Under the Hood: 200-HP Multijet 2.2 Turbo Diesel — the Reborn Ram Dakota Makes Its Debut in America

Two months ago, Ram unveiled the Dakota Nightfall concept — a preview of the long-awaited production pickup bearing a historic name. The mid-size Dodge Dakota pickup was first introduced in the mid-1980s, but production ended in 2011. Now, more than a decade later, its spiritual successor has finally arrived.

The new Ram Dakota is designed primarily for the South American market, so it’s no surprise that the official debut took place in Argentina — where production is already underway.

However, the Dakota isn’t a completely original design. Its profile immediately reveals its close ties to the Peugeot Landtrek, Fiat Titano, and Ram 1200 — all of which trace their roots back to the Chinese Kaicene F70 platform, also known in updated form as the Changan Hunter Plus. Unlike the Mexican-built Ram 1200, though, the new Dakota sports a distinct Ram-style front fascia inspired by the brand’s full-size trucks.

Off-Road Warlock Edition

So far, Ram has shown only the off-road-oriented Dakota Warlock trim. It features LED headlights and taillights, a bold horizontal-slat grille, rugged side steps, and a bed-mounted sport bar with integrated cargo tie-down points. The truck bed comes with a protective liner, LED lighting, and a capacity of 1,200 liters. The Warlock also rides on two-tone 17-inch wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires.

Inside, the Dakota’s cabin differs from its Stellantis cousins, borrowing its layout from the newer Changan Lantop—meaning the interior is identical to the Hunter Plus. The dashboard houses a single panel that combines the digital instrument cluster with a 12.3-inch infotainment display supporting Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The center console includes a wireless charging pad and cup holders, while Ram branding appears on the steering wheel, armrest, and embroidered seatbacks.

The Warlock trim is well equipped, featuring six airbags, adaptive cruise control, premium mixed-material upholstery, and power-adjustable front seats.

Engine and Performance

Under the hood lies a 2.2-liter Multijet turbo diesel producing 200 horsepower and 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) of torque — the same unit found in Peugeot and Fiat’s pickup counterparts. Power is sent through an eight-speed automatic transmission, with lower trims expected to offer a six-speed manual option. The Warlock also comes with four-wheel drive and a locking rear differential.

Ram claims a payload capacity of 1,020 kg (2,249 lbs) and a towing capacity of up to 3.5 tons (7,716 lbs).

Production of the new Ram Dakota is already in full swing at Stellantis’ Córdoba facility in Argentina. The pickup will reach local dealerships by the end of this year, followed by a rollout to neighboring Brazil in 2026.