Dodge News
A good pickup can’t be all utility all the time, can it? There has to be some fun with the function. Meet the 2009 Dodge Dakota, the truck that combines charisma with capability.
Outside, the 2009 Dodge Dakota is more modern, more advanced than at any time in its history. Design is powerful and striking with an unquestionably sporty appeal. Naturally, its strength is uncompromising. Behind the powerful signature chrome crosshairs of the Dakota’s grille is a body structure that follows suit. Its bold, sculpted hood, rectangular headlamps, fascia-integrated foglamps and muscular, bulging fenders and wheel arches connote confidence.
At the same time, however, sleek, beveled edges, available 18-inch chrome-clad wheels and a rear spoiler provide an underlying, unquestionably aggressive sportiness. As with any pickup worth its weight, the Dakota is utilitarian, but there’s a sense of play to complement the work effort. Just because you get the job done, doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy doing it.
This truck certainly gets the job done. The 2009 Dakota comes with your choice of bed, either a flexible crew cab (with a five-foot, four-inch bed with over 37 cubic feet of interior space) or a best-in-class extended cab (with a six-foot, six-inch bed and 30 cubic feet of interior space). Coupled with an available moisture-wicking bedliner and ultra-strong dual-position tailgate, the Dakota is more than capable of handling and hauling whatever you throw at it (as seen by its best-in-class standard payload capacity of up to 1,720 pounds).
Beneath the hood, the 2009 Dakota features your choice of engines that both lead and revolutionize their classes. Start with the standard 3.7-liter Magnum® V6, which effortlessly powers out 210 hp and 235 lb/ft of torque through a six-speed manual or four-speed automatic. With low emissions and electronic throttle control, the 3.7 is the most powerful standard engine in its class.
For more power, step up to the available 4.7-liter V8, the only V8 you’ll find in the segment. Featuring efficient FlexFuel technology and controlled by an available five-speed automatic transmission, Dodge’s V8 powers out a staggering 302 hp and 329 lb/ft of torque. When properly equipped, the Dakota features a best-in-class towing capacity of up to 7,200 pounds.
Tempering all that power is a handling and control system that’s second to none. The Dakota’s hydroformed ladder frame is exceptionally strong, ensuring optimal precision and rigidity around corners. An anti-slip rear differential works in conjunction with Dodge’s four-wheel drive system to provide torque to the rear wheels and confident traction on command while antilock brakes give the Dakota unparalleled stopping power.
Inside, the Dakota’s powerful capability is complemented nicely by quiet comfort. Available heated leather seating (for up to six in the crew cab) is both spacious and comfortable, providing an element of luxury often overlooked in the truck segment. Rear seats can either fold up to reveal storage bins or down to provide additional cargo space. Remote start and steering wheel-mounted audio controls are available cabin conveniences on the Dakota.
Most impressive inside the Dakota is the available six-CD premium audio system with SIRIUS Satellite Radio and auxiliary audio input capability, as well as Dodge’s signature uconnect™ system. With hands-free phone and Internet connectivity, as well as navigation and 30GB of music storage, uconnect™ acts as the Dakota’s innovative central information, communication and entertainment hub.
There’s no questioning the 2009 Dakota’s capability. With best-in-class horsepower, towing and payload capacity, the Dakota is the quintessential work truck. Its sporty styling, luxurious interior and advanced technology, however, make it so much more.
The 2009 Dodge Dakota features a starting MSRP of $23,300.
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