Did Dodge make a V8 Dakota?
Yes. Dodge did build a V8-powered Dakota, most notably in the high-performance Dakota R/T equipped with a 5.9-liter Magnum V8. The standard Dakota lineup was primarily powered by six-cylinder engines, with the V8 option reserved for the sport-oriented model.
The question asks whether a factory V8 Dakota existed and, if so, what that engine was and when it was offered. Below is a detailed look at the V8 Dakota, including which model carried the engine, how much power it produced, and when it was available.
Dodge Dakota V8 variant: the R/T
Below are the key facts about the V8 Dakota and the Dakota R/T variant that introduced the V8 to this midsize pickup.
- Engine: 5.9-liter Magnum V8 (360 cubic inches)
- Model: Dodge Dakota R/T (the performance-oriented version of the Dakota)
- Production years: approximately 1997 through the early 2000s (commonly cited as 1997–2003/2004 depending on the model year and market)
- Power and torque: roughly 250–260 horsepower and about 345 lb-ft of torque (outputs varied slightly by year)
- Transmission options: available with either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission
- Notable distinction: the R/T was the sole factory V8 Dakota offering, making the V8 variant relatively rare in the Dakota lineup
Concluding this overview, the V8 Dakota did exist in Dodge’s lineup, with the Dakota R/T standing out as the factory V8 option. While most Dakotas relied on V6 powertrains, the R/T delivered a V8-driven performance package that remains a point of interest for enthusiasts. Dodge ultimately phased out the Dakota in the early 2010s, ending the model line as part of broader changes in its truck lineup.
Historical context and impact
The introduction of the V8 in the Dakota, via the R/T, was part of a late-1990s push to inject sport-oriented, high-performance variants into mid-size pickups. While the R/T offered impressive straight-line speed for its class, the Dakota remained more of a niche choice compared with V8-equipped full-size pickups. The Dakota’s V6 engines remained the backbone of the lineup, and the R/T remains a notable example of Dodge’s attempts to blend performance with practicality in a smaller truck.
Summary: Yes, Dodge did produce a V8 Dakota—the R/T with a 5.9L Magnum V8—during the late 1990s and into the early 2000s. It was the standout V8 option in an otherwise V6-centered Dakota lineup. The model line for the Dakota overall ended in the early 2010s, but the R/T remains a legendary footnote in Dodge’s truck history.
