2010 Dodge Dakota Review

Overview

The 2010 Dodge Dakota comes in two body styles - Extended Cab and Crew Cab. Trim levels on the Extended Cab include ST and Big Horn (Lone Star in Texas only). Available Crew Cab trim levels include ST, Big Horn (Lone Star in Texas), TRX4 and Laramie. The Dakota is credited with the best-in-class towing of up to 7,250 pounds, the greatest interior room of any mid-size truck with 30 cubic-feet of interior space in Extended Cab models and 37.1 cubic feet in Crew Cabs, and the largest and longest standard cargo bed in its class: 6-foot 6-inches in the Extended Cab. For 2010, the Dakota features new Tokico shock modules and Arvin springs for improved ride and handling. Three new exterior colors are offered: Bright White, Flame Red and Mango Tango. This is a pick-up truck that has a notable first - it was the first work truck to introduce rack-and-pinion steering for trucks. It is sophistication like this that makes this a popular choice for those with heavy work needs. Again, it is one of only two midsize pick-up trucks to offer an optional V8.

Power and performance

Standard 3.7L Magnum V-6 engine produces 210 horsepower and 235 lb ft while an available 4.7L V-8 engine produces 302 horsepower and 329 lb ft of torque with better fuel economy and increased refinement over previous engines in the 2010 Dodge Dakota. It is capable of operating on E85 ethanol fuel, making the Dodge Dakota equipped with this engine a Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV).

Body and styling

The two body types ride on a common 131.3-inch wheelbase and are 218.5 inches long, 76.4 inches wide, and 68.0 inches tall. These trims offer a choice of 16-inch and 17-inch wheels. Deep tint sunscreen glass; rear sliding window; 5-inch x 7-inch power mirrors; power windows with driver?s one-touch-down feature; fog lamps; heavy duty suspension; and automatic headlamps are some of the exterior features on the 2009 Dakota. The interiors get Bluetooth; a navigation system; CD MP3 player; satellite radio; rear 40/40 folding split seat; driver's manually-adjustable lumbar support; six-way power driver's seat; AM/FM stereo radio with in-dash six-disc DVD/MP3 Player; UConnect; and Sirius Satellite Radio across the trims as standard equipment.

Safety Features

Four-wheel anti-lock braking system; rear-wheel only anti-lock braking system; and child seat anchors are some of the standard safety features across all trims of the 2010 Dodge Dakota.