By Bill Jackson
Cars.com National February 23, 2006Vehicle Overview
The Dodge Nitro enters the compact sport utility vehicle market aiming to round out the automaker's lineup of cars and larger SUVs. It will slot below the Durango SUV and offer a step up from the smaller Caliber hatchback.
The Nitro will compete with the BMW X3, Nissan Xterra and Saturn Vue. Of those, the Nitro offers the largest maximum cargo capacity — 75.6 cubic feet with folding seats in their lowered position. At 178.9 inches from bumper to bumper, the Nitro is on par with the BMW X3 (179.7 inches) and Nissan Xterra (178.9 inches), but more than 2 inches shorter than the 181.3-inch Saturn Vue.
The Nitro, based on the Jeep Liberty, features Dodge's distinctive crosshair grille and comes in base, SLT and high-performance R/T versions. All come with a standard electronic stability system with rollover mitigation.
Exterior
Stylists apparently were aiming at a burly image for this SUV, as the wheels, grille, hood and even door handles appear almost one size too large for the rest of the body. Sharp, angular lines give the vehicle a muscular, chiseled look. A high beltline makes the greenhouse area seem smaller than on other SUVs, a feature fans of the Dodge Magnum might find to their liking.
The Nitro, which has a 108.8-inch wheelbase, rides on 16-inch wheels, with 17-inchers optional. The Nitro R/T comes with 20-inch wheels, which are an option on the SLT trim level.
Interior
The Nitro's seats are billed as supportive and firm — a feature Dodge says makes them more comfortable on long trips. Cloth or leather seat upholstery is available, depending on the trim level. The Nitro seats five in two rows, and brushed-metal-look accents are used on the gearshift, door handles, climate controls and center console.
Both the front passenger seat and backseat fold flat for storage. On the Nitro SLT and R/T, a sliding cargo floor is standard to aid in loading packages.
Options include a navigation system with real-time traffic update, a backseat DVD video system, a six-CD changer and remote start.
Under the Hood
Dodge offers a choice of engines and transmissions on the Nitro. The base model carries a 210-horsepower, 3.7-liter V-6. That engine offers a choice of six-speed-manual or four-speed-automatic transmissions and produces 235 pounds-feet of torque. The R/T model comes with a 260-hp, 4.0-liter V-6 and a five-speed-automatic transmission; it produces 265 pounds-feet of torque. A part-time four-wheel-drive system is standard with the manual transmissions; full-time all-wheel drive is standard on automatic models.
The suspension is a new independent design up front and a new five-link, solid-axle rear arrangement. Dodge says it's tuned to provide a level ride when loaded or towing. As a performance driver would expect, the R/T version features firmer springs, shocks and other items to improve its cornering and traction.
Safety
Four-wheel antilock brakes are standard. The Nitro adds a traction control system that applies those brakes to wheels that slip during acceleration to get them grabbing the road again. An electronic stability system with rollover mitigation is also standard, as are side curtain-type airbags. Front side-impact airbags are not available.
Additional Reviews
Cars.com Expert Reviews
| Mike Hanley | Cars.com National | November 16, 2006 |
| Bill Jackson | Cars.com National | February 23, 2006 |
Affiliate Reviews
| Sara Lacey | Mother Proof | September 25, 2007 |
| Steven Cole Smith | Orlando Sentinel | July 29, 2007 |
| Mark Glover | The Sacramento Bee | March 2, 2007 |
| Warren Brown | washingtonpost.com | February 18, 2007 |
| Jim Mateja | chicagotribune.com | December 24, 2006 |
| Anita Lienert | The Detroit Newspapers | October 4, 2006 |
| G. Chambers Williams III | Star-Telegram.com | October 4, 2006 |
| Emily Hansen | Mother Proof | September 13, 2006 |
People Who Viewed This Car Also Viewed
Closest Dealers Listing this Car
Featured Services for the Dodge Nitro
- Sell your current car quickly and easily on Cars.com.
