Test Drive: 2006 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab

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Until the 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac arrived this year, the Dodge Dakota was the only mid-sized pickup truck available with a V8 engine, a distinction it had held since 1991 in Canada. However, some may argue that the four-door Explorer Sport Trac, with its four-foot box, doesn’t really compare to the Dakota Quad Cab with its five-foot five-inch box.

Interestingly, though mid-size V6 competitors like the Toyota Tacoma Double Cab, Nissan Frontier Crew Cab, and Honda Ridgeline don’t offer optional V8s, their V6 powerplants offer comparable and sometimes even better payload capacities and competitive towing capacities. I’ll explore this a bit later.

Still, for some pickup buyers, there’s no replacement for the extra torque and smoothness of a V8 engine. The Dakota’s optional 4.7-litre overhead cam V8 offers 230 hp @ 4600 rpm and 290 lb-ft of torque at 3600 rpm, and uses Regular Unleaded gas. An optional ‘High Output’ 4.7-litre V8 with 260 hp @ 5200 rpm and 310 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm provides more grunt, but uses Premium Unleaded.

2006 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab. Click image to enlarge

Base Dakotas come with a 3.7-litre SOHC V6 engine with 210 hp and 235 lb-ft of torque, and a six-speed manual transmission or optional four-speed automatic. V8 Dakotas offer a standard six-speed manual or optional five-speed automatic with a Tow/Haul mode which automatically adjusts shift points when towing. Dakota 4X4 models come with a standard part-time 4WD system with 2WD, Neutral, 4WD High, and 4WD Low. Optional is a full-time 4WD system with AWD, 4WD Lock, and 4WD Low.

2006 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab. Click image to enlarge

The Dakota Quad Cab is easy to drive, and has a very comfortable ride – almost too soft for a pickup. The cabin is surprisingly quiet on the highway. Though the 16-inch BF Goodrich All-Terrain light truck tires have a very chunky tread design, they are not noisy on the highway – a real surprise. Over pavement dividers and potholes, the solid rear axle causes some lateral hopping, particularly when negotiating a sweeping curve. For comparison, the new Ford Explorer Sport Trac and the Honda Ridgeline have independent rear suspensions which provide more stability and handling security. But like all pickups, the Dakota’s rear end is light without a load in the box, and due care and attention is necessary in slippery conditions.

The standard 230 hp 4.7-litre V8 provides prompt off-the-line performance – 0 to 100 km/h goes by in under ten seconds – and decent passing power, while the five-speed automatic transmission is very smooth. The tow/haul mode adjusts transmission shift points to account for the extra weight being towed – a good feature.

2006 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab. Click image to enlarge

Fuel consumption is thirsty: 15.6 L/100 km (18 mpg Imp.) city, and 10.7 L/100 km (26 mpg Imp.) highway with the automatic transmission – just what you might expect in a V8-powered pickup truck. With the optional AWD system, you can expect fuel consumption to be worse, because AWD systems typically use 10 to 15% more fuel than 2WD systems.

Still, AWD is a safety feature in the winter, particularly in a pickup truck. It provides more traction that a 4X2 system, and doesn’t have to be engaged and disengaged like standard part-time 4WD systems. The optional TRX4 Off-Road package is useful option for those who regularly abandon the black top for the adventure of mud and gravel, but it’s not necessary for typical driving, although its heavy duty cooling system and heavy duty battery would be useful for towing. The standard Dakota Quad Cab 4X4 already offers a locking differential and Low Range gearing, so the main advantage of the Off-Road package are the all-terrain tires, higher ground clearance and skid plates.

The Dakota’s brakes are front disc/rear drums. Four-wheel ABS comes with the TRX4 Off-Road package or as a stand-alone option (base models have only rear-wheel ABS). The turning diameter of the Quad Cab is 13.4 metres (44 ft.). That’s wide, but expected for a crew cab pickup. However, the mid-size Dakota is certainly more manoeuvrable than larger, full-size pickups.

Dodge claims the best-in-class maximum towing capacity, presumably with the high output 4.7-litre V8. The Dakota Quad Cab 4X2 has a maximum towing capacity of 7050 lbs (3198 kg) while the Quad Cab 4X4 has a max. towing capacity of 6850 lbs (3107 kg). That’s slightly more than the Ford Explorer Sport Trac at 6800 lbs (3084 kg), Toyota Tacoma Double Cab at6500 lbs (2948 kg) and Nissan Frontier 6100 lbs (2767 kg.

Having the transmission shifter on the steering column frees up space in the centre console for extra storage bins and more cupholders. I liked the two adjustable cupholders under the centre stack, and the extra large cupholder for large drinks directly behind it. I also appreciated the cavernous storage bin underneath the centre armrest, which opens up sideways, making it easier for the driver, but not the passenger, to reach in.

The white gauges are easy to see, and the large dials and buttons for the radio and heater can be operated with gloved hands. A storage slot next to a 12-volt powerpoint under the heater is a handy spot for keeping a cell phone. A dial for adjusting the electronic 4WD system is tucked away under the heater.

The Dakota SLT trim is equipped with all the basic luxuries: air conditioning, power windows with driver’s auto down, cruise control, CD player, power mirrors, power door locks and keyless unlocking. Though boldly designed, the Dakota’s cabin is very car-like with its use of soft-touch plastics, metal-rimmed gauges, and carbon-fibre like dash trim.

The rear doors open out almost 90 degrees to make getting in easier, and the rear bench seat is surprisingly roomy, although the backrest is a tad upright.

2006 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab. Click image to enlarge

Headroom is generous and legroom is also quite generous. Two rear cupholders are positioned on the centre tunnel between the rear seats. There are three 3-point seatbelts at the rear, but only two head restraints. In front, two multi-stage airbags are standard, and side curtain airbags are available as an option. Quad Cab models have child door locks on the rear doors, and LATCH anchors for child seats.

When there are only one or two rear passengers, one side of the split rear seat cushions can be folded up against the rear seatbacks to create more cargo room. Or, if there are no rear passengers, both sides can be folded up. However, the load floor underneath is not flat, nor made of a waterproof material.

The Dakota’s cargo box is just under 5 feet 5 inches long (165 cm) with the tailgate closed, and 86.3 inches (219 cm) long with the tailgate open. An optional bed extender would be a wise purchase.

2006 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab. Click image to enlarge