2008 Dodge Dakota

Cool 4x4 options, 302-horse V-8 (only V-8 in class), best-in-class towing

Over-creased exterior, rough ride, pricey

Straddles the line between a neglected category (compact) and one filled with better choices (full-size).

The Dodge Dakota is unique among midsize pickups. Its large size and available rear seat storage system offer plenty of room and utility for a typical family, and its powerful V8 engine makes it quicker and gives it more towing capacity than most competitors. The availability of full-time four-wheel drive and Dodge's new hard drive radio are other plusses that make Dakota worth a look.

The Dakota's cosmetic changes are mostly limited to the front end, where a new grille and headlights are shorter and more aggressive than those of the Tonka-like face of the outgoing model. Dodge claims that a new tailgate spoiler that improves airflow over the (longer) bed. Inside the expanded passenger compartment, the freshening continues with a new dashboard, heated seats, and storage cubbies. For convenience, every new Dakota will be equipped with remote starters, which is a segment first--between that and seat heaters, the Dakota should be an ideal cold weather vehicle. Together with the changes in appearance, the Dakota has some substantial improvements to its mechanical layout, with the big news being the availability of a new 4.7-liter V-8 delivering almost 300 horsepower and better fuel economy than the old V-8. A 3.7-liter V-6 is the standard motor and buyers will have a choice of two-wheel drive, part time four-wheel drive, or full time four-wheel drive.

Off the line, the increased horsepower (up 31 percent from 2007) provides noticeable thrust that wasn't there in previous models (and still isn't there with the 3.7-liter V-6), but even with the additional ponies, the Dakota feels heavy. And anyone who's driven a Dodge/Jeep powered by the 4.7-liter would instantly recognize the V-8's low, howling engine note. Dodge retuned the suspension with an eye toward improving handling, and unfortunately, the ride suffers. The previous Dakota's ride was more biased toward soft on-road manners, but the company went too far in the other direction here. Dodge improved the interior, adding new storage solutions and nav/audio options, but it's still not best in class. Shockingly, though, the bottom line for this trim level on this truck is $34,360. Yes, that does include a V-8, which no other midsize or compact offers, the very cool TRX4 package, and ours came with skidplates, 3.92 axle, trailer tow package, rubber mats, and heated cloth seats. But for that same money or less, you could get a 4WD Ram 1500 Quad Cab with more interior space, longer bed, and greater towing capacity.

Only V-8 in the class, biggest tow rating for its size, all you have to do is think burnout to make it happen, plus it now has an auto start feature on the key FOB

Chassis feels long-in-the-tooth, interior still looks carved with a dull spatula, and it lacks an identity

Will need significant mods and upgrades to make it a segment leader. For now, it barely keeps up with the pack-unless you need a V-8.

In everyday driving, the Dakota will remind you that it's a traditional pickup (in every sense of the word) in just about every situation. Can you say rough ride? And don't expect stellar fuel economy. The 3.7L V-6 with the 6-speed manual is rated at 16/21 mpg, and the 300-plus horsepower 4.7L V-8 is said to get 14/19 mpg. In the real world with the V-8, we got 14 mpg when driving around town empty.

Dodge's 2008 Dakota adds several important improvements during its latest refresh, but keeps the same foundation. Replacing the standard and high-output versions of the old 4.7-liter V-8 is a new 4.7-liter with 302 horsepower (up 72) and 329 pound-feet of torque (up 43). It's also quieter and more refined and offers five-percent-better fuel economy. The added horses are certainly welcome, contributing noticeable power off the line; however, it feels like the Dakota has gained weight, and, while the truck is the only non-full-size to offer a V-8, its power/weight ratio isn't stellar.

The previous model was floaty, but it did a better job of absorbing bumps and irregularities. The new Dakota is much firmer and handling has improved dramatically, but the trade-off, as you might expect, is less cushion.

While the cabin is still swimming in hard plastic, the materials look better, fit and finish has improved, and more features are added, including a new storage area above the glovebox and an all-new instrument panel. The cabin also now includes a new center console with a tilt-out front panel where you can store an MP3 player or cell-phone, with its own power port.

The new 2008 Dodge Dakota mid-size truck with a new engine that not only offers 25 percent more horsepower and 10 percent more torque, but also better fuel economy and increased refinement. The 2008 Dodge Dakota also features new exterior and interior styling, and many best-in-class capabilities.

New features include built-in cargo-box utility rails, heated bench seats, under-seat storage system

New interior features greatest space of any mid-size truck, with 30 cubic feet of interior space in Extended Cab models; 37.1 cubic feet for Crew Cab

Best-in-class towing capability of up to 7,050 pounds

The base 3.7-liter V-6 remains basically unchanged, with 210 horsepower and 235 pound-feet, backed by a six-speed manual or four-speed automatic. As before, it's a fine engine around town and driving the truck unloaded, but lethargic when used for hard work.

The suspension was revised for the new model as well, with an emphasis placed on handling, in some ways at the expense of the ride. The previous model was floaty, but it did a better job of absorbing bumps and irregularities. The new Dakota is much firmer, and handling has been dramatically improved, but the downside is the loss of the cushier ride it once had. Revisions also mean two- and four-wheel-drive trucks now have the same ride height.

Going on sale next month, the Dakota continues to offer a lot of value. Prices start at $20,080 for the Extended Cab and $22,780 for the Crew Cab, meaning you can buy 302 horsepower for less than $23 grand. It's probably not enough to revitalize a slow segment, but it's the best in its class for power, space, and towing capacity, and that's a good start.