The Nitro is Dodge’s 5-passenger SUV that shares its
platform with the Jeep Liberty, and features uniquely aggressive,
muscular
styling. The Nitro features the signature Dodge crosshair grille, prominent
fender flairs, and the very popular high beltline. The interior is both functional and flexible
with a Load 'N Go rear cargo floor that slides 18 inches to the rear for easy
loading and unloading and can hold up to 400 pounds. It’s a standard feature
for the Nitro SLT and Nitro R/T.
Inside the Nitro is relatively spartan with plenty of cargo
space and functional ergonomics but there’s little else to get excited about.
It’s very utilitarian, which I suppose is okay in what’s basically a Jeep, but
lacking in rear seat space and comfort.
Standard equipment includes 20-inch chrome-clad wheels,
foglamps, roof rails, tinted windows, keyless entry, full power accessories,
heated mirrors, air-conditioning, a tilt steering wheel, a 60/40-split-folding
and reclining rear seat and a six-speaker stereo with a CD player, satellite
radio and an auxiliary audio jack. The Popular Equipment Group adds cruise
control, an outside temperature gauge and a compass. A sunroof is a stand-alone
option. Options available include a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio
controls, a six-way power driver seat, Bluetooth and an eight speaker sound
system with six disc CD/DVD. A tow package is available on all trim levels.
The 3.7 liter V6 puts out 210 horsepower and 237 lb-ft of
torque with a 4-speed automatic transmission standard. The
Nitro is
rear-wheel-drive with four-wheel drive available. EPA rating is 16/22 for the
RWD and 16/20 for the AWD iteration. I didn’t get close to that mileage which
only in part is due to my driving habits. New for 2010 is a fuel cutoff on
deceleration to help fuel economy but a week was too short a time to know how
much that helps.
There is a 260 horsepower 4.0 V6 available in the Nitro
Detonator; I didn’t make up that name, mated to a 5-speed automatic that would
be my engine of choice. Its 265 lb-ft of torque makes a big difference
especially if you plan to do any towing. EPA estimates are 15/17 but I’d expect
less.
There’s a very old adage, all show and no go, which pretty
much applies to the Nitro. It looks big and tough and ready to 
tackle about
anything but the truth is it’s underpowered; a RAV4 V6 offers more oomph than
the 4.0 V6 Nitro. It’s okay on the road but not terribly comfortable, the ride
is stiff and the foot well is very narrow which is a bit annoying.
The upside is you can get into the Nitro for under $22,000 It
does come with a base 36/36 warranty and a 100,000 mile powertrain warranty
with ABS, Traction Control and Stability Control all standard.
So if you’re looking for something a bit bigger and more
muscular looking than the Liberty,
the Nitro may be just right for you.
