While it sounds like more of a luxury car than work truck, it should be made clear that the Dodge is one tough customer, with class leading payload and towing capacities. In standard V6 trim it can tow loads up to 1,520 kg (3,350 lb), but when the top-line V8 is factored in it's capable of pulling 3,016 kg (6,650 lbs).
And just what are those engine choices? The Dakota doesn't receive the new 215-hp 3.7-L SOHC V6 that comes standard in the new Ram 1500, but makes due with a 3.9-L V6 capable of 175-hp and 225 lb-ft of torque as its standard engine. The optional 230-hp, 4.7-L, SOHC V8 with 295 lb-ft of torque moves the light truck along at a brisk pace and adds a soul stirring exhaust note. If more power is needed either a 245-hp or 250-hp version of Dodge's 5.9-L OHV V8 is available, with 335 and 345 lb-ft of torque respectively - the Quad Cab receives the lower output power unit. Fortunately all Dakota engines use regular unleaded gasoline, and with its thirsty consumption you'll appreciate the cheaper gas. A 5-speed manual or optional 4-speed automatic transmission gets the power down to the wheels.
All 4x4 Dakota's come with an electronic part-time, shift-on-the-fly four-wheel drive system. Engaging its "bull" low gearing allows you to crawl over most obstacles unfortunate enough to get in your way. Hang up the Dakota in a snowdrift? No worries. Drop it into low and its 4WD and 9-inches of ground clearance will literally pop you out of the mess you're in. The same goes for mud, sand and almost any other traction reduced surface.
The view of the road is commanding while the ride, considering it's a truck, is quite compliant. Handling is decent as well, especially considering the lack of rear traction inherent with unladen pick-ups. Power-assist rack and pinion steering makes long sweeping curves seem like child's play, yet the big machine tends to act like a truck when the road starts to wind. Fortunately ABS brakes are standard, which is a good thing considering a fully-loaded pick-up truck can be difficult to stop from highway speeds even in dry conditions.