Which Dakota Trims Will Be Offered First?

[WXman]

The interesting thing to watch in my opinion will be trim levels and specifically what they offer initially. I've seen this go two ways with new models in the past. I've seen them offer the top trim level to begin with, and then phase in the mid and lower trims later. And I've seen the exact opposite where they start with the volume selling model, and then do special editions and top trims later.

I wonder which way this new Dakota will go? I will be looking to get my order in as soon as it's possible, but I do not want a base model. I'd actually prefer a more off-road oriented trim.

 

[HolyToledo!]

I think they'll offer everything from top of the line Limited trim to a Rebel trim and all the way down to Tradesman.

A Limited trim satisfies the more daily-driver luxury truck customer and also makes the it easier to market / advertise the all-new-to-segment Ram Dakota. Using a Tradesman in their marketing advertising is hardly going to peak interest or make a splash. But a decked out Limited trim looks glossy and appealing in ads.

A Rebel trim is needed right away to capture the off-road / overland crowd.

And they've also gotta offer the Tradesman to appeal and capture the work truck customers and fleet sales too.

 

[Wayfinder]

The interesting thing to watch in my opinion will be trim levels and specifically what they offer initially. I've seen this go two ways with new models in the past. I've seen them offer the top trim level to begin with, and then phase in the mid and lower trims later. And I've seen the exact opposite where they start with the volume selling model, and then do special editions and top trims later.

I wonder which way this new Dakota will go? I will be looking to get my order in as soon as it's possible, but I do not want a base model. I'd actually prefer a more off-road oriented trim.

Curious - since you're a Jeep owner why you prefer a Ram Dakota over the Jeep Gladiator? Or are you considering the Gladiator too?

 

[WXman]

Curious - since you're a Jeep owner why you prefer a Ram Dakota over the Jeep Gladiator? Or are you considering the Gladiator too?

I'm currently leasing a Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon and a F-150 Lightning. At the end of these leases in roughly 3 years I am planning to go back to one vehicle to cut costs before I retire. So I'm in the research and planning phase of deciding which one vehicle will do EVERYTHING I want and need it to do. It's really looking like a gasoline or diesel crew cab 4x4 pickup truck is most likely to fit that requirement. But....what I'm holding out for is the hope that Ram will be smart enough to offer a 6' bed on the Dakota like Toyota and Nissan do. That would make Dakota more suitable for me than Gladiator. (I've had two Gladiators in years past.)

I could stick with fullsize, but those aren't as savvy off-road. But, that may end up being the way I have to go if Ram screws up this Dakota.