2026 Dodge Dakota Club Cab Review, Price, MPG
2026 Dodge Dakota Club Cab Review, Price, MPG – The 2026 Dodge Dakota Club Cab marks the long-awaited return of Dodge’s midsize pickup, blending rugged capability with modern technology. Built on the Stellantis STLA Large platform, the new Dakota benefits from a stronger yet lighter frame, improved aerodynamics, and a refined suspension system. These updates ensure better ride quality and off-road capability while maintaining impressive towing and payload ratings. 2026 Dodge Dakota Club Cab Review
2026 Dodge Dakota Club Cab Redesign and Update Plan
Exterior & Interior
The 2026 Dakota Club Cab stands out with its muscular design, featuring a bold front grille inspired by the RAM 1500. LED headlights and C-shaped DRLs create a signature look, while sculpted body lines enhance aerodynamics. The truck’s wider fenders, skid plates, and optional all-terrain tires give it a rugged appeal. The Club Cab configuration provides extended cab functionality with rear-hinged doors for easier access to the rear seats and storage space.
At the rear, the Dakota gets a redesigned tailgate with an integrated step, LED taillights, and a dampened opening mechanism. The cargo bed is optimized for practicality, featuring multiple tie-down points, a built-in power outlet, and an optional spray-in bed liner. Higher trims also offer a multifunction tailgate and power-retractable running boards, improving accessibility for daily use.
Inside, the Dakota Club Cab prioritizes both comfort and utility. The dashboard is centered around a 12-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and integrated Alexa. A 10-inch digital gauge cluster displays real-time performance data, while a head-up display enhances visibility. The Club Cab seats up to five passengers, with premium trims offering leather upholstery, ventilated seats, and contrast stitching.
Storage is a key focus, with under-seat compartments, a configurable center console, and rear-seat fold-flat functionality for extra cargo space. Dodge has also integrated a premium Harman Kardon sound system, ambient lighting, and an advanced climate control system, ensuring a refined cabin experience.
Dodge has taken a fresh design approach, moving away from the traditional boxy look and incorporating a more aggressive stance. The Dakota Club Cab is expected to bridge the gap between full-size trucks and smaller lifestyle pickups, making it an ideal choice for those who need a versatile workhorse without sacrificing comfort. With multiple trims, including a high-performance R/T variant and an off-road-ready Rebel, Dodge ensures there’s a Dakota for every type of driver.
2026 Dodge Dakota Club Cab Specs
Engine & Performance
Under the hood, the 2026 Dodge Dakota Club Cab offers multiple powertrain options to cater to different driving needs. The base engine is a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, delivering around 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. This setup provides a balance of efficiency and performance, making it ideal for city driving and light towing.
For those seeking more power, Dodge offers a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 with 310 horsepower and 285 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, ensuring smooth acceleration and improved fuel economy. The range-topping option is a 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six from the Hurricane engine family, pushing out 400 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque. This powerhouse enables the Dakota to tow up to 8,000 pounds while maintaining strong off-road capabilities.
Both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations are available, with higher trims featuring an advanced 4×4 system with locking differentials. The off-road Rebel variant adds upgraded suspension, skid plates, and all-terrain tires, making it a serious contender against rivals like the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro and Ford Ranger Raptor. 2026 Dodge Dakota Club Cab Review
2026 Dodge Dakota Club Cab Fuel Economy
Fuel efficiency is a strong selling point for the 2026 Dodge Dakota Club Cab. The base turbocharged four-cylinder is expected to achieve around 24 MPG city and 30 MPG highway, while the V6 variant delivers approximately 20 MPG city and 27 MPG highway. The high-performance twin-turbo Hurricane engine balances power with efficiency, offering around 18 MPG combined, depending on the drivetrain.
2026 Dodge Dakota Club Cab Safety Features
Dodge has equipped the 2026 Dakota Club Cab with an array of advanced safety features, ensuring peace of mind on and off the road. Standard features include adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims offer a 360-degree camera system, parking sensors, and a rear cross-traffic alert for improved maneuverability in tight spaces.
For added convenience, the Dakota includes hands-free driving assistance on highways, leveraging Stellantis’ advanced semi-autonomous technology. Other notable features include trailer sway control, hill descent assist, and a tire pressure monitoring system. With its robust safety package, the Dakota aims to set new standards in the midsize truck segment.
2026 Dodge Dakota Club Cab Release Date & Price
Pricing for the new Dakota starts at an estimated $32,000 for the base model, making it competitive in the midsize truck market. Mid-tier trims with premium features and all-wheel drive range between $38,000 and $45,000, while the high-performance R/T and off-road Rebel models could reach $50,000 or more. Dodge is expected to reveal the Dakota Club Cab in late 2025, with official sales beginning in early 2026. 2026 Dodge Dakota Club Cab Review
