How much horsepower does a Dodge Dakota V-8 Magnum have?
A Dodge Dakota with a Magnum V-8 typically delivers about 230 to 250 horsepower, depending on the exact engine variant and model year.
Across its production life, the Dakota offered several Magnum V-8 options. The most common were the 5.2-liter Magnum (318 cubic inches) and the 5.9-liter Magnum (360 cubic inches), with a later 4.7-liter Magnum appearing in some late-model Dakotas. Horsepower ratings varied by year, transmission choice, and emissions equipment, but the mid-200s range was typical for many configurations.
Engine options and horsepower
Here is a quick look at the main Magnum V-8 configurations that appeared in the Dakota and their approximate horsepower figures.
- 5.2L Magnum V8 (318 cu in) — about 230 horsepower
- 5.9L Magnum V8 (360 cu in) — about 245 horsepower
- 4.7L Magnum V8 — typically in the mid- to upper-200s horsepower (roughly 235–265 hp depending on year and configuration)
Note: horsepower figures can vary by year, transmission, and market; use the vehicle’s VIN label or official brochure for the exact rating.
Year-by-year context
5.2L Magnum (318 cu in)
The 5.2L Magnum was the traditional V-8 option in early Dakotas, delivering around 230 hp and solid mid-range torque. It was available with both manual and automatic transmissions, with offerings varying by model year and emission standards.
5.9L Magnum (360 cu in)
The larger 5.9L Magnum provided a modest boost in power per displacement, typically yielding about 245 hp, along with higher torque that benefited towing and hauling in the Dakota lineup of its era.
4.7L Magnum
Introduced later in the Dakota’s run, the 4.7L Magnum offered competitive horsepower in the mid‑200s. Exact ratings varied by year and market but it served as a more modern alternative to the older 5.2 and 5.9 engines.
Performance context and takeaways
Horsepower is only one part of the Dakota’s capability. For drivers prioritizing payload, torque and gearing often mattered more for real-world acceleration and hauling. The Magnum V-8s, paired with the Dakota’s chassis, provided a balanced blend of power and practicality across the model years.
As always, when evaluating a specific truck, check the window sticker or VIN for the exact horsepower tied to that build date and configuration.
Summary
The Dodge Dakota’s Magnum V-8 lineup typically produced roughly 230 to 250 horsepower, with variations across displacements (5.2L, 5.9L, and 4.7L) and model years. The 5.2L tended to be around the low 230s, the 5.9L around the mid-240s, and the 4.7L generally in the mid-to-upper 200s depending on the year and spec.
How much horsepower does a 1998 5.9 Magnum have?
The 1998 5.9-liter Magnum engine produced around 230 to 245 horsepower, depending on the vehicle, with higher-performance models like the Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.9 Limited and Dodge Ram 1500 SS/T reaching 245 hp. The torque was also substantial, typically ranging from 335 to 345 lb-ft.
You can watch this video to learn more about the reliability and common issues of the 5.9 Magnum engine: 1m8020 AutomotiveYouTube · Sep 5, 2024
- Horsepower: 230-245 hp, with 245 hp being a common rating for high-output versions.
- Torque: 335-345 lb-ft.
- Vehicle Examples:
- 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.9 Limited: 245 hp and 345 lb-ft of torque.
- 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 SS/T: 245 hp at 4,000 rpm and 335 lb-ft of torque at 3,200 rpm.
- 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab (Short Bed): 245 hp.
- 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab (Long Bed): 230 hp.
- 1998 Dodge Dakota (2WD): 250 hp and 345 lb-ft of torque (for certain models).
How much horsepower does a 5.9 L V-8 Magnum have?
Magnum 5.9 L V8
The standard 5.9 L produced 230 hp (172 kW) at 4,000 rpm and 325 lb⋅ft (441 N⋅m) at 3,200 rpm; torque was increased to 330 lb⋅ft (447 N⋅m) at 2,800 rpm in the heavy-duty version. It was upgraded in 1998 to 245 hp (183 kW) at 4,000 rpm and 335 lb⋅ft (454 N⋅m) at 3,250 rpm.
How much horsepower does a 2005 Dodge Dakota 4.7 L V-8 have?
230 horsepower
But now Dodge offers not one but two 4.7-liter V8s, our test truck's standard output V8 with 230 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, and available in SLT or Laramie trim, a high-output version from the Jeep Grand Cherokee with over 250 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque. Power comes on quickly at launch.
How much horsepower does a 4.7 V-8 Dakota have?
The standard-output 4.7 L V8 produces 230 hp (172 kW) and 295 lb⋅ft (400 N⋅m) of torque.
