2011 Dakota: Bold Styling, Power, Versatility and Capability for Any Lifestyle

September 13, 2010 , Auburn Hills, Mich. -  Designed for customers with active lifestyles, the 2011 Dakota is equipped for work and play.

 

The 2011 Dakota features best-in-class towing of up to 7,250 lbs., the greatest interior room of any Extended Cab mid-size truck with 30 cu.-ft. of interior space in the Extended Cab models and 37.1 cu.-ft. in Crew Cabs, and the largest and longest standard cargo bed in its class: 6-ft., 6-in. in the Extended Cab.

Dakota is offered in two body styles – Extended Cab and Crew Cab. Trim levels on the Extended Cab include ST and Big Horn (Lone Star in Texas only). Available Crew Cab trim levels include ST (Ext Cab Only), Big Horn (Lone Star in Texas) and Laramie.

The 2011 Dakota comes standard with a 3.7-liter Magnum® V-6 engine that generates 210 horsepower (157 kW) and 235 lb.-ft. (319 N•m) of torque.

The available 4.7-liter V-8 incorporates two spark plugs per cylinder (the only Chrysler engine to do so, other than the 5.7-liter HEMI®), which provides increased compression ratio, improved cylinder-head port flow and combustion system. The result is 302 horsepower (225 kW) and 329 lb.-ft. (446 N•m) of torque. The 4.7-liter V-8 is also equipped with electronic throttle control (ETC) and is E85 compatible.

The 3.7-liter V-6 is backed by a standard four-speed automatic with overdrive, while a five-speed automatic is standard on V-8-equipped models.

The 2011 Dakota features a ladder-type frame, with hydroformed main rails fully boxed for strength and rigidity. All models feature an independent front suspension with coil-over shock absorbers.

PRODUCT CHRONOLOGY

2010 MODEL YEAR

• New front-shock modules with springs and rear-spring assemblies for improved ride and handling
• Bright White replaces Stone White Clear Coat exterior color
• Flame Red replaces Detonator Yellow exterior color
• Mango Tango replaces Sunburst Orange exterior color

2009 MODEL YEAR

• Big Horn/Lone Star models replace SXT
• SLT, Sport and TRX 4x2 trim levels dropped for 2009
• New exterior colors: Stone White Clear Coat, Deep Water Blue Pearl Coat, Austin Tan Pearl Coat
• Crate ’N GoTM standard on Big Horn/Lone Star models
• 4.7-liter V-8 engine available on Big Horn/Lone Star models
• 18-inch aluminum wheels standard on Laramie model
• Tilt-steering wheel standard on ST model
• Premium cloth bucket seats standard on Laramie
• Premium bolstered bucket seats standard on TRX4

2008 MODEL YEAR

• Newly styled hood, grille, front fascia, rear spoiler, fenders and headlamps
• New 4.7-liter V-8 engine producing 302 horsepower (225 kW) and 329 lb.-ft. (446 N•m) of torque, E85 compatible; more power and torque with better fuel economy and more refinement than previous 4.7-liter V-8s
• Rear tailgate-mounted spoiler
• Protective surface on top of cargo box sides
• Built-in cargo-box utility rails
• Detonator Yellow and Sunburst Orange exterior colors
• Instrument panel, center console and accent finishes
• Collapsible and removable Crate ’N Go™ under-seat cargo management system in Crew Cab
• Additional storage bin above the glove box
• Center console incorporates cup holders with modular inserts and pull-out bin for electronics
• Heated bench seats

2007 MODEL YEAR

• Dual-position tailgate becomes standard equipment on all models and provides increased functionality for cargo bed hauling
• New exterior color offerings include Brilliant Black and Electric Blue
• YES Essentials® (now called stain repel) Stain resistant, odor resistant, anti-static seat fabric becomes standard cloth on SLT model and is packaged with ST model seat upgrade
• Power accessory delay ensures power function, including radio, continues for period of time after vehicle is keyed off
• 3.7-liter engine upgraded to include Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) and Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) capability
• 4.7-liter engine becomes flexible-fuel capable (E85)
• Low current, tip-start ignition
• 18-inch chrome-clad wheel becomes available on SLT and Laramie models
• 18-inch black painted aluminum wheels offered as stand-alone option
• Segment-first Remote Start becomes stand-alone option on SLT and Laramie models
• Three-blink lane change feature enables one-touch capability
• Passenger seat belt reminder
• 18-inch painted aluminum wheel is packaged with Sport Appearance Group, which is optional on SLT and Laramie models
• Chrome accent package available on SLT and Laramie models includes chromed tubular side steps, fuel filler door, hood deflector and exhaust tip

2006 MODEL YEAR

FOUR NEW 2006 OFFERINGS

• TRX—The TRX equipment package is available on Dakota ST, SLT and Laramie 4x2 models, in both Club and Quad Cab configurations. TRX-equipped vehicles include unique five-spoke/five-lug 16-inch aluminum wheels and aggressive Goodyear Wrangler off-road tires; tow hooks; limited-slip differential; and TRX decal on cargo box.
• TRX4 Off-Road—The TRX4 off-road equipment package (available mid-2006 MY) is available on Dakota SLT and Laramie 4x4 models, in both Club and Quad Cab configurations. TRX4-equipped vehicles include painted shocks; unique, five-spoke/five-lug 16-inch aluminum wheels and aggressive BF Goodrich off-road tires; increased ride height of one inch; limited-slip differential; heavy-duty service package; skid plates; tow hooks; specific TRX4 Off-Road cargo box decal; and slush mats.
• R/T—The Limited Edition R/T model is based on the Dakota SLT equipped with the “2TD” customer preferred option (CPOS) package and is available in Club or Quad Cab configurations. Dakota R/T content includes 4.7-liter High Output (HO) engine; 17-inch five-spoke/five-lug chrome-clad aluminum wheels; hood scoop; Sport Appearance Package (in Red Flame or Black only); body-color grille surround; chrome exhaust tip; cargo box decals; R/T headrest; R/T instrument cluster graphic; and Satin Silver center stack/door remotes.
• Night Runner—The Limited Edition Night Runner model is based on the Dakota SLT and is available in Club or Quad Cab configurations. The Night Runner model is equipped with black chromed grille surround; fascia insert and 17-inch Black Chrome wheels; sport appearance package; cargo box decal; Night Runner headrests with logo stitching; Night Runner instrument cluster graphic; and black center stack/door remotes.
• Optional SoundBox™ from Alpine® (available on Club Cab only) offers powerful 508-watt sound system and 10-inch subwoofer within styled, translucent “box” positioned between rear seats
• Premium audio system—276 watts—optional Alpine speaker system
• Audio Auxiliary Jack enables playback of personal audio devices is standard equipment and added to standard audio system
• Center stack appliqué on SLT models changes from wood finish (Sycamore) to GH metal
• SIRIUS Satellite Radio digital audio system standard on Laramie models
• Variable Line Pressure (VLP) feature added to four-speed automatic transmission (mated with 3.7-liter V-6 engine), resulting in improved fuel economy and smoother shifts
• 16-inch styled steel wheel replaces 16-inch full-face wheel
• 16-inch cast-aluminum wheel available as option
• P265/65R17 (17-inch) On/Off Road tire replaces P275/60R17 all-season tire on 4x2 models
• Rear access doors on Club Cab configured to open nearly 180-degrees—a first-in-segment application
• Optional sun roof systems offered on Quad Cab models
• New exterior color offerings are Inferno Red Crystal Pearl and Light Khaki

2005 MODEL YEAR

• Optional 4.7-liter High Output V-8 engine brings 260 horsepower
• Six-speed manual transmission
• Quieter air induction system
• Coil-over-shock-absorber independent front suspension
• Stronger, more durable hydroformed frame
• Outstanding brake system stopping distance, fade resistance and pedal feel with new disc/drum brake system that weighs 15 pounds (6.8 kg) less than four-wheel disc brakes of comparable performance
• Chrome-clad 17-inch wheels—optional on SLT and Laramie
• Restyled body
• Rear access doors on Club Cab
• Automatic headlamps standard equipment on Laramie
• Roll-formed ultra-high-strength steel windshield header
• Ditch weld seam (where the roof meets the aperture) provides a finished appearance without a molding
• Freshened interior
• Cloth and leather bucket seats available with carbon fiber heating elements
• Rear-door map pockets in Club Cab and Quad Cab rear door-trim panels
• Optional integral six-disc CD changer capable of playing MP3 discs
• Powerful audio system—276 watts—optional Infinity® speaker system
• Optional Satellite Digital Audio radio system
• Optional UConnect® Hands-free Communication System
• Controller Area Network (CAN) protocol intra-vehicle communications network
• Multi-stage driver and front-passenger air bags with weight-based Occupant Classification System (OCS) for controlling front-passenger air bag deployment
• Available side-curtain air bags for front and rear seats
• Shoulder belts in all rear seating positions, Club Cab and Quad Cab (shoulder belt in center rear seating position of Quad Cab)
• Head restraints in rear outboard seating positions that comply with proposed regulation
• Taller front head restraints that comply with proposed regulation
• Optional integrated remote keyless entry transmitter and ignition key
• Optional long-range remote keyless entry transmitter

2004 MODEL YEAR

• 3.7-liter V-6 engine replaces 3.9-liter V-6 engine
• New 42RLE four-speed automatic transmission available
• Front bucket seats become standard on Quad Cab
• Stampede Package continues on Sport Regular and Club Cab 4x2 models
  

2003 MODEL YEAR

• Mid-model year intro for Stampede
• New 5-45RFE five-speed automatic transmission with 4.7-liter engine provides a second overdrive ratio—optional on Sport, Sport Plus, SLT and SLT Plus models
• 2.5-liter engine is discontinued
• Four-wheel disc brakes with rear-wheel anti-lock (RWAL) are standard on four-wheel-drive models and two-wheel-drive models
• 16-inch x 7-inch cast-aluminum wheels are standard on all models except R/T
• Four-gauge cluster standard on base and SXT models
• Next-generation controller (4.7-liter engine only)
• New six-disc in-dash CD changer radio is optional
• Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) child seat anchor system added
• Interior upper head impact protection—Front driver and passenger; meets 2003 federal standard
• Onboard refueling vapor recovery system added to all Club Cab models
• Natural vacuum leak detection pump added (4.7-liter engine only)

2002 MODEL YEAR

• New SXT model with Regular and Club Cab bodies
• Sport Plus and SLT Plus models replace corresponding décor packages, mid-year
• Fixed GVWR ratings provide increased payloads on most models
• Larger – P235/75R15 tires – standard on two-wheel drive Quad Cab
• Rear-wheel Anti-Lock (RWAL) brake system includes Electronic Brake Apportioning (EBA) for increased rear brake lining life
• Door structure revised for dynamic side-impact protection
• Brake-shift interlock (automatic transmission only)

2001 MODEL YEAR

• NV233HD and NV244HD electrically shifted four-wheel drive transfer cases
• Sentry Key® engine immobilizer added to optional security alarm
• All-new interior – instrument panel, instrument cluster, floor consoles and trim panels

2000 MODEL YEAR

• Quad Cab (November 1999 introduction)
• Next-generation 4.7-liter Magnum® V-8 engine
• Multi-speed 45RFE automatic transmission
• Rack-and-pinion steering on four-wheel-drive models
• Early compliance with 2003 model-year head impact safety standard
• Child seat tether anchors in cab back panel

1999 MODEL YEAR

• NV1500 five-speed manual transmission used with 2.5-liter I-4 engine

1998 MODEL YEAR

• R/T Group with 5.9-liter Magnum V-8 engine (250 hp and 345 lb.-ft. torque) (April 1998 introduction)
• Next-generation driver and front-passenger air bags (running change)(a)
• Passenger air bag on/off switch (running change)(b)

1997 MODEL YEAR

• All-new body and chassis
• Passenger air bag

1994 MODEL YEAR

• Driver air bag

1993 MODEL YEAR

• Four-wheel anti-lock brakes available

1991 MODEL YEAR

• Club Cab available with four-wheel drive

1990 MODEL YEAR

• V-8 engine introduced
• Club Cab body introduced (two-wheel drive and
6.5-ft. box only)

1987 MODEL YEAR

• Four-wheel-drive model initial introduction

1986 MODEL YEAR

• Rear-wheel-drive model initial introduction spring 1986 as a 1987 model

(a) Certified to federal regulations that allow less forceful air bags. Always use seat belts. Remember, a back seat is the safest place for children.

(b) Important, always remove key. Rearward-facing child seats can be used in the front seat 
only with the passenger air bag turned off.