No opportunity to test acceleration with 260-hp V8. Dakotas, Raiders with 230-hp V8 have good power with either transmission, but lack the expected passing reserves. V6 versions seem underpowered for anything but daily commuting and light loads. Dakota towing capacity ranges from 3150 to 7150 lb. Test Dakota 4WD Quad Cabs with 230-hp V8 and automatic transmission averaged 11.6-13.4 mpg. V6 and 230-hp V8 use regular-grade fuel. Dodge recommends premium for 260-hp V8. For a pickup, the ride is smooth and composed in any configuration with little of the bounding and jiggle typical of the class. Sport and 4WD models add some choppiness over broken surfaces. Steering has direct feel, lacks typical truck sloppiness. Body lean evident in turns, but well-controlled for a pickup. Four-wheel ABS a worthwhile investment over standard rear-only arrangement. Road noise impressively hushed. Some wind rush at highway speeds. Well-muted engines sound refined in rapid acceleration, though V8s are quieter overall. Large gauges easy to read. Most controls logically placed, readily accessible. Sadly, interior materials look and feel low grade. Hard shiny plastic covers most surfaces, and some controls lack quality feel. Spacious cabin has plenty of head and leg room. Available crew cab front bench seat will accommodate three passengers in a pinch. Crew 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. Extended cab's available forward-facing jump seats best suit those under 5-ft-3, as there's little leg room. Ample center-console and door-pocket storage. Folding rear seats add to extended cab utility.

Value for the Money
Dakota impresses with refinement, available all-wheel drive, and curtain side airbags. They're a bit too big for easy daily commuting, but a V8 model is a terrific choice if you tow or do heavy hauling and don't want the bulk of a true large pickup truck. That earns Dakota a Recommended nod.