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.