After three generations, the last Dodge Dakota rolled off the assembly line in 2011. With 25 years of Dakota models have come differing lengths of wheelbases. While fuel efficiency, engine, and price are often the priorities to new car specs, wheelbase measurement should make its way into that list, too.

If you have no idea what the fuss about wheelbase is all about,

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What is the wheelbase of a Dodge Dakota?

The wheelbase of the 2011 Dodge Dakota is 131.3 inches on all trims. An outstanding contender in the midsize pickup truck class, the base trim comes furnished with a 210-horsepower, 3.7-liter V6 engine, a mighty 7,250 pounds of towing power, and a very roomy interior.

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2011 Dodge Dakota towing capacity

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Why is wheelbase important?

What is the wheelbase, first and foremost? The wheelbase is the distance between the center of the front and rear wheels of a vehicle. This measurement determines a couple of things, including ride quality and the spaciousness of your car’s interior.

With a longer wheelbase comes smoother driving and stability since your car is more grounded. On the other hand, a shorter wheelbase covers less surface area and allows you to make tighter turns. Comfort-wise, the wheelbase is an important gauge of your ride’s interior. A longer wheelbase means more space for you and your passengers.

So, whether your priority is handling or comfort, wheelbase is the key feature to look at.

Key Takeaway The wheelbase determines how well you can maneuver in certain driving environments like winding roads, tight turns, and crowded highways.

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How has the wheelbase changed over the Dodge Dakota model years?

Dodge was loyal to their wheelbase formula and stuck with it through the Dakota’s lifespan. Only in their third and final generation did they scrap any variety of wheelbase lengths and kept it at a single length of 131 inches.

Here are the Dodge Dakota’s wheelbase lengths over the years:

1st generation (1987 to 1996): 111.9–130.9 inches

2nd generation (1997 to 2004): 111.9–131 inches

3rd generation (2005 to 2011): 131.3 inches

Fun Fact Beginning in 1989, the Dakota lineup included a unique Sport trim—a boxy overgrown convertible pickup that looked like a weird mix between a Jeep Wrangler and convertible. Suffice to say, drivers weren’t buying it (literally!) and it was discontinued in 1991.

How does the Dodge Dakota wheelbase compare to other models?

With hardly any difference in the Dakota’s wheelbase length across its three generations, taking your pick will simply come down to trim level. However, if you’d like to explore more choices, the Dodge Ram continues to dominate the pickup truck game.

Here’s how other Dodge models and trims compare to the Dakota:

Model	Cab size	Wheelbase
Ram 1500	5.7 feet Crew Cab	144.5 inches
Ram 1500 Rebel	6.4 feet Quad Cab	140.5 inches
Ram 1500 Classic Tradesman	8 feet Quad Cab	140 inches
Ram 2500	6.4 feet Crew Cab	149 inches
Ram 2500 Big Horn	6.3 feet Mega Cab	160.4 inches
Ram 3500	8.2 feet Regular Cab	140 inches

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Long wheelbase vs. short wheelbase: which is better?

So, should you go for a long or short wheelbase? There are no right answers here! Whatever wheelbase you choose ultimately comes down to your driving preferences and conditions.

If you love your space and enjoy taking your friends and family on adventurous rides, consider going for a car with a longer wheelbase. A roomier interior for yourself and your passengers can transform a drive into a first-class experience. Plus, no one ever complained about more comfort!

However, you should also consider your location. If you live in a city where the roads are crowded and parking is tight, you may want to skip out on a lengthier wheelbase.

Essentially, when comparing wheelbases, think about your driving habits and location to determine what’s best for you.

How to save money on car insurance for your Dodge Dakota

Now that we’ve weaved through the ins and outs of the Dodge Dakota’s wheelbase, we can get into the important stuff: car insurance. Whether you’re handling a car with a short or long wheelbase, it needs to be protected.

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