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2006 Dodge Dakota Full Review
Date Published: 7/31/08
2006 Dodge Dakota Review
Dodge's compact pickup adds some features and trim packages for 2006. Dakota comes in two body styles. Club Cabs are extended cabs with a 6.5-foot cargo bed and rear-hinged back doors that do not open independently of the fronts. They seat up to five. Quad Cabs are crew cabs with a 5.3-ft bed and four conventional doors. They seat up to six. Dakota's standard engine is a 210-hp V6. Available are V8s of 230 and 260 hp. The 260-hp V8 comes only with automatic transmission, the other engines come with manual or automatic. Dakota is available with rear-wheel drive, 4-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive. The 4WD system should not be left engaged on dry pavement, but like the AWD system, includes low-range gearing. Traction control is unavailable. Rear-wheel ABS is standard, 4-wheel ABS is optional.

Curtain side airbags that cover both seating rows are optional. Other available features include heated cloth or leather front seats and a wireless cell phone link. Newly optional for Quad Cabs is a sunroof. New trim packages include TRX (2WD) and TRX4 (4WD) with off-road tires and a limited-slip differential. Rear doors that open wider for easier loading were added midyear on Club Cabs. Mitsubishi sells a retrimmed version of the Dakota as the Raider.

Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Compact Pickups offer a true-truck design in a relatively modest package. They are best suited for personal or light-duty use rather than commercial use, heavy hauling, or towing.

Our Best Buy is Toyota Tacoma. Our Recommended picks include Dodge Dakota and Honda Ridgeline.

New or significantly redesigned models include Isuzu i-280/i-350 and Mitsubishi Raider.

News
Dakota should see more refinements but no fundamental change for the next couple of years. The basic design is just two seasons old and thus has while to run yet.
2006 Dodge Dakota Road Test
Pros Cons
Trailer-towing capability Acceleration (V6)
Fuel economy
rear-seat room (Club Cab)
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 4.8

No opportunity to test with 260-hp V8. Dakotas, Raiders with 230-hp V8 have good power with either transmission, but lack the expected passing reserves. V6 versions underpowered for anything but daily commuting and light loads. Dakota towing capacity ranges from 3150 to 7150 lb. Raider's towing capacity ranges from 2800 to 6600 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

No opportunity to measure with V6. Test Dakota 4WD Quad Cabs with 230-hp V8 and automatic transmission averaged 11.6-13.4 mpg. Similar Double Cab Raider averaged 14.4 mpg. V6 and 230-hp V8 use regular-grade fuel. Dodge recommends premium for 260-hp V8.
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 4.3

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 3.9

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 4.4

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 accessible. Large 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 5.2

Spacious cabin has plenty of head and leg room. Available crew 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 2.5

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. No opportunity to test with Club Cab's wider-opening "full-swing" rear doors.
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 3.7

Ample center-console and door-pocket storage. Folding rear seats add to extended 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
7 6 7 8 6.2

Dakota and its Mitsubishi Raider cousin impress for their 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. Mitsubishi's warranty coverage is broader than Dodge's, but the Japanese brand is hampered by a spottier dealer network and uncertain resale value. That earns Dakota a Recommended nod.
Total Score

2WD Club Cab, V6 auto. 4WD Club Cab, V6 auto. 4WD Quad Cab, V8 man. 4WD Quad Cab, V8 auto. Class Average
45 45 52 53 44.8
Scores for all Compact Pickup Trucks

Low Score
32
Average Score
44
High Score
60
2006 Dodge Dakota Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 07/11/2006
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
2WD ST Club Cab extended cab $20,340 $18,638 $645
4WD ST Club Cab extended cab $23,190 $21,204 $645
2WD ST Quad Cab crew cab $21,740 $19,914 $645
4WD ST Quad Cab crew cab $24,590 $22,470 $645
2WD SLT Club Cab extended cab $22,045 $20,155 $645
4WD SLT Club Cab extended cab $24,895 $22,722 $645
2WD SLT Quad Cab crew cab $23,445 $21,431 $645
4WD SLT Quad Cab crew cab $26,295 $23,988 $645
2WD Laramie Club Cab extended cab $25,450 $23,186 $645
4WD Laramie Club Cab extended cab $28,300 $25,752 $645
2WD Laramie Quad Cab crew cab $26,940 $24,542 $645
4WD Laramie Quad Cab crew cab $29,790 $27,098 $645
Price note: ST requires a Quick Order Pkg.
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
ST
Powertrain
3.7-liter V6 engine, 6-speed manual transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, rear antilock brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, power steering, cloth upholstery, front split bench seat (Club Cab), front bucket seats (Quad Cab), cupholders, 3-passenger split folding rear seat (Quad Cab), AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, rear-hinged rear doors (Club Cab), front-hinged rear doors (Quad Cab), map lights, passenger-side visor mirror, variable-intermittent wipers, cargo-box light, carpeting.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear privacy glass, painted bumpers.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Full-size spare tire, P245/70R16 on/off-road tires, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case.
SLT adds to ST:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Tilt steering wheel, cruise control, dual rear jump seats (Club Cab), 3-passenger split folding rear seat (Quad Cab), power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, full-swing rear doors (Club Cab), floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights, bright bumpers.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Alloy wheels, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case.
Laramie adds to SLT:
Powertrain
4-speed automatic transmission.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, 6-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, Alpine AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 player, satellite radio w/one year service, universal garage door opener, automatic day/night rearview mirror, automatic headlights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
P255/65R16 white-letter tires, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, P265/70R16 all-terrain white-letter tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Quick Order Pkg. 23-26A
2WD ST Club Cab (credit)
$-1,300
$-1,156
4WD ST Club Cab, ST Quad Cab
$0
$0
Standard equipment.
Quick Order Pkg. 23-26C
ST Quad Cab
$415
$365
ST Club Cab
$395
$348
Tilt steering wheel, cruise control, floormats.
Quick Order Pkg. 23-26E
2WD SLT
$1,060
$933
4WD SLT
$1,210
$1,065
6-way power driver seat, satellite radio (includes one year service), universal garage door opener, overhead console, theft-deterrent system w/alarm, P255/65R16 white-letter tires (2WD), P265/70R16 all-terrain white-letter tires (4WD).
R/T Group
SLT Club Cab
$2,130
$1,874
SLT Quad Cab
$1,855
$1,632
Front bucket seats, 6-way power driver seat, unique exterior trim, hood scoop, P265/65R17 on/off-road tires, chrome alloy wheels. Requires 4.7-liter High-Output V8 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission. NA w/Leather Value Group.
TRX Group
2WD ST
$1,095
$964
2WD SLT
$595
$524
2WD SLT w/4.7-liter High Output V8 engine
$360
$264
2WD SLT w/Pkg. 23-26E, 2WD Laramie
$495
$436
2WD SLT w/Pkg. 23-26E and 4.7-liter High Output V8 engine, 2WD Laramie w/4.7-liter High Output V8 engine
$200
$176
Limited-slip differential, special axle ratio, badging, front tow hooks, 265/70R16 all-terrain white-letter tires. ST requires Quick Order Pkg. 23-26C.
TRX4 Off-Road Group
4WD SLT
$1,200
$1,056
4WD SLT w/4.7-liter High Output V8 engine
$905
$796
4WD SLT w/Pkg. 23-26E, 4WD Laramie
$850
$748
4WD SLT w/Pkg. 23-26E and 4.7-liter High Output V8 engine, 4WD Laramie w/4.7-liter High Output V8 engine
$555
$488
Limited-slip differential, front and rear antilock brakes, floormats, heavy-duty cooling and service groups, skid plates, heavy-duty rear shock absorbers, LT265/70R16 all-terrain white-letter tires. NA w/SLT Value Group, Sport Appearance Group, Sport Value Group.
Leather Value Group
SLT Club Cab
$1,005
$884
SLT Quad Cab
$830
$730
Leather upholstery, heated front bucket seats, center console, leather-wrapped steering wheel, additional auxiliary power outlet. Requires Quick Order Pkg. 23-26E, SLT Value Group, Sport Value Group.
Sport Value Group
SLT
$925
$814
Sport Appearance Group plus Alpine sound system, satellite radio w/one year service. Requires Quick Order Pkg. 23-26E, SLT Value Group. NA w/TRX Group, TRX Off-Road Group.
Night Runner Group
SLT Club Cab
$1,370
$1,206
SLT Club Cab w/Pkg. 23-26E
$1,270
$1,118
SLT Quad Cab
$1,095
$964
SLT Quad Cab w/Pkg. 23-26E
$995
$876
Front bucket seats, center console, additional power outlet, unique instrument panel, color-keyed exterior trim, P265/65R17 on/off-road tires, black chrome alloy wheels. Requires 6-way power driver seat. NA w/Leather Value Group.
Sport Appearance Pkg.
SLT
$395
$348
Laramie
$295
$260
ST
$945
$832
Color-keyed bumpers and bodyside moldings.
Chrome Edition Group
SLT, Laramie
$995
$876
Chrome exterior trim, side steps. Requires chrome alloy wheels. SLT requires SLT Value Group.
SLT Value Group
2WD SLT
$1,370
$1,206
2WD SLT w/4.7-liter High Output V8 engine
$1,075
$946
4WD SLT
$1,190
$1,047
4WD SLT w/4.7-liter High Output V8 engine
$895
$788
Limited-slip differential, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, 265/65R17 on/off-road tires, chrome alloy wheels. Requires Quick Order Pkg. 23-26E.
Sound Box Group
SLT Club Cab
$1,095
$964
SLT Club Cab w/Sport Value Group
$265
$233
Laramie Club Cab
$470
$414
Alpine AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, amplifier, subwoofer, heavy-duty battery. Requires front bucket seats.
Trailer Tow Group
ST
$455
$400
SLT, Laramie
$525
$462
4WD SLT/Laramie w/TRX4 Off-Road Group
$345
$304
Heated power mirrors (SLT, Laramie), heavy-duty engine and transmission cooling, Class IV trailer hitch, 7-wire harness.
Powertrain
4.7-liter V8 engine
Laramie, SLT, ST
$785
$691
4.7-liter High Output V8 engine
SLT, Laramie
$1,615
$1,421
Includes limited-slip differential. Requires 5-speed automatic transmission.
4-speed automatic transmission
ST, SLT
$1,095
$964
NA w/4.7-liter V8 engine, 4.7-liter High Output V8 engine.
5-speed automatic transmission
ST, SLT
$1,170
$1,030
Laramie
$75
$66
Requires 4.7-liter V8 engine or 4.7-liter High Output V8 engine.
AWD transfer case
4WD SLT/Laramie
$395
$348
Requires 5-speed automatic transmission when ordered w/4.7-liter V8 engine or 4.7-liter High Output V8 engine.
Limited-slip differential
Laramie, SLT, ST
$295
$260
2WD SLT requires special axle ratio.
Special axle ratio
Laramie, SLT, ST
$40
$35
Safety
Curtain side airbags
Laramie, SLT, ST
$495
$436
ST Club Cab requires dual rear jump seats.
Front and rear antilock brakes
Laramie, SLT, ST
$495
$436
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power sunroof
SLT Laramie Quad Cab
$850
$748
Requires Interior Convenience Group. NA w/curtain side airbags.
Interior Convenience Group
SLT
$320
$282
Universal garage door opener, overhead console.
AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer
SLT
$300
$264
Alpine sound system
SLT
$530
$466
Requires AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer or SLT Value Group.
Satellite radio
ST, SLT
$195
$172
Includes one year service.
Steering wheel radio controls
SLT
$125
$110
SLT w/leather seats or Leather Value Group
$75
$66
Includes leather-wrapped steering wheel.
UConnect
ST, SLT
$360
$317
Laramie
$275
$242
Wireless cell phone link.
Rear defogger
Laramie, SLT, ST
$160
$141
NA w/sliding rear window.
Cloth front split bench seat
ST/SLT Quad Cab
$595
$524
SLT Quad Cab w/Pkg. 23-26E
$275
$242
Includes 6-way power driver seat. ST requires Quick Order Pkg. 23-26C.
Leather front split bench seat
SLT Club Cab
$480
$422
SLT Quad Cab
$855
$752
Laramie Quad Cab
$275
$242
Includes leather-wrapped steering wheel. SLT requires Quick Order Pkg. 23-26E.
Leather front bucket seats
SLT Club Cab
$1,005
$884
SLT Quad Cab
$830
$730
Laramie Club Cab
$525
$462
Laramie Quad Cab
$0
$0
Includes heated front seats, center console, leather-wrapped steering wheel. SLT requires Quick Order Pkg. 23-26E.
Cloth front bucket seats
ST/SLT Club Cab
$595
$524
SLT Club Cab w/Pkg. 23-26E
$275
$242
Includes 6-way power driver seat, center console. ST requires Quick Order Pkg. 23-26C, rear jump seats.
Dual rear jump seats
ST Club Cab
$300
$264
Heated front seats
ST Club Cab, SLT, Laramie Quad Cab
$250
$220
ST Quad Cab
$570
$502
ST requires Quick Order Pkg. 23-26C. ST Club Cab requires cloth bucket seats. SLT requires 6-way power driver seat. NA w/cloth front split bench.
6-way power driver seat
SLT
$320
$282
Floor console
ST Quad Cab
$75
$66
NA w/cloth front split bench.
Front floormats
ST Club Cab
$55
$48
Front and rear floormats
ST Quad Cab
$75
$66
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Sliding rear window
Laramie, SLT, ST
$140
$123
Side steps
Laramie, SLT, ST
$545
$462
Bedliner
Laramie, SLT, ST
$245
$165
Engine-block heater
Laramie, SLT, ST
$35
$31
Black bodyside moldings
SLT
$75
$66
Special paint
Laramie, SLT, ST
$150
$132
Inferno Red paint
Laramie, SLT, ST
$225
$198
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Skid plates
4WD
$170
$150
Alloy wheels
ST
$450
$396
Requires Quick Order Pkg. 23-26C.
Chrome alloy wheels
2WD SLT/Laramie
$775
$682
4WD SLT/Laramie
$595
$524
2WD includes 275/60R17 tires. 4WD includes 265/65R17 on/off-road tires. SLT requires Quick Order Pkg. 23-26E.
P255/65R16 white-letter tires
2WD SLT Quad Cab
$170
$150
P265/70R16 all-terrain white-letter tires
SLT
$350
$308
P265/65R17 on/off-road white-letter tires
SLT, Laramie
$125
$110
Requires chrome alloy wheels. SLT requires 23-26E.
2006 Dodge Dakota Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Dodge Dakota extended cab Dodge Dakota crew cab
Wheelbase, in. 131.3 131.3
Overall Length, in. 218.8 218.8
Overall Width, in. 71.7 71.7
Overall Height, in. 68.6 68.7
Curb Weight, lbs. 4261 4376
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. -- --
Standard Payload, lbs. 1750 1640
Fuel Capacity, gals. 22.0 22.0
Seating Capacity 5 6
Front Head Room, in. 39.6 39.9