What motor is in a 1987 Dodge Dakota?
The 1987 Dodge Dakota's engine lineup for North American models centered on two inline-four options: a 2.2-liter four-cylinder as the standard engine and an optional 2.5-liter four-cylinder. A factory V6 was not offered in the 1987 Dakota in the typical North American lineup. Engine availability varied by trim level and production date.
To understand this question in more detail, it helps to know how Chrysler structured early Dakotas: the truck was introduced as a compact pickup with simple, durable powertrains, and the two four-cylinder options provided baseline performance with varying degrees of torque and drivability. The specific motor in a given 1987 Dakota can depend on the exact trim, market, and build date, so checking the VIN or the original window sticker is the best way to confirm the exact engine in a particular truck.
Engine options for the 1987 Dodge Dakota
Below are the two engines most commonly associated with the 1987 Dakota in North America. The list highlights the core options you’d encounter in typical production drafts of that year.
- 2.2-liter inline-four (2.2L I4) – the base engine for many early Dakotas; known for simplicity and reliability in daily use.
- 2.5-liter inline-four (2.5L I4) – an optional upgrade over the base 2.2L, offering more displacement and improved response for those needing a bit more pulling power.
In practice, the two four-cylinder options defined the 1987 Dakota’s powertrain choices, with variations depending on trim and production timing. Prospective buyers or restorers should verify the exact engine using the vehicle’s VIN and original documentation to avoid misidentification.
Additional context and notes
Why engine details matter
Knowing which engine came in a specific 1987 Dakota matters for maintenance, parts compatibility, and historical accuracy. While the vast majority of 1987 Dakotas relied on one of the two inline-four engines above, regional variations and dealership allocations could affect what a particular truck shipped with from the factory.
Where to verify for a particular vehicle
To confirm the exact motor in a specific 1987 Dakota, check the vehicle identification number (VIN), the glovebox or door jamb build sticker, and the original sales or service documentation. These sources will indicate the engine displacement and configuration originally installed by the factory.
Summary
In short, the 1987 Dodge Dakota predominantly offered two four-cylinder engines: a 2.2-liter I4 as the standard option and a 2.5-liter I4 as an optional upgrade. There was no factory V6 option for the 1987 model year in the common North American lineup, though exact configurations can vary by trim and production date. Always verify with vehicle records to confirm the specific engine in a given truck.
Summary of key takeaways
For a 1987 Dodge Dakota, expect either a 2.2L I4 or a 2.5L I4, depending on the build. Engine identification should be confirmed through official documents to ensure accuracy for restoration, maintenance, or resale. A VIN-based check is the most reliable method to confirm the exact motor in a particular example.
