The 2002 Dodge Dakota 4.7 is equipped with a 4.7-liter Magnum V8 engine, commonly referred to as the PowerTech 4.7L. This engine produces about 235 horsepower and roughly 295 lb-ft of torque, depending on the exact specification for the vehicle.
Engine identity and context
In the Dakota lineup of that era, the 4.7-liter PowerTech V8 was the larger, V8 option designed to deliver stronger towing and hauling capability compared with the available V6. It was part of Chrysler’s Magnum/PowerTech family of engines, which were used across several Dodge and Jeep models around the turn of the millennium.
Technical specifications
The following core specifications describe the 4.7L PowerTech V8 used in the 2002 Dakota:
- Displacement: 4.7 L (4698 cc)
- Configuration: 90-degree V8
- Valvetrain: SOHC with 2 valves per cylinder (16 valves total)
- Fuel delivery: Sequential multi-point fuel injection
- Block/heads: Cast-iron block with aluminum heads
- Power output: Approximately 235 hp (175 kW)
- Torque: Approximately 295 lb-ft (400 Nm)
The 4.7L PowerTech V8 is known for solid low- to mid-range torque, which helps with towing capacity and everyday drivability in a midsize pickup like the Dakota.
Performance and drivetrain notes
For the 2002 Dakota, the 4.7L V8 was paired with transmission and drivetrain options appropriate to the model’s trim and configuration. Most configurations used an automatic transmission, with some manual-transmission variants available in specific trims and markets. The engine’s torque delivery made it a popular choice for owners seeking improved hauling and light towing performance compared with the V6 options.
Historical context
The 4.7L PowerTech V8 was introduced to give Dodge Dakota buyers a robust engine option that balanced power with reasonable durability for the mid-size pickup segment. It represented a shift from older V8 options toward a modern, multi-point fuel-injected design that could meet evolving emissions and efficiency standards while提供 strong workload capabilities.
Summary
The 2002 Dodge Dakota 4.7 is powered by a 4.7-liter Magnum (PowerTech) V8, delivering about 235 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided improved towing and daily performance for Dakota buyers and remained a recognizable V8 option in Mopar trucks of that era.


