Overview

The Dakota is parent automaker Chrysler's midsized workhorse pickup truck, marketed under its Ram division. The automaker cites its power, payload, and towing capacity relative to its size. For 2011, the Dakota gains a coupee of standard safety features, and its lists of trim levels and options have been streamlined.

The 2011 Ram Dakota is available in three trim levels, with an extended cab or a crew cab. The base (ST) trim with the extended cab features 16-inch wheels, two front bucket seats, two fold-down rear seats, air conditioning, and a dual-position tailgate. The Big Horn and Laramie trims progressively add features. The Big Horn offers 17-inch wheels, cosmetic upgrades, full power features, cruise control, remote ignition, and more. The fully loaded Laramie employs 18-inch alloy wheels and adds automatic headlights, leather upholstery, heated front seats, and many other features. Front bench seating is available on some trims. Extended cabs come with a 76-inch pickup bed; crew cabs feature a 64-inch bed. When equipped with the optional V-8 engine, the Dakota can tow up to 7200 pounds, according to the manufacturer.

The 2011 Ram Dakota's standard engine is a 210-horsepower, 3.7-liter V-6 model, coupeed with a 4-speed automatic transmission and 2-wheel drive (4-wheel drive is optional), which delivers 15 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway, according to the EPA. All trims except the ST offer an optional 302-horsepower, 4.7-liter V-8 engine that torques up to 329 lb.-ft., with a 5-speed automatic transmission.

Anti-lock brakes and side curtain air bags are standard safety items on the 2011 Ram Dakota. Four-wheel brakes and side curtain air bags are optional. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the Dakota extended cab an "Acceptable" rating in frontal-offset crash tests, and the Dakota crew cab a highest-possible "Good" rating in the same test.

Starting MSRP for the 2011 Ram Dakota is $23,210.