2009 Dodge Dakota: Road Test
2009 Dodge Dakota ▼
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- MSRP: $22,560 - $31,630
- Invoice: $20,804 - $29,037
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Our road test for the 2009 Dodge Dakota includes a full evaluation of the 2009 Dodge Dakota from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2009 Dodge Dakota, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2009 Dodge Dakota help you decide if a 2009 Dodge Dakota is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 4WD ST Ext. Cab V6 | 4WD Laramie Club Cab V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 5 | 5 |
V8 Dakotas have good power in around-town driving, and adequate highway passing reserves. V6 Dakotas and all Raiders are underpowered for anything but daily commuting and light loads.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 4WD ST Ext. Cab V6 | 4WD Laramie Club Cab V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 3.5 |
No opportunity to measure. All Dakotas use regular-grade gas. The V8 can also run on E85 ethanol-blended fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| 4WD ST Ext. Cab V6 | 4WD Laramie Club Cab V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4.6 |
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.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 4WD ST Ext. Cab V6 | 4WD Laramie Club Cab V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 3.8 |
Steering has a direct feel and lacks typical truck sloppiness. Body lean is evident in turns, but is well-controlled overall for a pickup. Four-wheel ABS is a worthwhile investment over the standard rear-only arrangement, though it should really be standard.
QUIETNESS
| 4WD ST Ext. Cab V6 | 4WD Laramie Club Cab V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 4.5 |
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.
CONTROLS
| 4WD ST Ext. Cab V6 | 4WD Laramie Club Cab V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.9 |
Controls are logically placed and readily accessible. Large gauges are easy to read.
DETAILS
| 4WD ST Ext. Cab V6 | 4WD Laramie Club Cab V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4.5 |
Interior materials look and feel budget grade. Hard, shiny plastic covers most surfaces, and some controls lack a quality feel.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 4WD ST Ext. Cab V6 | 4WD Laramie Club Cab V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 5.7 |
The spacious cabin has plenty of headroom and legroom. Both Dakota and Raider have an available front bench seat that will accommodate three occupants in a pinch.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 4WD ST Ext. Cab V6 | 4WD Laramie Club Cab V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 5 | 2.7 |
Crew cabs offer three-abreast rear seating, but only two adults will fit comfortably. Headroom and legroom are adequate for adults under six feet, 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.
CARGO ROOM
| 4WD ST Ext. Cab V6 | 4WD Laramie Club Cab V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 3.9 |
Ample center-console and door-pocket storage. Crate 'N Go and folding rear seats add to these trucks' utility.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 4WD ST Ext. Cab V6 | 4WD Laramie Club Cab V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 8 | 6.1 |
This Recommended pick deserves a look for its refinement and "big truck" capability. It's a bit too cumbersome 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.
Total Score
| 4WD ST Ext. Cab V6 | 4WD Laramie Club Cab V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 53 | 60 | 50.2 |
Total Score: 57
Scores for all Compact Pickup Trucks
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