Against 456 other V6 cars rated 2009–2011, the Dakota trails their 20 mpg average by 3.5 mpg, about $407 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1987, the 2.2L 4-cyl (1987–1988), does 21.5 mpg and the thirstiest, the 5.2L 8-cyl (1989–1999), 14.4: $881 a year apart.
Every Dodge Dakota engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2L 4-cyl | 19.5 / 25.5 | 1987–1988 | $1,786 | |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | 18.4 / 23.9 | 1989–2002 | $1,864 | |
| 3.7L 6-cyl | 15.3 / 20 | 2004–2011 | $2,220 | |
| 3.9L 6-cyl | 14.9 / 19.6 | 1987–2003 | $2,272 | |
| 4.7L 8-cyl | 13.8 / 18.5 | 2000–2011 | $2,526 | |
| 5.2L 8-cyl | 12.8 / 17.4 | 1989–1999 | $2,667 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Ford Explorer Sport Trac gets 16.5 mpg and the Mitsubishi Raider 17 mpg, next to 16.5 mpg for the 2011 Dakota.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2011) | $0.194 |
| Fuel per year | $2,327 |
| Fuel over five years | $11,635 |
| Against other V6 cars, 2009–2011 | +$407 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,685 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2011 Dodge Dakota gives up 5 mpg in town: 19.5 on the highway against 14.5 in the city, $679 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2011) | 14.5 mpg | $2,648 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 19.5 mpg | $1,969 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +5 mpg (34%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the Dakota changed over the years
The Dakota peaked in 1988 at 19.5 mpg (17.5 city, 23 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2010 at 16 — 3.5 mpg apart, or $431 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2011 car does 16.5.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 14.5 / 19.5 | 2 | $2,327 | |
| 2010 | 14.5 / 19.5 | 2 | $2,400 | |
| 2009 | 15 / 19.5 | 2 | $2,327 | |
| 2008 | 15 / 19.5 | 2 | $2,327 | |
| 2007 | 14.5 / 19 | 2 | $2,400 | |
| 2006 | 14.5 / 19 | 2 | $2,400 | |
| 2005 | 14.5 / 19 | 2 | $2,400 | |
| 2004 | 14.5 / 19.5 | 2 | $2,400 | |
| 2003 | 15 / 17.5 | 2 | $2,327 | |
| 2002 | 15.3 / 19.3 | 3 | $2,259 | |
| 2001 | 14.7 / 20.3 | 3 | $2,259 | |
| 2000 | 15.3 / 20.7 | 3 | $2,220 | |
| 1999 | 14.3 / 19.7 | 3 | $2,299 | |
| 1998 | 15 / 20 | 3 | $2,259 | |
| 1997 | 15.3 / 20.7 | 3 | $2,220 | |
| 1996 | 15.7 / 20.7 | 3 | $2,220 | |
| 1995 | 16.3 / 21.3 | 3 | $2,133 | |
| 1994 | 16.3 / 21 | 3 | $2,133 | |
| 1993 | 15.3 / 20 | 3 | $2,220 | |
| 1992 | 15 / 20.3 | 3 | $2,259 | |
| 1991 | 15 / 20 | 3 | $2,220 | |
| 1990 | 17 / 23 | 2 | $2,021 | |
| 1989 | 15.3 / 20.7 | 3 | $2,169 | |
| 1988 | 17.5 / 23 | 2 | $1,969 | |
| 1987 | 17.5 / 22 | 2 | $1,969 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
- Fuel profile built from your actual mileage and local prices
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- Insurance and fuel folded into 5-year cost to own
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How we count
This page rests on 63 EPA ratings of the Dodge Dakota — 6 engines across 1987–2011. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $3,685. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2011 Dodge Dakota get?
16.5 mpg combined, 14.5 city and 19.5 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1987 the Dakota has averaged 17.2 mpg.
Is the 2011 Dakota more efficient than the 2010?
About the same: 16.5 against 16 mpg combined.
Which Dakota year has the best gas mileage?
The 1988, at 19.5 mpg combined (17.5 city, 23 highway).
Does the Dakota get better gas mileage than the Ford Explorer Sport Trac?
About the same: 16.5 mpg for the 2011 Dakota against 16.5 for the 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac.
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