2008 Dodge Dakota: Road Test

ACCELERATION

V8 Dakotas have good power in around-town driving, and adequate highway passing reserves. With either transmission, V6 Dakotas and all Raiders are underpowered for anything but daily commuting and light loads.

RIDE QUALITY

Smooth and composed in any configuration. Dakota and Raider suffer little of the bounding and jiggle typical of the class. Some choppiness is apparent over broken surfaces.

QUIETNESS

Road noise is impressively hushed. Some wind rush is apparent at highway speeds. Well-muted engines sound refined in rapid acceleration, though the V8 is quieter overall.

DETAILS

Interior materials look and feel budget grade. Hard shiny plastic covers most surfaces, and some controls lack a quality feel.

ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)

Crew cabs offer three-abreast rear seating, but only two adults will fit comfortably. Headroom and legroom is adequate for adults under 6 ft, but taller riders will want more legroom. Extended cab's available forward-facing jump seats best suit those under 5-ft-3 because legroom is scarce. Extended cab's available Full Swing rear doors open nearly 170 degrees, thereby easing entry and exit, as well as cargo loading.

VALUE WITHIN CLASS

This Recommended pick deserves a look for its refinement, available all-wheel drive, and curtain side airbags. It's 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.