Performance
This pickup truck is powered by a Magnum V6 engine. The Magnum V6 uses a 4-speed automatic transmission and has 3.7 liters of engine displacement. It produces 210 horsepower and a torque force of 235 pound-foot. The Dakota’s maximum towing capacity is rated at 4950 pounds with a payload capacity of approximately 1810 pounds.
Exterior & Interior
The body is built using fully galvanized steel material. There are 4 doors on this truck. The exhaust tip and the side steps are made from chrome material. It is equipped with halogen headlights, fog and driving lights, along with cargo box lights. Other add-ons include the Dakota being equipped with a control feature for external light, a daytime running light, and Light-Emitting Diode brake lights. The wheels are available in 16, 17, and 18 inch diameter rims. The wheels are in styled steel, cast-aluminum, painted cast-aluminum, and chrome-clad aluminum materials.
The steering wheel on the Ram Dakota is made of plastic and vinyl material. The rear and front floors of this truck is covered in carpeted floor mats. Front and rear head restraints can be easily adjusted and has room for 5 passengers. The seats are made of cloth, vinyl, and leather materials and are carefully manipulated to prevent static electricity, stains, and the absorption of bad odor. Rear seats have built-in storage containers under them. An am/fm radio, mp3 player, and CD player provide the audio entertainment using 4 standard speakers.
Safety & Reliability
The Dakota has an overhead airbag and front-impact airbag for passengers. It does not support driver and passenger side-impact airbags. The body of this pickup truck is constructed in hydroformed frame for safety and durability. The side beams of this frame are equipped with a capability to accept blows during car crash incidents.
This process protects the passengers and lessens the possibility of fatal injuries. An additional security is also provided with the truck’s remote keyless entry feature. The truck can be made to unlock and lock itself by means of a remote-controlled key. It has a distance range of 300 feet. It also prevents potential theft because this key is capable of disabling the truck’s engine.
The capacity of fuel tank and its dimensions is one of the advantages on this truck. It has a large volume capacity for interior cargo which is approximately 37.1 cubic feet. It also has ample passenger volume capacity of 102 cubic feet. The disadvantages available for this truck are its low horsepower and torque capacity. The engine of this truck delivers low quantities of torque and horsepower when compared to its competitors. Another disadvantage is that it offers limited airbags for protection. It has no available side-impact airbags.
Overall Rating
What others say:
“While it might have been partially taken under the wings of the new Ram brand, 2011 will be the last model year for the Dakota”Car Connection
“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.”Consumer Guide
“When it comes to towing, the 2011 Dodge Dakota is still top dog among midsize pickups. Unfortunately, the competition trounces the Dakota when it comes to affordability and refinement.”Edmunds.
