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2010 Dodge Dakota Preview

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Mike Goetz
Dodge Dakota makes a great case for going midsize. It's almost as big as a full size pickup, and the only midsizer that can be ordered with a V8, a 4.7-litre, good for 302 horses and 329 torques. Standard is the 3.7-litre V6, which generates 210 horses and 235 lb-ft of torque.


No surprise to learn that when equipped with the V8, Dakota sets the midsize benchmark for towing capacity — 7,200 lbs.  It also has the longest standard bed in the segment — 6.5 ft.

Its "relatively" tidy proportions and rack and pinion steering also make it a fairly manoeuvrable rig.  But unlike its big brothers, the Dakota is not available in a regular cab configuration; only the extended Club Cab (extended) and the four-door Quad Cab.

This Dakota debuted as an all-new model back in 2005, and received some new sheet metal bits and a new interior in 2007. For 2010 the changes definitely fall into the "fine tuning" category.  A full floor console (including 12V power outlet) is now standard on all models. Premium cloth with "stain repel" properties is now standard on Extended Cab ST and SXT and Crew Cab SXT. Rear seats now standard on extended cab models.

Power 6-way driver's seat is a new option on SXT. Also new is a convenience package for Crew SXT, and SIRIUS satellite radio added to the Premium Sound Group package.

There are three new colours among Dakota's eight-colour palette:
Bright White, Flame Red, BS Mango Tango Pearl. Deleted colours are Stone White, Detonator Yellow, and Sunburst Orange Pearl.

The 4.7-litre V8 also gets new-for-2010 software, that boosts fuel efficiency by shutting fuel off during deceleration (IDFS0).

Pricing starts at $27,995.




photo:Dodge
Mike Goetz
Mike Goetz
Automotive expert