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2009 Dodge Dakota Full Review
Date Published: 4/08/08
Also in the 2009 Dodge Dakota Review:
5.
6.
Dodge Dakota Full Review
7.
8.
9.
2009 Dodge Dakota
Sneak Peek
The 2009 Dodge Dakota should see no major changes following its 2008 freshening. This pickup truck comes in two body styles. Extended Cabs have a 6.5-ft cargo bed and rear-hinged back doors that do not open independently of the fronts. They seat up to five. Quad Cab crew cabs have a 5.3-ft bed, conventional back doors, and seat up to six. Dakota's standard engine is a 210-hp 3.7-liter V6. A 302-hp 4.7-liter V8 is available. The V8 comes only with a 5-speed automatic transmission. The V6 comes with a 5-speed manual transmission or 4-speed 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, it includes low-range gearing for off-road use. Maximum towing capacity is 7050 lb.
Available safety features include curtain side airbags that cover both seating rows and ABS. Also available are heated cloth or leather front seats. Mitsubishi sells a version of the Dakota as the Raider. This report is based on evaluations of the 2008 Dodge Dakota.
Available safety features include curtain side airbags that cover both seating rows and ABS. Also available are heated cloth or leather front seats. Mitsubishi sells a version of the Dakota as the Raider. This report is based on evaluations of the 2008 Dodge Dakota.
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2009 Dodge Dakota Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Trailer-towing capability | Acceleration (V6) |
| Fuel economy | |
| Rear-seat room (Club Cab) | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
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.
| 4WD Ext. Cab V6, manual | 4WD Club Cab V8 | Class Average |
| 3 | 5 | 5 |
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.
Fuel Economy
In Consumer Guide testing, a manual-transmission extended-cab Dakota with the V6 averaged 20.2 mpg in mostly highway driving. We haven't had an opportunity to measure with the V8. All Dakotas use regular-grade gas.
| 4WD Ext. Cab V6, manual | 4WD Club Cab V8 | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4.3 |
In Consumer Guide testing, a manual-transmission extended-cab Dakota with the V6 averaged 20.2 mpg in mostly highway driving. We haven't had an opportunity to measure with the V8. All Dakotas use regular-grade gas.
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.
| 4WD Ext. Cab V6, manual | 4WD Club Cab V8 | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 4.7 |
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
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.
| 4WD Ext. Cab V6, manual | 4WD Club Cab V8 | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 |
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.
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.
| 4WD Ext. Cab V6, manual | 4WD 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
Controls are logically placed and readily accessible. Large gauges are easy to read.
| 4WD Ext. Cab V6, manual | 4WD Club Cab V8 | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 5.7 |
Controls are logically placed and readily accessible. Large gauges are easy to read.
Details
Interior materials look and feel budget grade. Hard shiny plastic covers most surfaces, and some controls lack a quality feel.
| 4WD Ext. Cab V6, manual | 4WD Club Cab V8 | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4.3 |
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)
The spacious cabin has plenty of headroom and legroom. The crew cab versions of both Dakota and Raider have an available front bench seat that will accommodate three occupants in a pinch.
| 4WD Ext. Cab V6, manual | 4WD Club Cab V8 | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 5.7 |
The spacious cabin has plenty of headroom and legroom. The crew cab versions of both Dakota and Raider have an available front bench seat that will accommodate three occupants in a pinch.
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 six 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.
| 4WD Ext. Cab V6, manual | 4WD 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 is adequate for adults under six 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.
Cargo Room
Ample center-console and door-pocket storage. Folding rear seat adds to extended-cab utility.
| 4WD Ext. Cab V6, manual | 4WD Club Cab V8 | Class Average |
| 3 | 4 | 3 |
Ample center-console and door-pocket storage. Folding rear seat adds to extended-cab utility.
Value within Class
This 2008 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.
| 4WD Ext. Cab V6, manual | 4WD Club Cab V8 | Class Average |
| 7 | 8 | 6.2 |
This 2008 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.
Total Score
| 4WD Ext. Cab V6, manual | 4WD Club Cab V8 | Class Average |
| 50 | 58 | 50.1 |
Scores for all Compact Pickup Trucks
| Low Score | 46 | |
| Average Score | 50 | |
| High Score | 58 |
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2009 Dodge Dakota Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 11/13/2007
Coming soon.
Please check back for more information and Consumer Guide's full review.
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
Optional Equipment
No factory options.
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2009 Dodge Dakota Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Dodge Dakota extended cab | Dodge Dakota crew cab |
| Wheelbase, in. | 131.3 | 131.3 |
| Overall Length, in. | 218.5 | 218.5 |
| Overall Width, in. | 71.7 | 71.7 |
| Overall Height, in. | 68.6 | 68.7 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4296 | 4381 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 30.0 | 37.1 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | 1710 | 1630 |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 22.0 | 22.0 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 6 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.6 | 39.9 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.9 | 41.9 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 36.5 | 38.4 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 32.1 | 36.4 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| sohc V6 | sohc V8 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 3.7 /226 | 4.7 /287 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 210 @ 5200 | 302 @ 4600 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 235 @ 4000 | 329 @ 3600 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
||
| 6-speed manual | 16/22 | --/-- |
| 4-speed automatic | 17/22 | --/-- |
| 5-speed automatic | --/-- | 16/22 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Dodge Dakota extended cab | Dodge Dakota crew cab |
Coming soon.
Please check back for more information and Consumer Guide's full review.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Built in:
USA
Drivewheels:
all-wheel drive, 4-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive
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Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2009 Dodge Dakota Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Dodge Dakota Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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