Ram has finally lifted the lid on its incoming Dakota mid-size ute, and the details reveal that the long-awaited model will leapfrog the current-generation Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger and instead take aim at the all-new dual-cab from Kia.
That’s the word from Ram boss Mike Koval, who, while not calling out any specific competition, confirmed the new ute would be equipped with ICE and electric powertrains to meet the needs of today, and tomorrow, in Australia and around the world.
If that strategy sounds familiar, it’s because Kia is eyeing an identical rollout plan for its own dual-cab ute, with the Korean truck to arrive in two guises – one powered by diesel, and the other a full EV – to ensure its bases are covered in what it refers to as “emerging markets”.
Same for the Dakota, then, which has already been sneak-previewed as a kind of mini-1500 REV – an all-electric mid-size ute – to Ram’s dealers in the USA. But that’s just the beginning of the Dakota story, with ICE versions to follow.
The Dakota (if that’s the name the brand eventually settles on) will also be Ram’s second truly global product, with the company investigating factory right-hand drive to ease its launch into markets like Australia and the UK.
“I don’t want to limit my opportunities,” Mr Koval said. “I would be doing the team a disservice if I didn’t (offer ICE). I want to be able to sell it in every market around the world.”
When exactly we’ll receive it remains to be seen, but that said, he has confirmed the project is a go, and has sworn to his team that they will be the one to deliver it.
“I will say this – we’ve been talking about it forever. This is the Ram leadership team that is going to execute. We will be the team that delivers it.”
When he does, the multi-powertrain Dakota will essentially be going head-to-head with Kia’s incoming dual-cab ute.
American media are pointing to two viable ICE options for the Dakota. The first being the group’s venerable 3.6-litre V6 – making around 227kW and 365Nm. It would pair with an eight-speed auto and arrive in rear- or all-wheel drive.
Option two, it seems, is the brand’s 3.0-litre EcoDiesel V6, which produces 179kW and 569Nm in the existing 1500.
As to what will be under the bonnet of the Korean workhorse, we turn to local automotive website Performance Drive, which has reported its own scoop.
Quoting a source close to Kia, the site says it has confirmed the engine options for the new Kia ute, with the first being a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel (lifted from the Kia Sorento), which currently produces 157kW and 420Nm.
Kia is reportedly also set to launch its ute with a turbo-petrol engine, and specifically the 2.5-litre, four-cylinder unit from the Sonata N Line. It produces a healthy 213kW and 422Nm.
The third option will be an EV flagship, with the site reporting that the EV ute will be fitted with a 123kWh battery pack, deliver a driving range of 450km, and serve up a mountainous 410kW and 800Nm.
Keyword: Forget the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux, the all-new Ram Dakota is going after the Kia and Hyundai dual-cab ute - and it's coming to Australia!