2006 Dodge Dakota: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

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.