Engine: 4.7-liter sohc 16-valve V8

Engine Options: 210-hp 3.7-liter sohc 12-valve V6; 230-hp 4.7-liter sohc 16-valve V8; 260-hp 4.7-liter sohc 16-valve V8

Transmission: 5-speed automatic

Transmission Options: 6-speed manual; 4-speed automatic; 5-speed automatic

Standard Safety Equipment: front airbags with OCS on passenger side; rear-wheel ABS, EBD

Optional Safety Equipment: four-wheel ABS; side-curtain air bags for front and rear seats

Basic Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles

Assembled In: Warren, Michigan

Model Tested: Dodge Dakota Laramie V8 Quad Cab 4WD ($29,090)

Standard Equipment: leather seats, six way leather power driver's seat, Infinity six-speaker 288-watt premium sound system with six-disc changer and MP3 capability, Sirius satellite radio, cruise control, fog lamps, overhead console, leather-wrapped steering wheel with remote audio controls; 16-inch aluminum wheels, fog lamps, tilt steering, dual rear seats, power windows, locks and mirrors

Options as Tested: V8 engine ($860); heated seats ($845); bedliner ($245)

Destination Charge: 645

Gas Guzzler Tax:

Layout: four-wheel drive

Horsepower: 230 @ 4600

Torque: 290 @ 3600

Miles Per Gallon in the City/Highway: 14/19

Wheelbase: 131.3 inches

Length/Width/Height in Inches: 218.8/71.7/68.6 inches

Track Front/Rear: 62.8/62.9 inches

Turning Cycle: 44.0 feet

Seating Capacity: 5 people

Head/Hip/Leg Room, f: 39.9/54.9/41.9 inches

Head/Hip/Leg Room, m: inches

Head/Hip/Leg Room, r: 38.4/56.0/36.4 inches

Trunk Volume: 37.1 cubic feet

Payload: 1210

Suspension, f: independent, upper and lower A-arms, coil springs over gas-pressure shocks, link-type anti-roll bar

Ground Clearance: 7.9 inches

Curb Weight: 4751 pounds

Towing Capacity: 6800 pounds

Tires: P265/70R16

Brakes: disc/drum with ABS

Fuel Capacity: 22 Gallons