I think they may sing a different tune with the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz hitting the market. They could make a mid-sized unibody from the Durango to compete with the Honda Ridgeline and a small sized Maverick competitor by bringing the RAM 1000 or 1200 north (not the 700, too small). The Gladiator's looks and off-road orientation would not appeal to those that shop for a Durango. On the other hand, a number of Durango buyers would appreciate the bed if they need utility more than a 3rd row. I am an example. I am a long time Dodge customer, when my wife and I considered a Durango to replace my Grand Caravan, we ended up with a Honda Ridgeline. We looked at it this way: 1)we have her 2017 Pacifica if we need a 3rd row and we only have 2 kids so a 3rd row is not a necessity to us, 2) our camper only weighs 4100lbs completely loaded, so we didn't need loads of towing capacity as that is our heaviest trailer, 3) we do not do serious off-roading, at worst rutted and slightly muddy gravel, 4) not having 2 wet and muddy dogs inside the vehicle would be nice after duck hunting (along with other wet gear when I kayak or go fly fishing). Sure, we could have bought a body-on-frame mid-sized truck or a even a half-ton, but I don't need the off-road or towing capabilities, just the bed, so the Honda offered that and also drives nicer and gets better fuel economy than those options. Had Dodge offered a Durango truck, I would not be driving the Honda today (it is great and unless the needs listed above change my next vehicle will be another Ridgeline or one of its new competitors, but I like the looks of a Durango and again am a long-time Dodge customer).
