2011 Dodge Dakota

The 2011 Dodge Dakota gains a couple of important safety features, namely antilock brakes and side curtain airbags, on its list of standard features. The 2011 Dodge Dakota is a midsize pickup truck that's offered as either an extended cab or crew cab.

Extended-cab models feature a 6.4-foot cargo bed, while crew cab models are fitted with a 5.3-foot bed. The Big Horn adds 17-inch alloy wheels, body-colored bumpers and front fascia, a rear under-seat storage system (crew cab models only), keyless entry, full power accessories and cruise control (optional on ST).

The Big Horn and Laramie extended cabs can also be equipped with a front bench seat in place of the standard buckets. Every 2011 Dodge Dakota is powered by a standard 3.7-liter V6 engine that produces 210 horsepower and 235 pound-feet of torque.

Rear-wheel drive is standard on all Dakotas, with four-wheel drive being available as an option. Fuel economy registers an EPA-estimated 15 mpg city/20 mpg highway and 17 mpg combined for rear-wheel-drive models, and 14/18/15 mpg for 4WD versions. In performance testing, a 4WD Dakota Laramie crew cab with the V8 accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 7.6 seconds. When properly equipped, a V8 Dakota can tow up to 7,250 pounds.

Safety
This year the 2011 Dodge Dakota gets four-wheel antilock brakes and side curtain airbags. In Edmunds brake testing, a 4WD Dakota Laramie crew cab came to a stop from 60 mph in 126 feet -- a good distance for a pickup.

In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety frontal-offset crash tests, the extended cab got a second-best "Acceptable" rating while the crew cab Dakota earned a top "Good" rating.

Interior Design and Special Features
The standard bucket seats are very comfortable, while the available power seats offer a wealth of adjustability.