The midsize truck segment is about to get a whole lot more interesting with Ram's upcoming launch of the new Dakota. The truckmaker has been absent from this segment for 15 years, leaving a sizable gap in its lineup that dealers are eager to fill. With promises of making it a 'real truck' starting at $40,000, Ram is taking on the market leader, Toyota's Tacoma.
The Tacoma has dominated sales volume with nearly 275,000 units sold last year alone. Dealers who got a glimpse of the new Dakota at the NADA Show in Las Vegas were impressed, with some even saying they loved it. ' Pricing is also expected to be competitive with Toyota's Tacoma.
Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis has been tight-lipped about powertrain options, but he did mention that the company is paying attention to hybrid tech without confirming electrification. 4-liter turbo four engine in most applications. With more competition entering the market, consumers may finally have a better choice when it comes to midsize trucks.
While Ram's new Dakota has yet to be officially released, dealers are already optimistic about its chances of success. ' With a starting price of $40,000 and a promise to make it a 'real truck,' Ram is hoping to shake up the midsize truck segment and give Toyota's Tacoma some serious competition. The question on everyone's mind now is: can Ram deliver on its promises and actually take down the market leader?
This new entrant into the midsize truck segment has the potential to disrupt the market, but it will be crucial for Ram to execute on its promises and provide a compelling alternative to Toyota's Tacoma. If they can deliver on their hybrid tech focus and competitive pricing, they may just have a chance at taking down the market leader.
