2009 Dodge Dakota Review
Posted in Dodge Trucks, Truck Reviews on November 9, 2009
Introduction
Dodge Dakota was the first mid size pick up truck that abridged the gap between compact and full size trucks. The 2009 Dodge Dakota priced at MSRP $22,560 – $31,630 continues to distinguish itself with its optional V8 engine while maintaining its towing capacity.
What’s on offer?
The 2009 Dodge Dakota offers minor changes which are restricted to reorganization of trim levels. It also offers a choice of new exterior colors like Stone white, Deep Water Blue Pearl, and Austin Tan pearl.
Silhouette
The 2009 Dodge Dakota has received a front end make over. The cargo bed has chiseled wheel flares which offers a new look at the front end. The dual position tailgates assists in containing cargo. Its body is well styled with integrated styling elements and crisp edges. The chrome grille or monochromatic finishes offers an impressive look to this edition. A range of new bright exterior colors adds to the glory of the vehicle.
This Dodge model is available in extended crew and a cab crew configuration The Extended Cab has a 6-feet 4-inch cargo box, while the bed in the Crew Cab is 5 feet 3 inches long.
We noted that unlike other vehicle s which bears a family resemblance to their SUV line, the Dakota does not borrow its cues from the Durango utility.
Inside the cabin
The 2009 Dodge Dakota has appealing interiors with extra storage options and white-face electroluminescent gauges. We found the interior materials to be subpar but we do not expect pick up truck to compete with luxury vehicle either. To survive in this deadly competitive market good quality material would have been an additional advantage.
However the interior design is quite straight forward with switches and gauges placed at comfortable places. We found the interiors to be very quite on the road in comparison to other trucks. There was hardly any wind or road noise that was heard inside the cabin.
The interior feature that is worth applauding is the MyGig infotainment system that includes a voice-activated navigation system and a hard drive to store MP3 files.
Feature
The standard features available on the ST trim are 16 inch wheels, front bucket seat, dual position tail gate, cloth upholstery, air conditioning, tilt steering wheel, CD player and stereo. The Big Horn known as the Lone Star in Texas adds 17 inch alloy wheels, full power accessories, body colored bumpers and front fascia and cruise control. It offers option of utility bed rails, leather wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, a sliding rear window. These options are standard on TRX4 edition. The TRX4 additionally includes 16 inch alloy wheels, off road tires, and bigger side bolsters.
The Larmarie includes all the features from the Big Horn with an addition of 18 inch alloy wheels, chrome exterior color, leather upholstery and automatic headlights and bed liners.
Bluetooth and Navigation are available as optional feature.
Powertrain
The 2009 Dodge Dakota standard edition is equipped with 3.7 liter V6 engine which produces 210 horsepower and 235 pounds feet of torque. It is teamed with six speed manual transmission while the four speed automatic transmission is an optional feature. The other trims offer automatic transmission as a standard feature. Rear wheel drive is available as a standard feature. This combination offers a fuel economy of 15 mpg city, 20 mpg highway and 17 mpg combined. It offers a towing capacity of 5000 pounds.
The Dakota edition also offers option of 4.7 liter V8 engine that produces 208 horsepower and 329 pounds feet of torque. A five speed automatic transmission is mated to the engine. It offers a fuel economy of 14/19/15 mpg. When properly equipped they can tow up to 7,100 pounds.
Safety
The 2009 Dakota Dodge is equipped with seat belt pretensioner, latch child seat anchors, and rear wheel antilock brakes. Full length side curtain airbags, and four wheel antilock brake system are available as optional features.
During the various crash tests that were conducted to check the efficiency of these features it scored five stars for passenger and driver protection in the front a well as rear seats.
Conclusion
The 2009 Dodge Dakota offers option of V8 engine with good towing capacity. The main advantages of this edition are available V8 power, comfortable seating, impressive towing capacity, and innovative storage space. The main disadvantages that we noted are limited body styles, and expensive when fully loaded with optional features.
