Did the Dodge Dakota come with the 5.9 Magnum?
Yes—only on the Dakota R/T, the high-performance variant from the late 1990s into the early 2000s. The standard Dakota did not offer the 360-cubic-inch (5.9 L) Magnum V8.
Context: Dakota engine options over its lifespan
Across its production run, the Dodge Dakota offered a range of four-cylinder, V6, and V8 powertrains. The 5.9 Magnum was a rare, performance-oriented option that was reserved for a single trim level rather than the base lineup. Below is a snapshot of how engine options varied, and where the 5.9 Magnum fit in.
- The early Dakotas were available with small-block V8s and V6s alongside four-cylinder options, giving buyers a mix of efficiency and power.
- A mid‑generation shift expanded V8 availability, with larger V8s occasionally appearing in sport-oriented packages.
- The top-tier, performance-oriented Dakota R/T eventually offered the 5.9L Magnum V8 (360 cu in) as its powerplant.
In short, the 5.9 Magnum was not a universal Dakota option—it existed specifically on the Dakota R/T to deliver enhanced acceleration and towing capability beyond the standard models.
The Dakota R/T and the 5.9 Magnum
The Dakota R/T is the model most closely associated with the 5.9L Magnum V8. This engine, a 360 cubic-inch (5.9 L) V8, provided a substantial jump in power and torque for the Dakota lineup, paired with a sport-tuned suspension and other performance-oriented features that set the R/T apart from regular Dakotas.
Key characteristics of the 5.9 Magnum in the Dakota R/T
- Engine: 5.9L Magnum V8 (360 cu in)
- Power and torque: typically around 245–250 horsepower and roughly 340–345 lb-ft of torque, depending on year and configuration
- Drivetrain and chassis: sport-oriented suspension and styling cues unique to the R/T
- Production window: the Dakota R/T with the 5.9L V8 spanned late 1990s into the early 2000s, overlapping the Dakota’s broader production life
These attributes made the Dakota R/T the closest thing to a full‑sized performance pickup within the Dakota line, and the 5.9 Magnum is the defining powertrain for that trim.
Production years and availability
The Dodge Dakota model itself ran through 2011, but the 5.9L Magnum V8 in the Dakota lineup was exclusive to the R/T performance variant. The high-performance R/T with the 5.9L option was introduced in the late 1990s and continued into the early 2000s before Dodge ultimately shifted focus to other powertrains as part of the Dakota’s later years.
Bottom line
If you’re hunting for a Dakota with the 5.9 Magnum, target a late-1990s to early-2000s Dakota R/T. Base and other non‑R/T Dakotas did not offer the 5.9L V8, making the R/T the sole path to that specific engine choice.
Summary
The 5.9 Magnum was available in the Dodge Dakota only as part of the high-performance Dakota R/T, not on standard Dakota trims. For enthusiasts, this means the coveted 360 V8 power is tied to the R/T variant produced in the late 1990s and early 2000s, a notable option for those seeking a sportier Dakota experience.
