Always known as a workaholic, the 2010 Dodge Dakota midsize pickup also boasts one of the best off-road vehicles on the market with the TRX trim level (sometimes referred to as the TRX4), and best-in-class towing capacity with the Bighorn/Lonestar trim. In addition to these dedicated trims, the Dakota lineup also features the base ST and high-end Laramie trims, the former a medium-duty homeowner’s best friend and the latter a feature-heavy virtuoso of stylish utility. While the TRX carries a standard four-wheel drivetrain, the other trims are offered in either part-time four-wheel drive (4WD) or rear-wheel drive (RWD). The ST and Bighorn/Lonestar trims are available in the 6.5-foot-bed Extended Cab or 5.5-foot-bed Crew Cab versions, while the Laramie and TRX are delivered only in the Crew Cab configuration. Extended Cab trims are delivered with standard rear “suicide” doors and four- passenger seating with rear jump seats, while the Crew Cab features standard five-passenger seating with front bucket seats and rear bench seating. The Bighorn/Lonestar Crew Cab features five- or six-passenger seating, depending on whether available front and rear bench seats are selected. Major competition for the Dakota, utility-wise, includes Chevy’s Colorado and GMC’s Canyon, while the Honda Ridgeline, Toyota Tacoma, and Nissan Frontier offer a lot more refinement, but much less work capacity. The Bighorn trim is known as the Lonestar in Texas, for obvious reasons.

Two powertrains are available for the 2010 Dakota, with the standard for the ST, Bighorn/Lonestar, and Laramie being a 3.7-liter V6 and four-speed automatic transmission. This matchup puts out 210 hp and 235 lb-ft of torque, enough to tow 6,850 pounds for properly equipped RWD versions at 15/20 mpg. These trims with 4WD can tow 6,750 pounds and get an estimated 14/18 mpg. Optional for the Bighorn/Lonestar and Laramie, but standard with the TRX, is a 4.7-liter Flex Fuel V8 that combines with a five-speed automatic transmission to pound out 302 hp and 329 lb-ft of torque. These ponies allow a properly equipped Dakota to tow 7,200 pounds with RWD and 6,700 pounds with 4WD. EPA estimates for the 4.7-liter V8 are 14/19 for both RWD and 4WD versions. Dakotas equipped with on-demand 4WD include auto-locking hubs and electronic hi-lo gear selection, while the TRX additionally features a limited-slip rear differential and off-road-capable extra engine and transmission cooling.

The Dakota has traditionally been known for spiffy exteriors but somewhat Spartan interiors, and the 2010 trims are no exception. Standard amenities for the base Dakota ST include 16-inch steel wheels, cloth upholstery, tilt-wheel steering, air conditioning, and a single-CD player with four speakers. The Bighorn/Lonestar adds 17-inch alloy wheels, premium cloth upholstery, cruise with steering-wheel-mounted controls, power windows, door locks, and mirrors, a front storage console, and hands-free phone pre-wiring. The off-road-dedicated TRX features skid plates, 16-inch alloy wheels, and auxiliary engine and transmission cooling. Finally, the Crew-Cab-only Laramie carries a hint of pampering, with 18-inch alloy wheels, trailer wiring, leather upholstery, a six-way power driver’s seat, remote start, a universal remote garage door opener, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and 276-watt audio system with satellite radio and six speakers. Options run the gamut from cast aluminum wheels and skid plates for the ST to upgraded audio, a trailer hitch, full-swing rear doors, and most of the Laramie’s standard goodies for the Bighorn/Lonestar and TRX to DVD touch-screen navigation, leather front bench seats, and Chrysler’s UConnect hands-free phone technology offered with the both the Laramie and TRX trims.

Rear-wheel ABS, mandated front airbags, and front fog/driving lights are among the only standard safety items carried in the 2010 Dakota ST and Bighorn/Lonestar trims, though four-wheel ABS and front and rear head airbags are optional across the lineup. Both the TRX and Laramie additionally boast a standard remote anti-theft alarm system, while The Dakota Laramie also features standard dusk-sensing headlights. Daytime running lights are also available for the three upper trim levels.

Owners of the 2009 Dakota pickup cite disappointing ride quality, lackluster cabin design and materials, less-than-stellar fuel economy, pricey options, and generally second-rate build quality among their grievances, with pricey options packages and poor resale value also making the short list. On the upside, virtually all owners appreciate the exterior styling, roomy Crew Cab, durable chassis, awesome towing capacity, livable base price, off-road capability, and Flex Fuel adaptability delivered with this work-friendly midsize pickup.