There are three engine choices to this model, thus providing consumers more option to pick an engine power to suit your driving needs. Then, there’s Magnum Next Generation 4.7-liter V8 engine that can produce a maximum of 235 horsepower. The 2011 Dodge Dakota is the perfect choice of vehicle for consumers looking to use a powerful vehicle on the road or on all types of terrains.
Truck lovers will be happy to know that the new 2011 Dodge Dakota is now available for purchase. Powerful with the V8 engine option, it is underpowered when it comes with the standard V6 engine.
For the final year of its current design, the 2011 Dodge Dakota compact pickup truck will remain largely the same. The Dakota is offered in two body styles, extended and crew cab. Holding up to 6 passengers, the crew has a 5.3 foot bed and traditional rear doors.
Test Drive
Though the per gallon mileage was the lowest for the Dakota, this model runs on E85 ethanol blended fuel to keep the costs low. The 2011 Dodge Dakota handles and drives better than the typical truck does. There is a feeling of body lean taking the turns, but the new Dakota is still effectively controlled compared to other pickup trucks. As far as overall ride quality is concerned, the 2011 Dodge Dakota's ride is average for a truck. The factory issued Dakota engine is the 210-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 with a 4-speed automatic transmission. The Dakota offers part-time four wheel drive or rear wheel drive. With the V8 engine, the new Dakota boasts a nice 4.7 liter engine and provides 302 horsepower when run at 5,650 RPM's. In such a configuration, it offers a peppy 329 feet pounds of torque when run at 3,950 RPM's. The downside to this mightier engine design is evident in the 14 miles per gallon around town and only 19 miles per gallon on the highway. With this V8 engine, the Dakota provides ample power for in town driving, as well as sufficient pickup for passing on the highway. The V6 engine configuration is another story altogether.
Interior
The new Dodge Dakota's interior is fairly comfortable. The interior noise levels are quieted impressively for a truck. The cabin has plenty of legroom and headroom. The bench-style rear seating of the extended-cab holds two adults comfortably, but three is a little tight. The Crate 'N Go collapsing storage units and folding rear seats add even more room.
Safety
The Dakota is not the most reliable truck. This is especially troubling given its high sticker price when compared to other compact pickup trucks. The Toyota Tacoma is the most popular compact truck, being easier to handle and drive, but the Dakota has far more towing and hauling power. The 2011 Dodge Dakota has its pros and cons both. In the pros category, this is a fairly nice light pickup truck with big truck hauling and towing capabilities for the price, particularly at entry level. Higher end models are pretty pricey for many truck buyers' budgets. The Dodge Dakota is a solid but relatively expensive choice for a compact pickup truck.
Back for another model year while it awaits a date with the retirement home, the Dodge Dakota--Chrysler's mid-size pickup truck--returns for the 2011 model year with very few changes.
Square-jawed and box-tailed, the Dodge mid-size pickup grew plainer and more cheap-looking in the 2008 redo.
The Dakota has more power on tap than poise. Handling, braking and steering are adequate, if a little floaty.
Bigger than the Ford Ranger and GMC Canyon/Chevrolet Colorado, the Dakota stacks up against the Nissan Frontier, the Toyota Tacoma, and the Honda Ridgeline. Two body styles include an extended cab with a cargo area behind rear-hinged rear doors, and a true four-door Crew Cab. In back, the Dakota offers a 6.6-foot bed on extended cab trucks and a 5.3-foot bed on the Crew Cab, and both have built-in utility rails.
The Dakota's safety score should rise this year because of the addition of standard curtain airbags and anti-lock brakes.