The
2010 Dodge Dakota is a midsize 4-wheel-drive truck with powerful towing capabilities that comes in a wide range of trims: ST Extended Cab Pickup, Big Horn Extended Cab Pickup, ST Crew Cab Pickup, Big Horn Crew Cab Pickup, TRX Crew Cab Pickup, Laramie Crew Cab Pickup. Powered by a 3.7-liter V-6 engine or a 4.7-liter V-8 engine, the Dodge Dakota pushes power through a four- or five-speed automatic transmission.
The Dodge Dakota comes with an extended cab three-door or crew cab four-door configuration. The extended cabs are offered with a 6-foot 6-inch truck bed, while the crew cab configurations come with a 5-foot 4-inch truck bed and a locking transfer case. The Dakota supports a 1,800-pound payload and 7,200 pound towing ability. Some important safety features are not standard or available, and the fuel economy is poor, rated at 14 mpg city / 18 mpg highway.
New for 2010
For 2010, the Dodge Dakota received new front-shock modules with springs and new rear spring assemblies to improve ride and handling. Three exterior colors -- Bright White, Flame Red, and Mango Tango -- replace Stone White Metallic, Detonator Yellow, and Sunburst Orange, respectively.
Essentials
Engines: 3.7L V-6, 4.7L V-8
Transmissions: 5-speed automatic, 4-speed automatic
Body Style: Truck
Trims: ST Extended Cab Pickup, Big Horn Extended Cab Pickup, ST Crew Cab Pickup, Big Horn Crew Cab Pickup, TRX Crew Cab Pickup, Laramie Crew Cab Pickup
On the Outside
The Dodge Dakota TRX trim received black fender flares and front tow hooks. The ST and TRX trims have 16-inch wheels, while the Big Horn has 17-inchers and the Laramie 18-inchers.
From the Inside
Extended Cab Dodge Dakotas can sit up to five passengers, while the Crew Cabs can seat up to six. However, Crew Cabs offer 4.3-inches more rear seat leg room and 7.1 cubic feet more cab cargo space.
Driving Performance
The Dodge Dakota's 3.7-liter V-6 engine is good for 210 horsepower and 235 pound-feet of torque, but the sole transmission available with the engine is an old 4-speed automatic. The 4.7-liter V-8 engine chugs out 302 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque paired to a five-speed automatic transmission, resulting in improved performance but less fuel efficiency.
Safety Equipment
Standard safety systems on the Dodge Dakota are limited to dual-front impact airbags, but side-curtain airbags and anti-lock brakes can be added with an optional package. Unfortunately, stability and traction control are not available.
Gas Mileage
V-6 RWD: 15 mpg city/20 mpg highway
V-6 4WD: 14 mpg city/18 mpg highway
V-8 RWD, 4WD: 14 mpg city/19 mpg highway
Plusses
- 7200-lb towing
- 1800-lb payload
Minuses
- Poor gas mileage
- Outdated transmissions
- Lack of standard safety features
Rating
Tow-horse on its way out to pasture
People Who Like the 2010 Dodge Dakota Also Like
- Chevrolet Colorado
- Ford Ranger
- Toyota Tacoma