You know the commercial: Some sad sack guy in a non-descript car gets a jump – literally – from a shiny red Dodge Nitro. Hmmm...not sure how it is that the 260-horsepower engine in the Nitro R/T blows a car off its tires, but hey, that's creative license for ya, a liberty Dodge designers also took when penning the Nitro's blocky look and robust fender flares. We only wish they had managed to work in more power as well. Based on the
and showcasing some new features, the Nitro has powerful, over-the-top looks and a very livable interior, if only for five and for those willing to pay for the more expensive models.
The Basics: Origins As the first compact SUV in the Dodge lineup since the 1990 Raider, the Nitro is based on the Jeep Liberty. Call it a Liberty that's been liberated. Sure, the Nitro is built on the same platform and in the same Toledo, Ohio, plant as the Jeep Liberty, and boasts some of the features we'll see in the 2008 Liberty model. But this is a significantly different design, plus a reworking of the suspension and powertrain. Should the Liberty come out with the Nitro's 4.0-liter V6 engine and some of its interior upgrades, it will be much improved. Here's hoping that parent company Chrysler sees fit to equip both with its new six-speed automatic transmission.
The Basics: Pricing Typical of most
Dodge vehicles, the Nitro comes in three flavors, starting with the base SXT ($19,885), SLT ($23,295) and R/T ($25,970). All prices include $660 destination; four-wheel drive is $1,510 extra. Significant option prices include $1,700 for MyGIG, Chrysler's new 20-gig personal infotainment system, $1,200 for a rear-seat DVD player and $730 for R/T special leather seats.
The Basics: Model Mix – SXT Standard Features Powered by a 210-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 that gets 235 lb.-ft. of torque, the SXT model ($19,885) comes with either a six-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. Standard equipment includes a fabric interior, remote entry with power windows and locks, power outlets, fold-flat front passenger seat, 60/40 split rear bench, CD stereo with MP3, tilt steering wheel, traction control, brake assist, folding power mirrors, rear window washer and wiper, and 16-inch wheels.
The Basics: Model Mix – SLT Standard Features Standard features on the SLT ($23,295) include YES Essentials stain resistant fabric, an overhead console, a power six-way driver's seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel, auto-dimming rearview mirror, vehicle information system, tinted windows, cruise control, compass, body-color front and rear fascias and fender flares plus 17-inch aluminum wheels. Also standard is the Dodge Load ‘N Go System, which is a cargo loading tray in the back that slides up to 18 inches beyond the bumper for loading ease. As with the SXT, the SLT offers a 210-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 that gets 235 lb.-ft. of torque and either a six-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.
The Basics: Model Mix – R/T Standard Features Largely equipped like an SLT model, the Dodge Nitro R/T ($25,970) adds as standard a 4.0-liter V6 engine that makes 260 horsepower and 275 lb.-ft. of torque, mated to a five-speed automatic transmission and a sport-tuned suspension with 20-inch wheels. Interior standard add-ons include Sirius satellite radio.
The Basics: Model Mix – Options Main options for SXT, SLT and R/T models include fog lamps, power sunroof, and a trailer tow package. Nitro SXT shoppers can upgrade with Sirius satellite radio and a sun roof, while options for the SLT and R/T trims include running boards, 20-inch wheels, leather seats, navigation system, remote start, hands-free phone, six-disc stereo with MP3, plus more. Also available on SLT and R/T models is Chrysler's new MyGIG system, which is a 20-gig hard drive that holds pictures, music and comes with navigation. The R/T also options special leather “R/T” seats.
What's New: Outside Sure, it's a box, but it's one mean-looking box, with style and attitude, big fender flares and that oh-so aggressive Dodge grille pointing the way forward. Our tester had 20-inch wheels, which filled in the wells nicely. The grille, by the way, is in chrome, save for the body-color R/T version. Add in the optional fog lamps and you've got yourself a nice, macho front end. Problems start with all the joints and edges caused by this design, making us wonder how much a Nitro is going to rattle and bang after a few years of driving. Overall, the shape is chiseled and attractive, if over the top, with smallish rectangular windows, upright front windshield and high beltline.
What's New: Inside While SXT buyers get basic cloth, SLT and R/T shoppers get YES Essentials stain- and odor-repellent fabric. R/T buyers should seriously consider shelling out an extra $730 for the special R/T seats, with firm sport-style bolstering and red R/T stitching. SLT and R/T Nitros get Load ‘N Go, which is a fancy name for a cool pull out tray in the back. The sliding cargo “floor” pulls out 18 inches from the rear bumper and can hold up to 400 pounds. The cargo floor area also has a four-inch deep compartment for storage. Buyers are also able to outfit their Nitros with MyGIG, a new 20-gig infotainment system that holds pictures, music and more.
What's New: Under the Hood The Nitro is actually an interesting sneak peek at the next Jeep Liberty SUV, especially the R/T model. It's a spry and sporty Nitro, with its 4.0-liter V6 engine making 260 horsepower and 275 lb.-ft. of torque mated to a smooth five-speed automatic transmission. That's the model we drove, with what Chrysler execs say is a sport-tuned suspension different than the rest of the Nitro models in that the sway bar, springs, shocks and bushings have been upgraded, as well as the fact that it's the only Nitro with 20-inch wheels. Aside from sport tuning, it's a pretty typical live-axle setup in the rear and independent front tied to a rack-and-pinion steering setup that proved adept at tight turns.
Driving: Test Car, LocationWe spent a day behind the wheel of a loaded
2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 4WD ($31,310, including $660 destination) with 20-inch wheels, the sport-tuned suspension and special R/T seats. The route started in downtown San Diego where we gulped coffee while listening to the automaker's technical explanation of the Nitro. Then it was off to Palm Springs via mile after mile of freeway driving. Before we took off for the desert, however, we spent a little time driving around the city, making U-turns and living with the Nitro in stop-and-go traffic.
Driving: Performance There's plenty of spring in the Nitro R/T's new 4.0-liter engine, and with a five-speed automatic handing out gears, power delivery is nicely done. Jumping on the throttle in the R/T elicited a slight hesitation, but the Nitro regained its enthusiasm quickly, responding smoothly throughout a torquey power band. Throttle tip-in was a little abrupt, and brakes were responsive but spongy. A casual stopping test showed the Nitro to be above average, distance-wise. Our biggest complaint was that for an R/T trim, the transmission ratios seemed chosen to save gas. The Nitro struggled while driving uphill and passing; we concluded that the transmission could be better geared to make the most of the powerful engine.
Driving: Ride and Handling We drove only the R/T model and were impressed with its ability to handle, given that it drives like such a straight up and down SUV. Corners brought out quite a bit of body lean, to be sure, but those 20-inchers kept the footing firm and the suspension kept everything real, though we'd characterize it as more comfort than sport. Inside the cabin, those big tires make a lot of noise on the highway, but overall it's a quiet ride, and an improvement over other Dodge vehicles we've driven in terms of rattles and creaks.
Driving: Comfort
The inside of the Nitro R/T echoes the outside, with a squared-off design enhanced by quality fabrics and durable plastic. The R/T sport seats, a $730 upgrade, were especially comfortable and firm, and there was plenty of legroom up front. Second row passengers also get plenty of leg room, and there's plenty of head room. Outward visibility is partially hindered by the rectangular windows, though that's compensated for by straight B- and C-pillars and actual window real estate. The cabin has a comfortable, utilitarian feel to it, as if it's okay to bring muddy boots inside. Most of all, the up and down windshield and thin dashboard give front seat occupants a different perspective, one with more room and a better view.
Driving: Controls
For the Nitro, it's all Chrysler Group when it comes to controls, meaning that you can count on decent execution, attractive material and thoughtful layout. Indeed, the Nitro has a real rubber-meets-the-road feel to the controls, with rubber surfaces – think a slightly oversized and grippy steering wheel – and quality, durable plastics. As for the gauge cluster, it's a pretty typical setup: speedo in the center, with tach, fuel and oil surrounding. The controls reflect the squared-off Nitro theme wherever possible, with everything clean and trimmed out nicely. Storage-wise, the Nitro offers plenty of get-to-it areas without covers, such as spare change/cell phone areas lined in rubber.
Advice: Selling Points
New for 2007, the Dodge Nitro is a stylish and roomy SUV that will get you noticed in the neighborhood, and offers some unique Chrysler Group innovations, such as the MyGIG infotainment system, YES Essentials fabric and Load ‘N Go, a sliding heavy-duty cargo tray that extends 18 inches beyond the rear bumper and holds up to 400 pounds. Power-wise, the R/T model will get you down the road with a new 4.0-liter V6 engine mated to a smooth five-speed automatic transmission.
Advice: Deal Breakers
Let's avoid the more glaring issues for a moment, like the lack of a third-row option on a $30,000 SUV, and cut to the chase: As with many new vehicles from Chrysler, you've got to pay to play. The right setup is way up high in the model chain. The Nitro R/T, for example, offers a nice powertrain with some cool new innovations inside and a bold design on the outside. But it does so for around $30,000, and there are many SUVs with more features for sale at around that price. In the end for the Nitro, anything less than the top trim becomes a silly caricature, a macho design connected to a four-speed automatic.
Advice: Competitors
Lucky Dodge. The Nitro effectively takes on the best of two classes: the Nissan Xterra, Toyota FJ Cruiser and Hummer H3 for the macho-enthusiast crowd who want to at least look as if they can go off-road, and the more commuter-suburban SUVs such as the Kia Sorento, Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Escape and Honda CR-V. Yeah, that's not a competitive crowd or anything. At least the Nitro will stand out with its macho styling and crosshair grille, and heck, none of these other SUVs has YES Essentials or that cool new Load ‘N Go sliding tray in the back.
Specifications: Test Vehicle, MPG
Test Vehicle: 2007 Dodge Nitro R/T
As-tested Price: $31,310 (including $660 destination charge)
Engine Size and Type: 4.0-liter V6
Engine Horsepower: 260 at 5,800 rpm
Engine Torque: 275 lb.-ft. at 4,000 rpm
Transmission: Five-speed automatic
Estimated Fuel Economy, city/hwy: 17/21 mpg
Specifications: Dimensions
Curb Weight, lbs.: 4,162
Length, inches: 178.9
Width, inches: 73.1
Wheelbase, inches: 108.8
Height, inches: 66.9
Legroom, inches (front/rear): 40.8/37.7
Headroom, inches (front/rear): 40.6/40.8
Max. Seating Capacity: Five
Max. Cargo Volume, cu.ft.: 75.6
Payload Capacity, lbs.: 1,150
Max. Towing Capacity, lbs.: 5,000
Photos courtesy of Dodge
