The Dakota previously sat somewhere between the compact pickup trucks and the full-size pickup trucks. The all-new 1997 model adds more size, a refined chassis and new styling to create what is effectively a Ram-Lite. Dakota is available in Base, Sport, and SLT trim levels. Both 2WD and 4WD versions are offered. Three engines are available: the 2.5L I4, the 3.9L V-6 or the 5.2L V-8. Dakota also offers a club cab variant.

What Changed:

The Dakota previously sat somewhere between the compact pickup trucks and the full-size pickup trucks. The all-new 1997 model adds more size, a refined chassis and new styling to create what is effectively a Ram-Lite. Dakota is available in Base, Sport, and SLT trim levels. Both 2WD and 4WD versions are offered. Three engines are available: the 2.5L I4, the 3.9L V-6 or the 5.2L V-8. Dakota also offers a club cab variant.