2010 Dodge Dakota Bighorn/Lonestar Ext. Cab 4WD
For 2010 Dodge's Dakota Bighorn/Lonestar Ext. Cab 4WD strikes a good balance between capability and value. In the midsize truck market, the Dakota Bighorn/Lonestar Ext. Cab 4WD is alone in offering V8 power and the ability to tow up to 7,000 pounds.
The 2010 Dakota Bighorn/Lonestar (the latter designation is used only in Texas) Extended Cab features seating for 4 or 5 passengers and can carry up to 1,610 pounds of payload in its 6-foot-6-inch cargo bed. The standard 3.7-liter V6 engine drives all four wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission. An optional 4.7-liter V8 with a five-speed transmission is highly recommended.
The Dakota Bighorn/Lonestar's 4WD system uses an electronic, shift-on-the-fly arrangement that can be actuated from the cabin. The Dakota's generous ground clearance and low-range transfer case translate to excellent off-road ability. As the mid-level trim, the Dakota Bighorn/Lonestar features an upgraded interior with power accessories, cruise control, and keyless entry.
2010 Dodge Dakota Bighorn/Lonestar Ext. Cab
The 2010 Dodge Dakota Bighorn Ext. Cab (called the Lonestar in Texas) represents a substantial step up from the base ST trim. The Dakota Bighorn/Lonestar Extended Cab features a 4- or 5-passenger cabin and a 6-foot-6-inch cargo bed.
For 2010 the Dakota Bighorn/Lonestar Ext. Cab features a wheezy 3.7-liter V6 as standard equipment. Despite pumping out 210 hp and 235 lb-ft of torque, the base V6 lacks enthusiasm and is hampered by a low-tech four-speed automatic transmission. The optional 4.7-liter V8 motor is strongly recommended; its 302 hp and five-speed automatic transmission greatly improve the Dakota Bighorn/Lonestar's performance. The rear wheels are driven via an open 8.25-inch axle, and a limited-slip unit is optional.
The Bighorn/Lonestar trim greatly upgrades the Dakota's complement of comfort and convenience features. Power windows, door locks, and mirrors are all standard, as are keyless entry and cruise control. The exterior is dressed up with 17-inch alloy wheels and body-color trim.
2010 Dodge Dakota Bighorn/Lonestar Crew Cab 4WD
The 2010 Dodge Dakota Bighorn/Lonestar Crew Cab 4WD comes fully equipped for off-roading, towing, or just around-town errand running. Featuring a 5-foot-4-inch cargo bed and a full cabin with four forward-opening doors the Dakota Bighorn/Lonestar Crew Cab is a versatile hauler.
The Bighorn/Lonestar's standard powertrain, a 3.7-liter V6 mated to a four-speed automatic transmission, lacks the grunt neccessary to move the 4,500-pound pickup with any enthusiasm. The optional 4.7-liter V8 motor and the five-speed automatic gearbox that comes with it merit close consideration. Four-wheel drive, in the form of a part-time, shift-on-the-fly arrangement, enables the Dakota Bighorn/Lonestar Crew Cab to venture far into the brush.
Power windows, locks, and mirrors are all standard in the Dakota Bighorn/Lonestar Crew. Also included are keyless entry, air conditioning, and electronic cruise control. Options include a power driver's seat, upgraded stereo with 6-CD changer, and a sliding rear window.
2010 Dodge Dakota Bighorn/Lonestar Crew Cab
The 2010 Dodge Dakota Bighorn/Lonestar Crew Cab offers cabin space aplenty and strong pulling power when equipped with the optional V8 engine. Featuring a 5-foot-4-inch cargo box, the Dakota Bighorn/Lonestar Crew Cab can shoulder a 1,660 pound payload and is able to tow up to 7,050 pounds.
The Dakota Bighorn/Lonestar's Crew Cab configuration provides space aplenty for 5 or 6 passengers. The rear bench seat is comfortable, easily accessed via the full-size rear doors, and features cleverly designed storage space under the cushion. As the Dakota's mid-level trim, the Bighorn/Lonestar features power windows, cruise control, and keyless entry standard.
Base power is provided by a 3.7-liter V6 engine that drives the rear wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission. Unrefined and down on power, the V6 is ill-suited to moving the 4,350-pound Dakota Crew Cab around. Buyers should strongly consider the torquey, 4.7-liter V8 engine, which costs less than $1,000 and greatly improves acceleration and hauling capacity.
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