The Dodge Dakota R/T went on sale spring of 1998 packing 250 horsepower and 345 lb.-ft. of torque.

The 5.9-liter Magnum V-8 engine is maximized with a performance-tuned dual inlet stainless steel exhaust system and a heavy-duty electronic four-speed automatic transmission (46RE).

Wearing oversized 17-inch wheels and P255/55 R17 tires gives the Dakota R/T a solid, stable footprint, which further enhances handling. The suspension, which was built with a focus on road handling as opposed to load hauling, is lowered to give the R/T a sleek, road-hugging look and feel.  The Dakota R/T has front and rear stabilizer bars to control handling, but the rear bar is a beefier 19 mm to minimize body roll in turns during cornering and a limited-slip differential for improved traction and quicker starts.