What is it? The midsized Dakota pickup gets a freshening for 2008 with new exterior styling, a remodeled interior, and a revised version of its largest engine, the 4.7-liter V8. The upgraded V8 jumps to 290 horsepower from 260 while, according to Dodge, attaining better fuel economy than its predecessor. The base engine remains a 210-hp, 3.7-liter V6.
As with other pickups, you can choose from a wide array of seating, cargo, and drivetrain configurations. There are three main trim lines with option packages that Dodge says stretches trim lines to a total of six for 2008. Transmissions remain the same––a six-speed manual or a 4-speed or a 5-speed automatic. The Dakota still offers two body styles, an “Extended cab” with a 6.5-foot bed or a four-door “Crew-cab” with 5.3-foot bed. (They are currently called “Club cab” and “Quad cab.”) As before you can also choose from rear-wheel drive or two types of four-wheel drive. One is a basic shift-on-the-fly, manually selected design and the other a full-time setup, the type we prefer. Both have low-range capability.
What is new or notable: The upgraded V8 replaces both of the current 230-and 260-hp versions of the engine, and it will be a flex-fuel engine that can run on either gasoline or E85 ethanol fuel. Exterior restyling includes revisions to the hood, grille, and fenders, new rectangular headlights, and a small tailgate spoiler. The interior gets a new instrument panel and console design, and the crew cab has removable under-seat storage bins. Heated bench seats are a new option.
CR’s take: Overall, little has changed except cosmetics in the 2008 model. Interior volumes are the same as in the current model. The 210-hp V6 is a lackluster powerplant. The 260-hp V8 Dakota that we tested in 2005 was slower in acceleration than many competing V6-powered pickups and got only 14 mpg overall. So, it can definitely use the additional 30 hp. And while we’re glad to hear that the new one will have improved fuel economy, we’re not expecting a dramatic improvement.
