Staying consistent with the youth-minded attitude of the new Dakota, the interior also received a redesign as well as some new features that appeal to the under-30 crowd (or those who still feel that age). Most trim levels offer variations on the same theme with differing levels of luxury, but the Sport model adds seats with excellent bolstering. These are the most supportive seats of the group, the ones to get. Yes, the cabin is still swimming in cheap, hard plastic-the Dakota seems forever destined to that fate. However, the materials do look better now, fit and finish has improved, and more features have been added, including a new storage area above the glovebox, and an all-new I.P. The center stack was completely transformed: A new optional navigation system takes center stage in a clean, well-organized layout. Also available are Sirius Satellite Radio and the MyGIG system, which includes a 20GB hard drive that can be used to hold music or photos (although, as is the case with most music-storage systems, only some of that space is actually useable).
The cabin was made more versatile on two fronts: with electronics and storage. The stereo now includes a handy aux jack, allowing you to plug in any MP3 player. Also, the new center console includes an innovative tilt-out front panel where you can store that MP3 player or a cell-phone, and its own dedicated power port is within easy reach in the console. Dodge also integrated a new storage system available in Crew Cab models. When the rear seats are folded in Extended Cabs, 30 cubic feet of room is available, and there are six storage hooks. In Crew Cabs, though, the new cargo-management system, hidden under the rear seats, consists of two pop-up, removable bins (one smaller than the other) that make it easy to tote smaller items. When open, they look a lot like black milk crates with the Dodge logo on the walls. The bed also was made more versatile, with the addition of a utility rail system, and towing capacity continues to be best in class at 7050 pounds.
Going on sale next month, the Dakota continues to offer a lot of value. Prices start at $20,080 for the Extended Cab and $22,780 for the Crew Cab, meaning you can buy 302 horsepower for less than $23 grand. It's probably not enough to revitalize a slow segment, but it's the best in its class for power, space, and towing capacity, and that's a good start.