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 -Dodge Ram 1500 & Dodge Dakota Comparison

Dodge Dakota Review

Dodge’s midsize pickup truck, the 2008 Dodge Dakota, gets a fresh restyling this year, with a new hood, grille, front fascia, rear spoiler, fenders, and headlight in addition to a new redesigned instrument panel and new, more powerful V8 engine option.

The Dakota is available as an Extended Cab or four-door Crew Cab in six different trim levels. Two powerful engines are available, with a 3.7 liter Magnum® V6 starting things off with 210 horsepower for decent acceleration and pulling power. The new 4.7 liter V8 engine offers 302 horsepower for excellent pickup, and offers Flexible Fuel capability to run on E85 ethanol/gasoline fuel blend. The Dakota can be ordered with part-time or full-time four-wheel drive for amazing traction and power in off-road conditions and foul weather.

With best-in-class payload and towing capabilities, the Dakota can tow your big toys with ease. Standard rear or available four-wheel anti-lock brakes with Brake Assist provides increased braking power and prevents wheel lockup in emergency situations. With standard traction control and an anti-slip rear differential, the Dakota stays on track even when a loss of traction is taking place. An available Tire Pressure Monitoring System constantly checks tire pressure and alerts the driver if low or excessive tire pressure is detected. Standard advanced dual front airbags and supplemental side impact airbags protect all passengers in a collision.

The available UConnect® hands-free communication system lets you make voice-activated calls on a Bluetooth®-compatible phone. The available MyGIG™ Multimedia Infotainment System features SIRUIS® Satellite Radio, a 6.5 inch full-color touch screen display, voice-activated GPS navigation with turn-by-turn guidance, real-time traffic reporting, and DVD playback for the ultimate interactive guide on your trip. The integrated USB port lets you download and store photos and music files on the internal 20-GB hard drive.

Loads of interior room, superior towing capability, and aggressive new style make the 2008 Dodge Dakota a standout in the midsize pickup truck category.

Dodge Ram 1500  & Dodge Dakota Comparison

Performance

Both the Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 and the Dodge Dakota are likely to feel a tad sluggish because of their high horsepower-to-weight ratio.

Handling

The Ram Pickup 1500 and the Dodge Dakota have about similar tires. With their similar turning circles, the Dakota and the Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 likely handle approximately the same into and out of tight spots.

Drivetrain

The Dodge Ram Pickup 1500's engine is markedly larger than the Dakota's. Note that more massive engines may use more gasoline than smaller ones. The Dodge Dakota could learn a lesson or two from the Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 regarding torque. Torque equals pickup, and the Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 will have picked up and gone by the time the Dodge Dakota finally gets moving.

Available Engines & Drivetrain

Dodge Dakota Engines

302-hp, 4.7-liter V-8 (flexible)
210-hp, 3.7-liter V-6

Dodge Dakota Transmissions

5-speed multi-speed automatic w/OD
4-speed automatic w/OD

Dodge Ram 1500 Available Engines

345-hp, 5.7-liter V-8
310-hp, 4.7-liter V-8 (flexible)
215-hp, 3.7-liter V-6

Dodge Ram 1500 Available Transmissions

5-speed multi-speed automatic w/OD
6-speed manual w/OD
4-speed automatic w/ODickup 1500 doubtless handle about the same into and out of tight spots.

Utility

Drivers with frequent child-duty might favor the Dodge Dakota over the Dodge Ram Pickup 1500. There's no clear winner between the Dodge Dakota and the Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 when it comes to hauling capacity. Towing is markedly more the Ram Pickup 1500's forte than it is the Dodge Dakota's.

Convenience

You will most definitely have to visit your friendly gas station more often with the Dodge Dakota than with the Dodge Ram Pickup 1500.

Comfort

Taller drivers will significantly enjoy the extra head room in the Dodge Ram Pickup 1500's front cabin compared to the Dodge Dakota.

Dimensions

The Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 is a bit more ponderous than the Dodge Dakota. Your wallet will hurt more every time you fill up the Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 than the Dakota because of its larger tank. The Dodge Dakota and the Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 compete for the same parking spaces. The Dodge Dakota's shorter wheelbase will give a more agile feel in daily traffic. However, the Ram Pickup 1500 is likely to have a smoother, more stable ride.

Cost

The destination charge is a standard charge for transporting the vehicle from its point of origin to the dealer. The Dodge Dakota is quite a bit cheaper to get to the dealership than the Dodge Ram Pickup 1500. With respect to fuel economy, the Dodge Dakota is a bit better than the Dodge Ram Pickup 1500, but not by much. As far as MSRP, the Dakota costs markedly less than the Ram Pickup 1500. With respect to final price, the Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 costs markedly more than the Dodge Dakota.

Dodge Dakota Pricing

MSRP   $19,805 to $31,470
Invoice Price  $18,226 to $28,688

Dodge Dakota EPA Fuel Economy

City: 14 - 16
Highway: 18 - 20

Dodge Ram 1500 Pricing

MSRP  $21,485 to $40,685
Invoice Price  $19,157 to $35,854

Dodge Ram 1500 EPA Fuel Economy

City: 12 - 16
Highway: 16 - 19

Overview

The Dodge Dakota and the Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 have the same basic after-sale protection. When it comes to after-sale protection against corrosion, the Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 and the Dakota have the same coverage.

About Dodge Trucks in Utah

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