Article - Ram Dakota Might Dethrone the Ford Maverick

[Michaelkov]

Well Well Dodge decides to try and take on the Maverick

Ram Dakota Might Dethrone the Ford Maverick

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[jbill]

The title had me intrigued, I loved the old Dodge Dakotas. Looking at the concept, I was disappointed with the look. Maybe I'm on an island here, but I don't get all these concepts and the real life example of the Sante Cruz, making these trucks that look like SUVs with a bed. I want a truck. Give me something that looks like a truck. Where did the connection happen between "compact truck" and SUV with a bed.

I'd love a big truck, I love how they look. But I'd never actually use it for all the potential it would have. Ultimately I want something more affordable and that fits in my garage, and more importantly, looks like a truck. That's what drew me to the Maverick. I think Ford did a great job providing a compact truck, that looks like a truck.

Call me crazy, but I think there's a huge market for the compact truck comeback, by making a truck that is 4 doors, smaller, and looks like a truck. Which is why I think the Maverick had so many orders. The Honda Ridgeline is the next best comparison IMO, not the Sante Cruz.

 

[stewpac15]

Yes please. More utes!

 

[Old Ranchero]

Bring it

Fugly and impractical

 

[dalola]

Well, if that is how it's supposed to look, I'd say it's more of a Santa Cruz competitor, since it looks nothing like a "traditional" truck.

You'd think these product planning geniuses would realize it's the traditional truck look that separates the Mav from everything else.

 

[Comet]

Had enough of poor Dodge reliability in a Durango. Cracked manifold, poor hose quality, vacuum leaks... on and on. Had to give it up as scrap. Never again.

 

[Hoagus]

Looks like a pregnant Santa Cruz.

 

[Rojo]

Related but not, I saw a stat the other day that said 1 in 5 DUI's occur in Dodge Rams. That is a crazy high percentage.

 

[snek]

Looks like a Hyundai....but smells worse! Sorry ...but bring the Montana, Dakota, the Santa Cruz, and the Subaru Baja (not to be confused with the Taco Bell Baja Chalupa...those taste and smell good )....No comparison to the Maverick...

 

[Jobst88]

Every render of a competitor to the Maverick looks way too much like the Santa Cruz.

 

[Maui]

I find Dakota much more attractive than any Maverick I have seen.

...no further comment,

 

[CoryDallas8123]

They state the Mav is a “rough ride.” I read as much as I can and watch all the videos before my eyes start to hurt and I don’t believe a “rough ride” is mentioned much if ever. A little loud cabin noise is mentioned more than a rough ride.

Anybody with their Mav who hasn’t specifically mentioned the ride quality want to chime in?

 

[mamboman777]

 

[Pacman]

I think they would be better off branding it as a Jeep and bringing back the Comanche in smaller form to compete with the Maverick.

That would be really interesting! A hybrid Comanche.

 

[Deleted member 5352]

Honestly, if Ram were to bring back the Dakota it would more than likely be a mid-size truck since this segment is so established. But with the return of compact trucks, there's a guaranteed market already waiting for them since it's a segment that once existed but has faded into obscurity thanks to the "bigger is better" philosophy. Realistically, most trucks don't get used to their full potential with very little to no loads in the bed often used as family vehicles. The Maverick is a great in-between choice for people who want just enough utility when needed with the added benefit of being as comfortable and fuel efficient as a car. That's what drew me into it myself. I realized I don't need a full-size or even a mid-size truck with a 5ft bed, body-on-frame construction, and mid-teens fuel economy. A Maverick is just the right size to accommodate my needs, unibody construction with no individual frame to rust away, and getting 25 mpg with AWD. Ford knocked it out of the park with this addition which I still think is way better than the Hyundai Santa Cruz. Although more luxurious, but a lot pricier thus losing your clientele shopping on a budget.

P.S., as for Ram bringing back the Dakota to compete with the Maverick, do I really want that?

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