The Nitro, which is related to the Jeep Liberty, features Dodge’s distinctive crosshair grille and comes in base Heat, midlevel Detonator and uplevel Shock trim levels. Nitro competitors include the Nissan Xterra and Suzuki Grand Vitara. It seats five in two rows of seats.
The 2011 Dodge Nitro gets new trim levels, new available exterior colors, standard 20-inch wheels for all models and the availability of the larger engine on the base model, among other changes.
Exterior
The Nitro’s designers were apparently aiming for 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. Exterior features include:
Standard 20-inch wheels
Standard body-colored bumpers
Standard heated mirrors
Optional sunroof
Interior
The Nitro seats five in two rows, and brushed-metal-looking plastic accents are used on the gearshift, door handles, climate controls and center console. The fold-flat rear bench is accompanied by a standard fold-flat front passenger seat. The second-row seats also recline for added passenger comfort. Interior features include:
Standard floormats and 12-volt power outlet
Optional leather-wrapped steering wheel
Optional hands-free communication system
Under the Hood
Dodge offers a choice of engines and transmissions on the Nitro. There are two V-6s and two automatic transmissions offered (a manual transmission is not available). The suspension has an independent design up front and a five-link, solid-axle rear arrangement. Mechanical features include:
Standard 210-horsepower, 3.7-liter V-6 with 235 pounds-feet of torque
Optional 260-hp, 4.0-liter V-6 with 265 pounds-feet of torque
Standard four-speed automatic transmission
Optional five-speed automatic transmission
Two- or four-wheel drive available on either engine
Trailer tow package with heavy-duty engine cooling, power-steering cooler, receiver hitch and connector, and full-size spare tire
Safety
Safety features include:
Standard multistage front airbags
Standard side curtain airbags
Standard antilock braking system
Standard electronic stability system with roll mitigation
Optional parking assist that consists of a sonar-based warning system with audible and visual alerts
