In the current portfolio of Ramthe American pickup truck manufacturer, lacks a midsize model to compete with rivals like Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger e Chevrolet S10. Between the late 1990s and early 2000s, the brand already had the Dodge Dakotabut since Dodge and Ram became independent brands, Ram has kept its full size models, such as 1500, 2500 and 3500, and the intermediate Rampagecreated for the Brazilian market. Now, she takes back her name Dakota for its new midsize pickup truck, the second developed outside the United States.

Dakota was first introduced a few months ago. This Tuesday, 18th, before the Motor Showwhich starts this Saturday, the 22nd, she showed two versions of the pickup: Warlock and Laramie.

The Dakota is equipped with motor 2.2l turbodiesel 4-cylinder in-line engine that produces 200 hp and 450 Nm of torque, delivered at 1500 rpm, and eight-speed automatic transmission. It has four-wheel drive, with the option of reduced gear and differential lock. Its bucket holds 1,020 kilos and has the capacity to tow 3.5 tons.

The truck comes with a robust package of technologies. The optical assembly of the headlights is full LED, a 7-inch digital instrument panel and a 12.3-inch multimedia center are arranged side by side to give the effect of a single screen measuring almost 20 inches. It has onboard navigation, offroad pages that show the car's inclination, traction and other information, wireless Android Auto and Apple Carplay and a 540º camera, which means it shows 360º around the car, as well as a bird's eye view, with the transparent body, which allows obstacles to be seen. It also has assistance technologies, such as blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control and emergency braking.

As is standard in the brand's models, the internal finish It is carefully crafted, using materials that are soft to the touch. In Laramie, the seats are made of genuine leather, while the leather used on the dashboard is synthetic.

There are differences between the two versions. THE Laramie It has chrome elements, such as the grille, rear view mirrors and logos. The interior is brown in color. The wheels are 18-inch diamond wheels. Already the Warlock It has an all-black interior and darkened elements on the grilles, badges, lower bumper molding and rear view mirrors. It comes with 17-inch mixed-use tires and Saint Anthony tires (called Rambar by the brand).

We had a brief steering wheel contact dakota in a circuito off-road closed. She faced conventional obstacles, such as egg boxes, hills and pendulums, with ease. The camera and transparent view of the body make it easier to negotiate more complicated sections, and the option to lock the differential is an advantage. The interior is sophisticated and well finished. Like other medium pickup trucks, it has a typical overhang of construction on a spar chassis, which gives greater strength, but sacrifices a little comfort.

The Dakota will be displayed at the Auto Show. The brand's customers will be able to test drive do modelo in a space set up at Clube Esperia. The prices of the Brazilian versions have not yet been released and should be revealed only in 2026when the model reaches the national market.