Is a Dodge Dakota a V8?
In short, no—it's not inherently a V8. The Dodge Dakota was offered with a range of engines, including four-cylinder, inline-six, and V8 options, depending on the model year and trim. Some Dakota variants did come with V8 power, but many were equipped with V6 or smaller engines.
Across its 1987–2011 production span, the Dakota evolved through several generations and trim levels, and V8 power appeared primarily on higher-performance or late-model variants. The most famous V8 Dakota is the R/T, a performance-oriented version, but the availability of a V8 depended on the specific year and configuration you’re looking at.
Engine options across the Dakota’s production
The following overview highlights the main engine choices seen on the Dakota over its lifetime, with a focus on which configurations involve a V8 and which do not.
- V8 options that appeared on select trims: a V8 was offered in certain Dakota variants, including high-performance or later-year models. Notable examples include V8-powered configurations such as the 5.9L Magnum V8 in the Dakota R/T.
- Other V8 options that appeared in later years: additional V8 options such as a larger displacement V8 became available on some late-model Dakotas.
- Non-V8 options that were common: inline-sixes and four-cylinder engines were also offered, especially on base or mid-trim models and in earlier years.
Engine availability varied by year, market, and trim. For someone shopping a Dakota today, it’s important to verify the exact engine by checking the VIN, door jamb sticker, or the vehicle’s build sheet.
How to verify if your Dodge Dakota has a V8
To confirm whether a specific Dakota has a V8, check a few key indicators. The easiest methods are to read the engine size on the engine block or on the emissions/spec label, and to decode the VIN for the original engine code. You can also look for V8-specific features such as larger V8 exhaust manifolds, a V8 badge on the tailgate or fenders, and photos under the hood showing eight spark plugs and associated ignition components.
If you’re unsure, consult the vehicle’s VIN and engine code with a dealer or use an online VIN decoder to reveal the original powertrain configuration. This is especially important for a model that transitioned through multiple generations and trim levels.
Summary
The Dodge Dakota is not inherently a V8; it offered a mix of engines across its lifespan. V8 power existed in some trims and generations—most famously in the Dakota R/T with a 5.9L Magnum V8—while many Dakotas used V6 or four-cylinder engines. When evaluating a specific Dakota, verify the exact engine by checking the VIN, build sheet, or door sticker to know whether it runs a V8.
Did the Dodge Dakota have a V8?
It used body-on-frame construction and a leaf spring/live axle rear end and was the first mid-size pickup with an optional V8 engine. For its entire production, the Dakota was manufactured at Chrysler's Warren Truck Assembly in Michigan.
What Dodge truck has a V8?
2026 Ram 1500
The 2026 Ram 1500 now offers three engines: a standard-output inline-six, a high-output inline-six and a V8. Of the three, the V8 has the lowest power and torque, sitting at 395 ponies and 410 lb-ft of torque.
What size engine does a Dodge Dakota have?
The Dodge Dakota's engine size varied throughout its production, with common options including a 2.5L 4-cylinder, 3.7L, 3.9L, and 4.7L V6, and 5.2L and 5.9L V8 engines. The available engine size and type depend on the model year, and the 4-cylinder was discontinued in 2002, while the larger V8s were phased out in favor of the 4.7L V8 around 2003.
Engine options by engine type
- Inline-4: 2.5L
- V6: 3.7L and 3.9L
- V8: 4.7L, 5.2L, and 5.9L
Examples of engine sizes by year
- 1990: 2.5L inline-4 or 3.9L V6
- 1998–2003: 5.9L Magnum V8, 3.9L V6, or 2.5L 4-cylinder
- 2000–2004: 4.7L PowerTech V8 or 3.7L PowerTech V6
- 2010: 3.7L V6
What is the difference between a V6 and V8 Dodge Dakota?
When choosing between the 4.7 V8 and 3.7 V6 engines, consider power needs and maintenance. The 4.7 V8 offers more torque but may have higher fuel consumption and potential ignition coil failures. The 3.7 V6 is more fuel-efficient but can experience fuel injector clogging.
