The midsize pickup segment was originally designed to offer buyers the utility of a full-size pickup, yet deliver the fuel efficiency of a much smaller compact-size truck. The segment has matured over time to include an interesting variety of crossovers, yet still provide traditional pickups to those who are in the market for them.
The 2009 Midsize Pickups Buyer’s Guide is a compiled list of the top-performing midsize pickups from J.D. Power and Associates three key automotive studies. The studies include the 2008 Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS), the 2008 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study, and the 2008 Initial Quality Study (IQS). In addition, we have also noted any models in the guide that have earned “5-star” crash test scores from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), or have been chosen as “Top Safety Picks” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). All models are listed alphabetically by manufacturer.
2009 Dodge Dakota
The midsize Dodge Dakota pickup was originally launched in the mid-1980s. Now in its third generation (last redesigned for 2005), the Dakota is available with two different cab configurations and in seven different models. The Dakota offers a choice of two different engines and two different drivelines (2WD or 4WD). The standard powerplant is a 3.7-liter V-6 engine mated to a 6-speed manual transmission (with the optional 4-speed automatic, fuel economy is estimated at 15 mpg city and 20 mpg highway). The optional engine is a 4.7-liter V-8, the only 8-cylinder in its segment. It is available with a 5-speed automatic transmission. In our 2008 Initial Quality Study (IQS), the industry benchmark for new-vehicle quality measured at 90 days of ownership, the Dodge Dakota ranked highest in its segment. In addition, the Dakota ranked among the top three models in our 2008 Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS), which measures problems experienced by original owners during the third year of ownership. In crash testing, the Dodge Dakota earned “5-star” crash test scores from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Dodge made only model designation changes for 2009. The SXT model has been replaced by the Big Horn and Lone Star models while the SLT, Sport and TRX 4x2 models have been eliminated.
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Other 2009 Midsize Pickup models:
