Dodge's Dakota mid-size pickup is smaller overall than full-size pickups like the Dodge Ram for 2007, yet larger than compact trucks like the Ford Ranger, offering a compromise between the two. Maneuvering the Dakota on city streets isn't as problematic as full-size trucks, yet towing and hauling ability is better than most compact trucks.
The standard engine on the Dakota is a 3.7L V6 making 210 horsepower and 235 lb-ft of torque. The optional 4.7L V8 is offered in two variants; a flexible-fuel version is compatible with E85 fuel and makes 230 horsepower and 290 lb-ft, while a High Output version makes 260 horsepower and 310 lb-ft. The base ST and mid-range SLT have a standard six-speed manual transmission and optional four-speed automatic, while the top-trim Laramie comes only with the automatic.
The Dakota is available in a relatively simplified lineup compared to most other pickups. There are Club Cab or Quad Cab versions of each trim level (ST, SLT, and Laramie), and each one is available with either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. Club Cabs have 180-degree-opening rear access doors, and Quad Cabs have four full-size doors and seating for six. The Club Cab has a 6'6" bed, and the Quad Cab's measures 5'3". The Dakota has a fully boxed frame for improved stiffness and durability over other frame designs, according to Dodge.
In addition to the rear-wheel-only ABS, four-wheel anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution are optional, as are side-curtain air bags that cover front and rear occupants. The Dakota also comes with knee bolsters.
The ST comes better equipped than most base-level compact pickups, with standard equipment including air conditioning, an AM/FM CD sound system with four speakers, and rear-wheel-only anti-lock brakes. The SLT upgrades to power windows, mirrors, and locks, plus keyless entry, fog lamps, Sirius satellite radio compatibility, and cloth bucket seats with a full console. At the top of the range, the Laramie includes an alarm system, leather bucket seats, a power driver's seat, a premium sound system with six-disc changes, steering-wheel audio controls, and Bluetooth hands-free interface.
The Dodge Dakota's V6 engine gets an electronic throttle and emissions improvements for 2007, and a new flex-fuel version of the V8 joins the lineup. Remote start and 18-inch chrome-clad wheels, and a chrome accent package are new standalone options on top SLT and Laramie models, and black painted 18-inch alloys are a new option. The Dakota also gets a new dual-position tailgate for all models, and some models with cloth upholstery get stain- and odor-resistant fabric.
The 2007 Dodge Dakota--positioned as a good compromise between compact pickups and full-size trucks--ranks as the only mid-size pickup with available V8 power, and has a best-in-class tow rating of up to 7,150 pounds, according to Dodge. The Dakota also has an extra five inches of bed width between the wheel wells compared to compact pickup competition, offering more usable bed space, yet with a relatively low bed wall height for easy loading. And the Dakota stands near the top in safety; it carries a five-star rating from the federal government in both frontal and side-impact crash tests and has available side-curtain air bags.
