What year did Dodge Dakota have a V8?
Yes. The Dodge Dakota offered V8 engine options in two distinct periods: an early-generation V8 in the early 1990s (5.2L Magnum V8) and a late-generation V8 in the late 1990s/early 2000s (4.7L Magnum V8).
To understand precisely, we’ll look at the two generations of the Dakota and the years that V8 power was available, along with the engines used.
V8 availability by generation
First generation (1987–1996)
In the original Dakota lineup, V8 power was not standard across all trims and was offered only on select configurations capable of handling the extra weight and torque.
Years and engine details:
- 1992–1996: 5.2L Magnum V8 (318 cu in) available on select trims and configurations.
Concluding note: The 5.2L V8 option provided noticeable towing and hauling capability, but it was not a universal option for every Dakota model year.
Second generation (1997–2004)
During the second generation, Dodge refreshed the powertrain lineup and extended V8 availability to more Dakota configurations.
Years and engine details:
- 1999–2004: 4.7L Magnum V8 (approximately 287–305 hp, depending on year) available on higher trims and option packages.
Concluding note: The 4.7L V8 became the standard V8 option for late-model Dakotas and remained a defining feature through the end of the generation.
Summary
In short, the Dodge Dakota offered V8 power in two main windows: 1992–1996 with the 5.2L Magnum V8 and 1999–2004 with the 4.7L Magnum V8. These options reflected Dodge’s approach to balancing mid-size practicality with stronger towing and payload performance across the model’s two generations.
