New 2027 Dodge Dakota Review, Price, Configurations

New 2027 Dodge Dakota Review, Price, Configurations – The 2027 Dodge Dakota is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated truck comebacks in years. Dodge is reinventing this iconic mid-size pickup with a complete design overhaul. The rugged DNA remains, but it’s wrapped in an aggressive new silhouette that aligns with Dodge’s modern muscular styling cues. Expect sharp LED lighting, a more aerodynamic profile, and a bold front fascia with a performance-inspired grille that screams Ram influence. Signature design details like flared fenders and a squared-off hood give it a dominating road presence—perfect for buyers who want a truck that turns heads without screaming full-size. New 2027 Dodge Dakota Review

New 2027 Dodge Dakota Redesign and Update Plan

Exterior & Interior

Step inside the 2027 Dodge Dakota and you’ll immediately notice the leap in quality and design. Gone is the utilitarian cabin of the past. Instead, Dodge has infused the new Dakota’s interior with premium materials and high-tech features. Expect a driver-focused cockpit with a massive 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an available 14-inch Uconnect 6 infotainment touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, and over-the-air updates come standard, even on the mid-tier trims.

Interior customization will be a major highlight. Buyers can choose from various cabin themes, including rugged cloth seats for base trims and leather-appointed interiors with contrast stitching for upper trims like the Dakota Rebel or Limited. Ambient lighting, heated and ventilated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a panoramic sunroof are also available—features once reserved for luxury SUVs. Dodge is making a clear push to capture both work truck buyers and lifestyle truck enthusiasts.

Cab configurations will include extended and crew cab options, with rear seating redesigned for adult comfort and better ingress/egress. Rear-seat passengers can expect generous legroom, under-seat storage, and USB-C fast charging ports. The cabin’s NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) improvements, thicker glass, and better insulation materials make for a quiet ride even at highway speeds—perfect for long-distance commuters or road trip warriors.

More than just a facelift, the new Dakota rides on a refined platform that balances durability with ride comfort. Sources suggest Dodge will leverage the STLA Frame architecture used by Stellantis, modified to suit mid-size proportions. This allows for better weight distribution, improved off-road capabilities, and enhanced towing stability. Wheel options are expected to range from 17″ to 20″, with all-terrain and performance packages available. Color options will be expanded to include exclusive finishes like Granite Crystal, Patriot Blue, and a new performance red.

Designers have paid close attention to customer feedback from the outgoing generation, aiming to blend workhorse function with modern flair. Bed features are also being updated—expect multi-function tailgates, factory spray-in bed liners, and segment-leading cargo management systems. Whether you’re hauling gear for work or heading out for weekend adventures, the 2027 Dakota is engineered to look good doing it.

New 2027 Dodge Dakota Specs

Engine & Performance

Under the hood, the 2027 Dodge Dakota doesn’t disappoint. The base engine is expected to be a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder pumping out around 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. That’s mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission and should offer strong performance for daily driving and light towing. For buyers needing more grunt, a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 with eTorque mild-hybrid technology will be available, pushing out an estimated 310 horsepower and improved low-end torque.

But the real excitement is the rumored addition of a 2.0-liter Hurricane inline-four twin-turbo engine for the top trims. This engine—shared with high-performance Jeep models—could produce as much as 400 horsepower, transforming the Dakota into a legitimate street and off-road warrior. Paired with a performance-tuned suspension and optional four-wheel-drive system with locking differentials, this setup would make the 2027 Dakota a serious contender against the Ranger Raptor and Tacoma TRD Pro.

All powertrains will include multiple drive modes, including Tow/Haul, Sport, Snow, and Off-Road. Fuel-saving tech like cylinder deactivation and auto stop-start will come standard. A diesel option is unlikely, but plug-in hybrid variants could be in the pipeline by 2028. Towing capacity will range from 6,500 to 7,700 lbs depending on engine choice, while payload maxes out at approximately 1,800 lbs—plenty for weekend projects or towing small boats and trailers. New 2027 Dodge Dakota Review

New 2027 Dodge Dakota Fuel Economy

In the fuel economy department, Dodge is targeting best-in-class numbers for the 2027 Dakota. The 2.0-liter turbo base engine is projected to return up to 24 mpg city and 31 mpg highway in rear-wheel-drive configurations. The V6 eTorque will likely average around 22/28 mpg, while the high-output Hurricane engine might deliver slightly lower efficiency but more power per gallon than V8 rivals. Fuel economy will be aided by an optimized aerodynamic design, active grille shutters, and a lightweight frame.

New 2027 Dodge Dakota Safety Features

Dodge has committed to making the 2027 Dakota one of the safest mid-size trucks on the road. All trims will come with a standard suite of driver-assist features including Forward Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning, and Blind-Spot Monitoring. Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Lane Keep Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and a 360-degree Surround View Camera will be standard or optional depending on trim.

The Dakota’s semi-autonomous capabilities are also set to improve, with Level 2 driver assistance likely included on higher trims. This means hands-on lane centering and adaptive cruise at highway speeds—an increasingly desirable feature among tech-savvy truck buyers. Dodge also aims to lead in passive safety with stronger cab construction, strategically placed crumple zones, and side-impact reinforcements.

Night visibility gets a boost thanks to LED projector headlights, adaptive beam tech, and optional fog lamps with corner illumination. Trailer safety features include trailer sway control, integrated brake controller, and backup assist with on-screen guidance lines. Whether you’re navigating tight city streets or towing at highway speeds, the 2027 Dakota aims to keep you and your passengers protected.

New 2027 Dodge Dakota Release Date & Price

As for pricing, Dodge is keeping things competitive. The base ST trim is expected to start just under $30,000, positioning it directly against the Ford Ranger and Chevy Colorado. Mid-tier trims like the SLT and Rebel could range between $36,000 and $44,000, while the top-tier Limited or R/T models with full tech and performance packages might push close to $50,000. Optional features, powertrains, and cab configurations will allow buyers to tailor their Dakota to fit both budget and lifestyle.

The official release date is expected in Q3 of 2026 as a 2027 model, with pre-orders likely opening in spring 2026. Dodge has hinted at a full reveal during the Detroit Auto Show in January 2026. Expect early production models to hit dealerships by late summer. Given its blend of modern design, strong performance, and high-end features, demand is expected to be high—especially for the off-road and performance variants. New 2027 Dodge Dakota Review