2005 Dodge Dakota Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our road test for the 2005 Dodge Dakota includes a full evaluation of the 2005 Dodge Dakota from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2005 Dodge Dakota, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2005 Dodge Dakota help you decide if a 2005 Dodge Dakota is right for you.

2005 Dodge Dakota Road Test

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

2WD Club Cab, V6 auto.	4WD Club Cab, V6 auto.	4WD Quad Cab, V8 man.	4WD Quad Cab, V8 auto.	Class Average
3	3	5	5	4.9

Dodge boasts that Dakota offers the only V8 in its class, but Dakota is nearly as heavy as some large pickups. Models with the 230-hp V8 have good power with either transmission, but lack the passing reserves expected of a V8. High Output V8 feels stronger from a stop, makes little difference at highway speed or in passing maneuvers. V6 is underpowered for anything but daily commuting and light loads. Towing capacity ranges from 3150 to 7150 lb.

Fuel Economy

2WD Club Cab, V6 auto.	4WD Club Cab, V6 auto.	4WD Quad Cab, V8 man.	4WD Quad Cab, V8 auto.	Class Average
4	4	3	3	4

Test V8 Quad Cabs with automatic transmission average 11.6 mpg in mixed driving, 15.6-15.8 in mostly highway driving. Dodge recommends regular-grade fuel for all models.

Ride Quality

2WD Club Cab, V6 auto.	4WD Club Cab, V6 auto.	4WD Quad Cab, V8 man.	4WD Quad Cab, V8 auto.	Class Average
5	5	5	5	4

Smooth and composed in any configuration. Little of the bounding and jiggle typical of the class. Some choppiness over broken surfaces in 4WD models.

Steering/Handling/Braking

2WD Club Cab, V6 auto.	4WD Club Cab, V6 auto.	4WD Quad Cab, V8 man.	4WD Quad Cab, V8 auto.	Class Average
3	4	4	4	3.8

Steering has direct feel, lacks typical truck sloppiness. Body lean evident in turns, but well-controlled for a pickup. All test trucks wore 17-inch tires. Four-wheel ABS a worthwhile investment over standard rear-only arrangement.

Quietness

2WD Club Cab, V6 auto.	4WD Club Cab, V6 auto.	4WD Quad Cab, V8 man.	4WD Quad Cab, V8 auto.	Class Average
5	5	6	6	4

Road noise impressively hushed. Some wind rush at highway speeds. Well-muted engines sound refined in rapid acceleration, though V8s are quieter overall.

Controls

2WD Club Cab, V6 auto.	4WD Club Cab, V6 auto.	4WD Quad Cab, V8 man.	4WD Quad Cab, V8 auto.	Class Average
5	5	5	5	5.8

Controls logically placed, readily accessed. Large white-faced gauges easy to read. Interior materials look and feel low grade. Hard shiny plastic covers most surfaces, and some controls lack quality feel.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2WD Club Cab, V6 auto.	4WD Club Cab, V6 auto.	4WD Quad Cab, V8 man.	4WD Quad Cab, V8 auto.	Class Average
7	7	7	7	4.9

Spacious cabin has plenty of head and leg room. Available Quad Cab front bench seat will accommodate three passengers in a pinch.

Room/Comfort (rear)

2WD Club Cab, V6 auto.	4WD Club Cab, V6 auto.	4WD Quad Cab, V8 man.	4WD Quad Cab, V8 auto.	Class Average
2	2	5	5	2

Quad Cabs offer three abreast rear seating, but only two adults will fit comfortably. Head and leg room adequate for adults under 6-ft, but taller riders will want more leg room. Available forward-facing Club Cab jump seats best suit those under 5-ft-3.

Cargo Room

2WD Club Cab, V6 auto.	4WD Club Cab, V6 auto.	4WD Quad Cab, V8 man.	4WD Quad Cab, V8 auto.	Class Average
4	4	5	5	3.1

Ample center-console and door-pocket storage. Folding rear seats add to Club Cab utility.

Value within Class

2WD Club Cab, V6 auto.	4WD Club Cab, V6 auto.	4WD Quad Cab, V8 man.	4WD Quad Cab, V8 auto.	Class Average
6	6	7	7	6.3

The 2005 Dakota impresses for its combination of quietness, refinement, available AWD, and curtain side airbag security. We recommend a V8 model if you need power for towing or heavy hauling but don't want the bulk of a true large pickup. Six-cylinder versions are best suited to light-duty chores, but Dakota's large new dimensions render it too big for easy daily commuting.

Total Score