Mid-size truck fans are excited about the return of the Dakota nameplate, and now we know that Ram is cooking up an SRT performance version of this new mid-size pickup. This model will go head-to-head with the Ford Ranger Raptor and should bring some of the full-size Ram TRX's capabilities down to a more manageable size. We expect extra horsepower, a lifted off-road-ready suspension, knobby tires, and an aggressive appearance.
There's no official word yet on what will power the Dakota SRT, but the "Hurricane" twin-turbo inline-six found in other Ram pickups is a likely candidate. It could easily produce 500 horsepower, which would give the 405-hp Ranger Raptor a serious headache. Four-wheel drive will surely be standard, and the Dakota's body-on-frame construction, likely reinforced further, should make it a strong contender in the dirt.
View Price on AmazonExpert Tip: If you don't want to wait more than a year for a high-performance Ram and can afford a larger pickup, check out the revived Ram 1500 SRT TRX that returns to showrooms for 2027. The Dakota is a new model for Ram, and although it revives an older nameplate from a previous Dodge mid-size pickup, there has never been a high-po SRT model until now.
Car and Driver calculates your car's value in three free and easy steps - using the same Black Book data dealers use to appraise vehicles. We don't expect Ram to offer multiple trim levels for the Dakota SRT, but there should be various appearance packages and special editions for those who prefer a customized appearance.
Source: caranddriver.com
