2010 Dodge Dakota: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2010 Dodge Dakota’s main change is a revised suspension designed to improve ride quality and handling. It is otherwise a modest update rather than a redesign.
About the 2010 Dodge Dakota
3rd generation (2005-2011), second-to-last model year with a modest suspension update
Dodge positioned the Dakota as a right-sized midsize pickup for both everyday driving and serious work. Its core strengths were a roomy Extended Cab, useful bed capacity, strong towing capability, and a V8 configuration uncommon among midsize rivals. The model aimed to balance easier-to-manage dimensions with the power, cargo usefulness, and body-on-frame toughness associated with a larger truck.
The ST is the straightforward work trim, with an automatic transmission, air conditioning, trailer wiring, and a flexible tailgate. Big Horn/Lone Star adds everyday conveniences such as keyless entry, cruise control, and power accessories, while Laramie is the comfort-focused version with heated leather-trimmed seats, remote start, and upgraded Alpine audio. The trail-focused TRX4 pairs a flex-fuel V8 with low-range four-wheel drive, skid plates, tow hooks, and heavy-duty rear shocks.
What changed, by category
2010 Dodge Dakota specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, 3.7 Liter / V8, FFV, 4.7 Liter | V8, FFV, 4.7 Liter | V6, 3.7 Liter / V8, FFV, 4.7 Liter | V6, 3.7 Liter / V8, FFV, 4.7 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 4-Spd w/Overdrive / Automatic, 5-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 5-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 4-Spd w/Overdrive / Automatic, 5-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 4-Spd w/Overdrive / Automatic, 5-Spd w/Overdrive |
| Drivetrain | 4WD / 2WD | 4WD | 4WD / 2WD | 2WD / 4WD |
| Fuel Type | Gas / Flexible Fuel | Flexible Fuel | Gas / Flexible Fuel | Gas / Flexible Fuel |
| MPG City | 14–15 mpg | 14 mpg | 14 mpg | 14–15 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 18–20 mpg | 19 mpg | 18–19 mpg | 18–20 mpg |
| Horsepower | 210–302 hp | 302 hp | 210–302 hp | 210–302 hp |
| Torque | 235–329 lb-ft | 329 lb-ft | 235–329 lb-ft | 235–329 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 4650–7050 lb | 6700 lb | 6750 lb | 4650–6850 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 30–37.1 cu-ft | 37.1 cu-ft | 37.1 cu-ft | 30–37.1 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 32.1–36.4 in | 36.4 in | 36.4 in | 32.1–36.4 in |
| Seats | 4–5 | 5 | 6 | 5–6 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | ||||
| Automatic Headlights | ||||
| Cruise Control | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| Power Mirrors | ||||
| Tow Hooks | ||||
| Built-In Hard Drive | ||||
| Front DVD Entertainment System | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| Folding Rear Seat | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||
| Power Locks | ||||
| Power Windows | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
| Remote Keyless Entry | ||||
| Tilt Wheel | ||||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2010 Dodge Dakota redesigned?
No. The 2010 Dakota remained part of the third generation introduced for 2005. Its main update was revised front and rear suspension hardware rather than a full redesign.
How is the 2010 Dodge Dakota different from the 2009 model?
The clearest difference is the 2010 model’s revised front shock-and-spring modules and rear spring assemblies, which were intended to improve ride quality and handling. Several trims also gained more standard equipment.
Did the 2010 Dodge Dakota get new engines or transmissions?
No broad engine or automatic-transmission upgrade arrived for 2010. The established configurations generally carried over, although the gas powertrain option was dropped from the TRX.
What equipment became standard on the 2010 Dodge Dakota?
Laramie gained standard heated front seats and leather seating, ST gained standard fog lights, and TRX gained standard remote start. These were equipment changes rather than a new cabin design.
Which 2010 Dodge Dakota trim is the most comfort-focused?
The 2010 Dakota Laramie is the most comfort-focused trim. It has heated leather-trimmed seats, a power driver seat, remote start, automatic headlights, steering-wheel audio controls, and an upgraded Alpine sound system.