimpanzees look alike in many ways, share some DNA, but are still totally different. The same with the Ram 1500 and Gladiator. Please don't confuse them nor their capabilities.

 

[Jrgunn5150]

I get your frustration but please keep in mind, the Ram 1500 and Gladiator are two different animals. Rhesus monkeys and chimpanzees look alike in many ways, share some DNA, but are still totally different. The same with the Ram 1500 and Gladiator. Please don't confuse them nor their capabilities.

I'm totally crystal clear on the fact that I could buy a far more capable Ram 1500 in 2023 for the same 40k price that they're starting the cheapest Dakota at.

Don't confuse Dakota's for Gladiators even if the same company makes both.

 

[Mr Miami]

I'm totally crystal clear on the fact that I could buy a far more capable Ram 1500 in 2023 for the same 40k price that they're starting the cheapest Dakota at.

Don't confuse Dakota's for Gladiators even if the same company makes both.

I still don't understand the comment on "far more capable Ram 1500 in 2023 for the same 40k price" ...... I paid in Jan 2025 a JTR for just over 42k that would go places that a a 42k Ram 1500 never knew existed. Let's be real here, are we talking about towing or off-roading? Two different animals.

 

[Hoist]

Well this thread went off the rails.
yes, jeeps are too expensive because they tried to make them like a car to increase sales.

Yes, the Dakota is similar in size with more comforts and quieter than a Gladiator. It will compete with people who are more interested in a daily driver or who don’t need dana44s, straight axle or 4.10 gears.

It will cut into Gladiator sales, it’s a question of how much.

 

[NC_Overland]

Well, the Dakota killed the Comanche so I wouldn’t be surprised it does it to the gladiator. But I also agree, they will need to offer something better than the “self-destructo” PUG in the Dakota or it won’t compete enough to keep going here.

I doubt it, but I wouldn’t be surprised if the next gen is completely different and a re-badged Dakota.

 

[Mr Miami]

I doubt it, but I wouldn’t be surprised if the next gen is completely different and a re-badged Dakota.

If the Gladiator is neutered to be a re-badged Dakota (God forbid) then yes, it will have a life cycle of 3-4 years and then disappear.

 

[NC_Overland]

If the Gladiator is neutered to be a re-badged Dakota (God forbid) then yes, it will have a life cycle of 3-4 years and then disappear.

I honestly think it would sell better. Especially, higher end models. Most people just want the Jeep name, because it still has a lot of value, and off-road and tow/haul ability that most people will never use. They just like the idea and image and the looks of off-road models. 95% of Gladiator buyers don’t need a SFA.

Sponsored