2005 Dodge Dakota 4WD Club Cab Laramie Road Test

In addition to 4WD and low-range gearing, my tester maximized traction with the Dakota's optional all-wheel-drive system

Dodge has wisely seen fit to make their shift-on-the-fly four-wheel drive (4WD) with low-range gearing available across the Dakota lineup. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

that seamlessly shifts torque to wheel(s) with superior grip. Wet or dry, the system kept the lively Dakota welded to the tarmac. Simply twisting a dial on the centre stack locks-in all four wheels when the going gets downright ugly; a further twist engages the system's low-range gearing. Unfortunately, traction control is not available on the Dakota regardless of drive configuration. A limited-slip rear differential is available on 2WD models; however, a special axle ratio must also be ordered.

Dropping the anchor in the Dakota engages front disc brakes and a rear drum setup. Antilock rear brakes are standard and four-wheel antilock is optional. I shake my head at such arrangements; why not just equip the vehicle with antilock brakes front and rear as standard equipment, as many competitors have. Making antilock standard only on the rear brakes is like handing out half a life jacket as water spills over the gunwales.

On the Dakota's occupant protection list is the availability of supplemental side-curtain airbags in addition to the standard-equipment multi-stage front airbags, of which the passenger-side one can be manually

A premium Infinity six-disc in-dash audio unit tops the list of Laramie goodies. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

deactivated. An Occupant Classification System is incorporated into the front passenger airbag, ensuring deployment only occurs when an appropriately-sized passenger is in the seat, and positioned properly.

Although side-curtain airbags and four-wheel antilock brakes are not on the Dakota's schedule of standard equipment, in Canada many goodies are, including four-speaker AM/FM CD audio, air conditioning, power windows, locks and outside mirrors, variable-intermittent wipers, tachometer, electronic clock and keyless entry. In both Canada and the U.S., the base Dakota is badged as the 'ST.' Unfortunately for those south of the 49th, the ST is considerably more basic.