What is the gas mileage on a 2000 Dodge Dakota 3.9 V6?
The 2000 Dodge Dakota with the 3.9-liter V6 typically achieves about 16 miles per gallon in city driving and around 23 miles per gallon on the highway in 2‑wheel‑drive form, with roughly 15 mpg city / 21 mpg highway in four‑wheel‑drive models. Real‑world mileage varies based on transmission, payload, terrain, and maintenance.
For reference, the EPA’s official estimates for common Dakota 3.9 V6 configurations when it was new are listed below. These figures reflect the testing standards of the era and may not match every individual vehicle today.
- 2WD with automatic transmission: approximately 16 mpg city / 23 mpg highway.
- 4x4 with automatic transmission: approximately 15 mpg city / 21 mpg highway.
Note that numbers can vary with equipment, driving style, and conditions. To verify a specific vehicle’s figures, consult the original window sticker or the EPA database for the exact configuration.
What affects mileage on a Dakota 3.9 V6?
Drivetrain and transmission
Two‑wheel drive models typically deliver higher highway efficiency than four‑wheel drive variants, and the transmission choice (automatic versus manual, if available) can also influence miles per gallon.
Maintenance, payload, and driving conditions
Engine maintenance (oil changes, air filter, spark plugs), tire inflation, wheel alignment, and the weight of payload dramatically affect fuel economy. Urban stop‑and‑go driving and hilly terrain generally reduce mpg compared to steady highway cruising.
Tips to maximize fuel economy
Driving habits
Accelerate smoothly, maintain steady speeds on highways, and use cruise control when appropriate to improve efficiency. Plan trips to minimize idling and unnecessary detours.
Vehicle upkeep
Keep tires inflated to the recommended pressure, perform regular maintenance, and ensure the cooling system and exhaust are functioning well to preserve optimal mpg over time.
Summary
The 2000 Dodge Dakota with a 3.9 L V6 generally shows EPA estimates around 16 mpg city / 23 mpg highway for 2WD and about 15 mpg city / 21 mpg highway for 4x4 configurations, with real‑world results influenced by drivetrain, load, and driving conditions. For precise figures on a specific truck, check the original window sticker or the EPA database for that configuration.
