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Who will rule the off-road? toyota tacoma vs. dodge dakota – off-road dominance

What To Know

  • The Dodge Dakota, on the other hand, gets an EPA-estimated 16 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway with the V6 engine.
  • The Tacoma offers a few more standard features than the Dakota, including a touchscreen infotainment system and a rearview camera.
  • The Dakota is a better choice if you’re looking for a truck that has a powerful engine, a spacious interior, and a low price.

The Toyota Tacoma and Dodge Dakota are two of the most popular midsize trucks on the market. Both trucks offer a rugged design, plenty of power, and a variety of features. But which truck is the right one for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll pit the Toyota Tacoma against the Dodge Dakota to help you make an informed decision.

Performance: Power and Efficiency

The Toyota Tacoma comes standard with a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 159 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. A 3.5-liter V6 engine is also available, which generates 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque. The Dodge Dakota, on the other hand, comes standard with a 3.7-liter V6 engine that produces 210 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque. A 4.7-liter V8 engine is also available, which generates 310 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque.

In terms of fuel efficiency, the Toyota Tacoma has the edge. The four-cylinder engine gets an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway. The V6 engine gets an EPA-estimated 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. The Dodge Dakota, on the other hand, gets an EPA-estimated 16 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway with the V6 engine. The V8 engine gets an EPA-estimated 14 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway.

Towing and Payload Capacity

If you need a truck that can tow heavy loads, the Toyota Tacoma and Dodge Dakota are both capable options. The Tacoma has a maximum towing capacity of 6,800 pounds when properly equipped. The Dakota has a maximum towing capacity of 7,200 pounds when properly equipped.

In terms of payload capacity, the Toyota Tacoma has a maximum payload capacity of 1,620 pounds. The Dodge Dakota has a maximum payload capacity of 1,850 pounds.

Interior: Comfort and Convenience

The Toyota Tacoma and Dodge Dakota both offer comfortable and spacious interiors. The Tacoma has a roomy cabin with plenty of headroom and legroom. The seats are supportive and comfortable, even on long drives. The Dakota has a similar interior, but it offers a bit more legroom in the back seat.

Both trucks come standard with a variety of features, including air conditioning, power windows, and power locks. The Tacoma offers a few more standard features than the Dakota, including a touchscreen infotainment system and a rearview camera.

Safety: Protection and Peace of Mind

The Toyota Tacoma and Dodge Dakota both come standard with a variety of safety features, including airbags, anti-lock brakes, and traction control. The Tacoma also offers a lane departure warning system and a forward collision warning system as standard equipment.

In terms of crash test ratings, the Toyota Tacoma received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The Dodge Dakota received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

Reliability: Durability and Dependability

The Toyota Tacoma and Dodge Dakota are both known for their reliability and durability. The Tacoma has a reputation for being one of the most reliable trucks on the market. The Dakota has a good reputation for reliability, but it doesn’t quite match the Tacoma.

Value: Price and Features

The Toyota Tacoma and Dodge Dakota are both priced competitively. The Tacoma has a starting price of $26,500. The Dakota has a starting price of $23,500.

In terms of features, the Tacoma offers a few more standard features than the Dakota. However, the Dakota offers a few more optional features, such as a sunroof and a navigation system.

Which Truck Is Right for You?

The Toyota Tacoma and Dodge Dakota are both excellent midsize trucks. The Tacoma is a better choice if you’re looking for a truck that’s reliable, fuel-efficient, and has a comfortable interior. The Dakota is a better choice if you’re looking for a truck that has a powerful engine, a spacious interior, and a low price.

In a nutshell: The Best Midsize Truck for Your Needs

Whether you choose the Toyota Tacoma or the Dodge Dakota, you’re getting a great midsize truck. Both trucks offer a variety of features, plenty of power, and a rugged design. The Tacoma is a better choice if you’re looking for a truck that’s reliable and fuel-efficient. The Dakota is a better choice if you’re looking for a truck that has a powerful engine and a spacious interior.

Questions You May Have

  • Which truck has a better towing capacity? The Dodge Dakota has a better towing capacity than the Toyota Tacoma.
  • Which truck has a better payload capacity? The Dodge Dakota has a better payload capacity than the Toyota Tacoma.
  • Which truck has a more comfortable interior? The Toyota Tacoma has a more comfortable interior than the Dodge Dakota.
  • Which truck has a better safety rating? The Toyota Tacoma has a better safety rating than the Dodge Dakota.
  • Which truck is more reliable? The Toyota Tacoma is more reliable than the Dodge Dakota.
  • Which truck is a better value? The Toyota Tacoma is a better value than the Dodge Dakota.
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