Redesigned for 2005 with the distinctive large chrome crosshair grille up front and the rounded, dropped fender look of the Ram, there’s no mistaking the Dakota for anything but a Dodge. Positioning itself as the go-to manufacturer for engine power and aggressive styling, Dodge has found its niche. With two new available V-8 engines and an attractive, car-like cabin, Dakota fits right in.

Dakota is available in two body styles (Club Cab or Double Cab) and ST ($19,310), SLT ($22,285) and Laramie ($24,495) trim levels. A 210-horsepower 3.7-liter V-6 is standard on all models, with a 4.7-liter 230-horsepower magnum V-8 available as an option. A high-output 250-horsepower V-8 is available on the Laramie. For the first time in this class, full-time four-wheel drive is available as an option, in addition to the usual two-wheel and part-time four-wheel drive configurations. Six-speed manual transmission is standard on all models except the Laramie (which comes equipped with a four-speed automatic), with five-speed manual available as an option.

My tester was the top-of-the-line Laramie, in the Club Cab configuration. Featuring standard upgraded “premium instrument cluster,” power everything, steering-wheel audio controls, dual folding rear seats and numerous similar extras, the cabin is attractive, the controls conveniently located and easy to operate. Overall fit and finish is excellent. Now for the downside. Luckily, the rear seats fold down to create more storage space for shopping excursions and such. Otherwise the backseat of the Club Cab is functionally useless. With my three-year-old in back, the front passenger seat was rendered useless as well, unless the front passenger didn’t mind riding with his knees on the dash and face dangerously close to the front airbag. You can forget about transporting adults in the backseat. If you plan on moving people, upgrade to the Double Cab.

Equipped with the magnum V-8 engine ($785) and five-speed automatic transmission ($75), the Dakota has plenty of power and demonstrates it with a throaty grumble upon acceleration. Not quite to my liking, but truck-enthusiasts will likely appreciate the attention-getting roar. Cabin noise, to the contrary, is surprisingly minimal. While I wouldn’t classify the ride as car-like, the Dakota absorbs normal bumps and jolts with relative ease and little discomfort to passengers. Handling is steady on corners, with little body lean — an advantage that smaller trucks always enjoy over their full-size siblings.

Other notable optional equipment on my Laramie included leather-trimmed front bucket seats ($525), the trailer tow group ($525), four-wheel anti-lock brakes ($495), supplemental side airbags ($495), sliding rear window ($140), 17” aluminum chrome wheels ($820), and under-rail box bedliner ($245). Safety-wise, rear-wheel anti-lock brakes are standard, along with advanced multi-stage front airbags.

Dodge is on a roll with its newest offerings, and Dakota is no exception. Attractive inside and out, with some excellent engine offerings and a new full-time four-wheel drive option, Dakota should make the test-drive list for any driver looking for an entry-level pickup truck.

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