1988 Dodge Dakota Dimensions, Size & Specs

The 1988 Dodge Dakota has a curb weight of approximately 1834 kg (4045 lbs). This weight provides a sturdy and stable ride, especially when carrying loads or towing. The mass balances durability and agility, meaning the Dakota can perform well under typical pickup tasks without being overly heavy. For a mid-size pickup, this curb weight contributes to respectable fuel efficiency for its class and era, while also ensuring the chassis and suspension maintain good control and comfort.

The 1988 Dodge Dakota's width is approximately 1,840 mm (72 inches or 6 feet), which is narrower than the typical single-car garage door width of about 2,440 mm (96 inches or 8 feet). This means the Dakota can comfortably fit inside most standard home garages without any issues. The truck's mid-size nature helps with parking in residential settings, making it convenient for owners to store the vehicle indoors and protect it from weather elements.

The cargo bed size of the first-generation Dakota varies depending on the cab style—regular, extended, or crew cab. The standard short bed is approximately 1,829 mm (72 inches) long, while the long bed versions reach around 2,134 mm (84 inches). The bed width is roughly 1,524 mm (60 inches) between the wheel wells, with a total width wider to maximize load area. This setup supports typical hauling tasks, including landscaping supplies, construction materials, or recreational gear. Payload capacity generally ranges around 680 kg (1,500 lbs), which is competitive for pickups of its class and era.

At approximately 1,700 mm (67 inches or 5.58 feet) tall, the Dodge Dakota's height offers a balanced vantage point for the driver, allowing improved road visibility compared to sedans or smaller vehicles. This height is not excessively tall, so it fits comfortably in multi-level parking garages with typical clearance of around 2,100-2,400 mm (83-95 inches). The relatively moderate height also aids vehicle stability and aerodynamics, improving fuel efficiency and safety. Overall, the Dakota's height supports versatility for both off-road and city driving scenarios.

The 1988 Dodge Dakota offered a range of cabin options, including regular cab and extended cab configurations. Interior passenger volume was optimized for comfort within its mid-size pickup segment. The extended cab provided additional space behind the front seats, allowing for small rear seats or storage, enhancing practicality for families or work crews. Seating materials and layout prioritized durability with enough legroom and headroom for average-sized adults. Though not as spacious as full-size trucks, the Dakota struck a good balance between passenger comfort and cargo utility.

The 1988 Dodge Dakota marked Dodge’s first venture into the mid-size pickup segment, positioned between compact pickups and their full-size D-series trucks. Compared to the Dodge D-series, the Dakota was smaller in overall length and width, making it more maneuverable and easier to handle for everyday driving while still providing solid cargo capacity. The Dakota featured more modern styling and engineering improvements, including independent front suspension for a smoother ride, which the D-series did not have at the time. This generation effectively bridged the gap between compact trucks and full-size pickups in Dodge’s lineup.

The 1988 Dodge Dakota was competitive with other mid-size pickups such as the Toyota Pickup and Ford Ranger, though it was generally larger and offered more powerful engine options. The Dakota stood out with its V6 engine availability, providing better towing and payload capabilities compared to some of its rivals which often had mostly four-cylinder engines. Dimensionally, the Dakota was slightly longer and wider, giving it an edge in cargo capacity and passenger comfort. However, some competitors might have been lighter or more fuel-efficient, so choosing between them often came down to priorities such as power, size, and brand loyalty.

The turning radius of the 1988 Dodge Dakota is roughly 5.5 to 6.0 meters (about 18 to 20 feet), typical for mid-size trucks of its time. This turning circle allows the vehicle to perform reasonably well in city driving conditions, enabling easier maneuvering through tight streets and parking lots compared to full-size pickups. While still larger than compact cars, the Dakota's turning radius balances between utility vehicle dimensions and urban drivability, which benefits owners who frequently use the truck both for work and everyday commuting.

The first-generation Dodge Dakota featured a boxy, muscular design with clean lines characteristic of late 1980s American pickups. It had a bold front grille flanked by rectangular headlights, a sloping hood, and robust body panels emphasizing durability. The truck’s styling was practical, with minimal overhangs and integrated bumpers providing a rugged look. The availability of multiple cab configurations and trim levels allowed buyers to choose between a utilitarian or more comfortable appearance. Overall, the Dakota combined functional design elements with aesthetic cues that hinted at power and utility.