
The mid-size pickup market isn't hotly contested, and excluding the HUMMER H3T, the players are all kind of stale.
The V-8 in the 2008 Dodge Dakota gives it a distinct advantage in power over the five-cylinder Chevy and GMC mid-size twins, as well as the six-cylinder Tacoma, Frontier, and Ridgeline.
However, the imports offer quality and dynamic performance advantages over the Dodge.
New for 2009, only the HUMMER H3T Alpha model offers a V-8, and at nearly $40,000, it's much pricier than the Dodge.
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Quick Specs | |||
Especially with the improved V-8, the 2008 Dodge Dakota can do most of what a full-size truck can while consuming fewer resources in the process. |
The 2008 Honda Ridgeline is a flexible light-duty truck with a plush feel, but it can't tackle all the tasks a full-size truck does well. |
For those of us who don't live on a ranch, the 2008 Nissan Frontier is large enough to haul real people and cargo, but sized for the urban-congestion reality. |
The 2008 Toyota Tacoma covers the basics, at a price that’s lower than full-size trucks. |
MSRP From | |||
$20,470 | $28,000 | $16,530 | $14,280 |
Gas Mileage | |||
14 MPG City / 20 MPG Hwy | 15 MPG City / 20 MPG Hwy | 14 MPG City / 23 MPG Hwy | 15 MPG City / 25 MPG Hwy |
Engine | |||
Gas V6 | Gas V6 | Gas 4-cyl | Gas I4 |
EPA Class | |||
N/A | 4WD Pickup Trucks | N/A | N/A |
Style Name | |||
2WD Ext Cab ST | 4WD Crew Cab RT | 2WD King Cab I4 Manual XE | 2WD Reg I4 MT (SE) |
Drivetrain | |||
Rear Wheel Drive | Four Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
Passenger Capacity | |||
2 | 5 | 4 | 3 |
Passenger Doors | |||
N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Body Style | |||
Extended Cab 6'7" Bed | 4 Door Crew Cab | King Cab | Regular Cab |
Transmission | |||
Manual w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Manual | Manual w/OD |
Detailed Spec Comparison | |||
2008 Dodge Dakota vs. 2008 Honda Ridgeline | 2008 Dodge Dakota vs. 2008 Nissan Frontier | 2008 Dodge Dakota vs. 2008 Toyota Tacoma |