2005 Dodge Dakota Club Cab 4X4 Laramie Road Test

I just happened to run into a few friends on the road driving over to town. We both stopped at a red light and agreed to meet

If best-in-class torque and towing ratings are on your shopping list, the all-new 2005 Dodge Dakota might just be what you're looking for. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

up for Slurpees at the local convenience store. They were in a Honda Civic and I was in my dominating Dakota. As we pulled up to the store, only street parking was available. Luckily, there was just enough room to squeeze my pickup and the compact sedan into the gap, but I wasn't always so lucky. If you're looking for a more practical parallel-parking vehicle with just as much horsepower and don't need the Dakota's hauling capabilities, the Dodge SRT-4 might be the right choice.

That in mind, with the myriad of vehicles on the automotive market today, purchasing one is downright confusing. Even in the pickup truck segment, the introduction of such new imported and domestic trucks as the Honda Ridgeline and GMC Canyon makes the choice in this class that much more difficult. But if best-in-class torque and towing ratings are on your list of qualities, as well as a long menu of standard and optional features, the all-new 2005 Dodge Dakota might just be what you're looking for.

Specifications (Club Cab 4X4 Laramie Edition):

• Price Range (MSRP): $36,745 - $42,250
• Price as Tested (MSRP): $42,250
• Body Type: 2-door pickup
• Layout: Front engine, 4WD
• Base Engine: 230 hp, 290 lb-ft, 4.7L, SOHC 16-valve V8
• Optional Engine: 260 hp, 310 lb-ft, 4.7L, SOHC 16-valve HO V8
• Transmission: 5-spd auto
• Brakes (front/rear): disc/drum w/rear wheel ABS (opt. rear discs, four-wheel ABS)
• Bed Length: 2.0 m (6 foot, 6 in)
• Curb Weight: 2008 kg (4426 lbs)
• Ground Clearance: 202 mm (7.9 in)
• Tires: P265/65R17
• Max Payload (Club Cab, 4X4): 717 kg (1,580 lb)
• Max Towing (Quad Cab, 4X4): 3,221 kg (7,100 lb)
• Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 16.3 / 11.1 L/100 km
• Warranty (mo/km) 36/60,000 comprehensive; 60/100,000 powertrain
• Competitors: Chevrolet Colorado, Ford Explorer Sport Trac / Ranger, GMC Canyon, Honda Ridgeline, Mazda B-Series, Nissan Frontier, Toyota Tacoma
• Website: www.dodge.ca