Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2009–2010 Dodge Dakota lineup starts with the work-focused ST. Big Horn, called Lone Star in Texas, is the everyday convenience upgrade, while Laramie is the comfort-focused Crew Cab with leather-trimmed seating. TRX is the separate off-road branch, pairing Crew Cab practicality with standard V8 power, low-range four-wheel drive, and protective trail hardware.
The Work Truck trim level, sold as ST, is the straightforward Dakota built around practical equipment for everyday jobs.
Best for: Drivers who want useful truck basics without paying for premium cabin materials or extra power conveniences.
Highlights
The Base Upgrade trim level, sold as Big Horn or Lone Star in Texas, is the all-around Dakota with added convenience and a more finished look.
Best for: Drivers who use their truck for work, recreation, and daily travel and want easier day-to-day operation.
Highlights
Over ST, Big Horn/Lone Star adds power accessories, keyless entry, cruise control, upgraded cloth, aluminum wheels, and more finished exterior trim.
0 in stockThe Luxury Features trim level, sold as Laramie, is the Dakota’s premium Crew Cab with a warmer, more comfort-focused cabin.
Best for: Drivers who want pickup utility with leather-trimmed seating and extra comfort for regular commuting or family use.
Highlights
Over Big Horn/Lone Star, Laramie adds heated leather-trimmed seating, a power driver seat, remote start, automatic headlights, upgraded audio, and 18-inch aluminum wheels.
0 in stockThe Trail Ready trim level, sold as TRX, is the dedicated off-road Dakota with standard V8 power and hardware meant for rough trails.
Best for: Drivers who regularly travel rough roads or recreational trails and value traction and underbody protection over added luxury.
Highlights
Compared with the comfort-focused Laramie, TRX adds a standard 302-hp V8, low-range four-wheel drive, an anti-spin rear differential, skid plates, tow hooks, and heavy-duty rear shocks.
0 in stock| Feature | Work Truck | Trail Ready | Base Upgrade | Luxury Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Includes | TRX0 in stock | Big Horn/Lone Star0 in stock | Laramie0 in stock | |
| Recognized trim name | ST | TRX | Big Horn/Lone Star | Laramie |
| Main focus | Work essentials | Off-road capability | Everyday convenience | Premium comfort |
| Cab format | Extended Cab or Crew Cab | Crew Cab | Extended Cab or Crew Cab | Crew Cab |
| Engine and drivetrain | 3.7L V6 or 4.7L V8; 2WD or 4WD | 4.7L V8 with 4WD | 3.7L V6 or 4.7L V8; 2WD or 4WD | 3.7L V6 with 4WD or 4.7L V8 with 2WD |
| Power and torque | 210 hp/235 lb-ft V6; 302 hp/329 lb-ft V8 | 302 hp and 329 lb-ft | 210 hp/235 lb-ft V6; 302 hp/329 lb-ft V8 | 210 hp/235 lb-ft V6; 302 hp/329 lb-ft V8 |
| Seating | Cloth; 4–5 seats | Bolstered cloth; 5 seats | Premium cloth; 5–6 seats | Heated leather-trimmed; 6 seats |
| Defining equipment | Flexible tailgate and trailer wiring | Low-range 4WD, skid plates, tow hooks | Power accessories, keyless entry, cruise control | Power driver seat, remote start, upgraded audio |
Big Horn and Lone Star are regional names for the same middle trim in the 2009-2010 lineup. Lone Star was the Texas name. Both added power accessories, keyless entry, cruise control, aluminum wheels, and a more finished exterior over ST.
In the 2009-2010 lineup, TRX refers to the TRX4: the Crew Cab, four-wheel-drive trail trim. Earlier Dakota lineups used the TRX name more broadly, so checking the badge, drivetrain, and equipment is important on an older used truck.
Yes. In the 2009-2010 lineup, Laramie was limited to the Crew Cab. It paired the roomier cab with heated leather-trimmed seats, a power driver seat, remote start, upgraded audio, and automatic headlights.
No. In the 2009-2010 lineup, ST was sold in both Extended Cab and Crew Cab forms. The Extended Cab favors longer-bed usefulness, while the Crew Cab provides more rear-seat room without requiring a higher comfort trim.
Big Horn is the convenience step above ST in the 2009-2010 lineup. It adds keyless entry, power windows, locks and mirrors, cruise control, premium cloth, 17-inch aluminum wheels, and a more finished exterior. ST keeps simpler work-focused equipment.
Laramie adds comfort and cabin upgrades over Big Horn in the 2009-2010 lineup. Its main gains are heated leather-trimmed seats, a power driver seat, remote start, upgraded Alpine audio, automatic headlights, steering-wheel audio controls, and 18-inch wheels.
TRX is for trail hardware; Laramie is for comfort. In the 2009-2010 lineup, TRX has standard V8 power, low-range four-wheel drive, skid plates, tow hooks, a traction-aiding rear differential, and heavy-duty shocks. Laramie emphasizes leather, heating, audio, and convenience.
ST is the straightforward work trim, while TRX is the specialized trail trim in the 2009-2010 lineup. ST supplies basic truck essentials and trailer wiring. TRX adds a V8, low-range four-wheel drive, underbody protection, tow hooks, heavy-duty rear shocks, and supportive seats.
ST is the straightforward work choice in the 2009-2010 lineup. It has an automatic transmission, durable cloth seats, air conditioning, useful cabin storage, a dual-position tailgate, and factory four-pin trailer wiring without the extra comfort equipment of higher trims.
Big Horn, called Lone Star in Texas, is the balanced middle choice in the 2009-2010 lineup. It keeps Extended Cab, Crew Cab, two-wheel-drive, and four-wheel-drive configurations while adding keyless entry, power accessories, cruise control, and upgraded cloth.
Laramie is the comfort-focused trim in the 2009-2010 lineup. It suits someone who wants Crew Cab space plus heated leather-trimmed seats, power driver-seat adjustment, remote start, automatic headlights, steering-wheel audio controls, and upgraded factory sound.
TRX is the trail-focused choice in the 2009-2010 lineup. It combines a V8, low-range four-wheel drive, a traction-aiding rear differential, skid plates, heavy-duty rear shocks, and front tow hooks. It prioritizes rough-ground ability over luxury.
Laramie has both in the 2009-2010 lineup. It also adds a six-way power driver seat, upgraded Alpine audio, automatic headlights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, and 18-inch aluminum wheels.
No. The 2009-2010 TRX uses electronic part-time four-wheel drive with low range, not full-time all-wheel drive. Its system is meant to be engaged when added traction is needed, and its low range helps with slow travel over difficult ground.