2009 Dodge Dakota: What's New

Vehicle Overview
The Dodge Dakota is the perfect size for many truck consumers; it’s not too small or too big. The problem is that incentives on full-size trucks, like the Dodge Ram, put pressure on potential Dakota buyers to purchase larger trucks.

The Dakota has impressive towing and hauling capabilities, sharp exterior styling and decent interior accommodations. But there’s no regular cab. The Dakota comes in Extended Cab or Crew Cab only, riding a shared 131-inch wheelbase. The Extended Cab has a 6-foot, 4-inch cargo box, while the bed in the Crew Cab is 5 feet, 3 inches long.

The Dakota is one of only two compact or midsize trucks available with a V-8 engine. The base power plant is a V-6. Both cabs are available in three trims: ST, Big Horn/Lone Star and Laramie. The TRX4 offroad package is offered only in 4×4 models.

The Dakota’s strongest selling points are its size and capability. Maximum towing capacity is 7,050 pounds, and all V-8 models are rated to tow at least 5,500 pounds.

New for 2009
Dodge dropped the two-wheel-drive version of the TRX offroad package and killed the SLT and Sport trims. The Big Horn/Lone Star package replaces the SLT. New exterior colors include Stone White, Deep Water Blue Pearl and Austin Tan Pearl. The V-8 engine has been expanded to Big Horn/Lone Star models. Dodge also upgraded the seats on the Laramie and TRX4 models.

Exterior
Dodge gave the Dakota a front-end makeover for 2008. The edges are crisp and the styling elements are integrated well. The cargo bed has chiseled wheel flares to match the aggressive front end. The Dakota looks good with either the chrome grille or monochromatic finishes. It also has some of the brightest exterior colors offered for any pickup. Unlike other compact and midsize pickups that share a strong family resemblance to their brand’s small SUV line, the Dakota doesn’t try to mimic the Durango utility.

• Bedliner standard in Laramie, available in Bighorn/Lonestar
• Dual-position tailgate helpful in containing cargo
• Big 6-inch-by-9-inch mirrors available
• TRX4 offers skid plates, front tow hooks and fender flares
• Sliding rear window available on Extended Cab, standard on TRX4
• 18-inch alloy wheels standard on Laramie

Interior
The Dakota’s interior has nice touches, including white-face electroluminescent gauges, extra storage options and available heated leather seating. Some interior materials are not as kind to the touch as other vehicles in the segment, but the roomy cab is arguably quieter on the road than other compact trucks. The unique interior feature is the MyGig infotainment system that includes a voice-activated navigation system and a hard drive to store MP3 files.

• Under-seat Crate’ N Go storage in Crew Cab
• Alpine 276-watt, six-CD audio system standard in Laramie, available in TRX4 and BH/LS
• Sirius Satellite Radio standard in Laramie and TRX4, available in BH/LS

Under the Hood

• 210-horsepower, 3.7-liter V-6 with iron block and aluminum cylinder heads, SOHC, two valves per cylinder and 235 pounds-feet peak torque
• 302-hp, 4.7-liter V-8 engine with iron block and aluminum cylinder heads, SOHC, two valves per cylinder and 329 pounds-feet peak torque
• Six-speed manual transmission (standard in V-6)
• Four-speed automatic (optional in V-6)
• Five-speed automatic (standard in V-8)

Safety
While the Dakota is behind the curve in offering advanced features, the truck has a solid chassis and body structure. It earned five-star ratings for front-impact crash tests by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Side curtain airbags are available but not standard. Four-wheel antilock brakes are optional, not standard. Electronic stability control is not available, but the Enhanced Accident Response System will turn on interior lights, unlock doors and shut off the fuel pump should the airbags deploy.

• Electronic brake-force distribution
• Latch child-seat anchors
• Seat belt pretensioners

Of Interest to Truck Owners

• Maximum gross vehicle weight rating: 6,010 pounds
• Maximum payload capacity: 1,750-1,840 pounds (Extended Cab 4×2 V-6 auto)
• Maximum towing capacity: 5,800-7,000 pounds (Crew Cab 4×2 V-8)
• Fuel tank capacity: 22 gallons
• Axle ratio: 3.21:1, 3.55:1, 3.92:1
• Transfer case low range: 2.72:1
• Crawl ratio: 40.85:1 (manual w/3.55:1 axle), 31.79:1 (five-speed auto w/3.92:1 axle)
• Minimum ground clearance: 7.9 inches
• Approach angle: 21.9 degrees
• Departure angle: 22.6 degrees (4×2), 22.5 degrees (4×4)
• Ramp breakover: 19.9 degrees (4×2), 19.6 degrees (4×4)
• Cargo-bed load height: 31.9 inches
• Cargo floor length: 6.4 feet (Extended Cab), 5.3 feet (Crew Cab)
• Cargo floor width: 59.6 inches
• Cargo floor width at wheel well: 45.2 inches
• Cargo bed depth: 17.6 inches