Dodge Nitro to Cost under $20,000

This October, vehicle shoppers will soon have another mid-sized and mid-priced SUV to consider, as Dodge announced that pricing for the upcoming Nitro SUV will start at $19,885, including destination. Available in three trim levels starting with the SXT and moving up to the SLT and R/T, the Nitro will offer two-wheel or four-wheel-drive and two V6 engines: in the base SXT and SLT there’s a 210-horsepower, 3.7-liter unit, which is replaced by a 255-horsepower, 4.0-liter V6 engine in the R/T. The 2007 Dodge Nitro is based on the Jeep Liberty. Prices: SXT 4x2 $19,885 SXT 4x4 $21,395 SLT 4x2 $23,295 SLT 4x4 $24,805 R/T 4x2 $25,970 R/T 4x4 $27,630. All prices include $660 shipping.

Why it Matters

If a mid-sized SUV falls in the forest, does anyone hear it? In a segment already crowded with contenders, Dodge introduces another one -- and we think that’s jolly good news. That is, as long as it makes for a smart buy. You know what they say…there’s always room for one more good SUV! On paper, the Nitro looks stylish and competitive in the horsepower department. Fuel prices are important nowadays, though, which means bad news for SUVs. Though actual fuel economy data on the Nitro is pending, the same base engine, in the Jeep Liberty, gets about 18/22 mpg. As for the 255-horsepower, 4.0-liter V6 engine, it’s new but derived from the 3.5-liter engine that powers several Chrysler vehicles, including the 300 Touring.

Photos courtesy of Dodge