The Dodge Nitro is Dodge’s recent foray into the small SUV market, possibly as an attempt at balancing rising gas costs against the benefits of a safer, more convenient transport vehicle. The Nitro has been gaining a lot of interest recently: Dodge’s ‘Nitroactive!’ branding has helped the firm bring the Nitro to a large audience, in particular the youth market. Dodge has tried to emphasize the ’sport’ aspect of the ’sport utility vehicle’ name, not to mention the large number of aftermarket accessories that are available for it (even though it’s still a new car).

Overview
Dodge hasn’t experimented with a compact SUV in quite a few years - their last car of this type was the Dodge Raider in 1990. That was over a decade ago, and we’ve seen some significant technological advances in that time (notably, traction control and antilock braking systems). The market offering is probably due for a refresh.

In contrast to many other North American SUVs, the Nitro has also been made available for sale in Europe. Interestingly, Dodge only released the diesel version in Europe (possibly to entice buyers with lower tax requirements).

Some think it’s a Jeep (and call it the Jeep Nitro) and others call it the Chrysler Nitro: that’s not surprising because, apart from the strategic corporate alliences of the parent manufacturer, the Dodge Nitro actually shares the same chassis layout as the Jeep Liberty.

Models and Versions
The Dodge Nitro comes in three versions: the RT, the SLT and the SXT. All three feature optional accessories such as fog lamps, tinted glass, in-cabin compass, cruise control, and others. Manual transmission is also an optional extra. Here’s some information about these model versions.

Dodge Nitro RT

Also written as “R/T”, this is the top of the line Nitro model. This version features an all wheel drive drivetrain. The all wheel drive doesn’t engage all the time, thereby reducing drivetrain stress and, best of all, reducing gas consumption. In the United States, this model retails for US$27,600. As with all top of the line models, you should be able to find discounts and dealer reductions because the manufacturer’s marginal cost of producing the top of the line model is not great. Individual dealerships should be able to negotiate on these prices.

Engine type: 4.0 Liter V6
Transmission: 5 Speed Automatic
Horsepower: 260hp @6000rpm
Additional features: 20″ chrome wheels, optional leather upholstery, four doors

Dodge Nitro SLT

The SLT is the mid-spec of the Nitro range (though, of course, it’s also predictably less expensive than the top of the line). To be honest, this is by far my favorite of the three versions. It has the color-matched sideskirts, so it looks more uniform than the SXT, but still has decent performance. This version is rear wheel drive as standard.

Engine type: 3.7 Liter V6
Transmission: 4 Speed Automatic
Horsepower: 210hp @5200rpm
Additional features: 17″ polished silver wheels (20″ chrome rims are optional), four doors

Dodge Nitro SXT

The SXT, despite having the best name of the three (every car name with an X in it is a hot name for sure: see Lancer Evo X, Mazda RX7, Honda NSX, Subaru WRX), is the lowest spec model. It has small 16″ wheels as standard but at the same time doesn’t cost as much as the other three. This version would cost you the least, but at the same time you still get the same engine performance. This version would be a good basis for additional aftermarket modification. With the number of cheap 20 - 22 inch rims available (for example, on eBay) the 16″ rims wouldn’t be a problem. Again, this version is rear wheel drive as standard.

Engine type: 3.7 Liter V6
Transmission: 4 Speed Automatic
Horsepower: 210hp @5200

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Mileage
Many SUV drivers are understandably concerned about gas consumption. Let’s face it, the SUV market doesn’t have the best reputation on the planet for environmental friendliness. They may be handy, but they’re not usually the greenest transportation on the planet. It’s also usually not easy to find accurate mpg figures because manufacturers like Dodge are always motivated to state better mileage and fuel consumption figures. Manufacturers determine their mile per gallon readings in ideal lab conditions and may involve more optimal road conditions than you would ordinarily see in day to day driving.

Fuel consumption of the Dodge Nitro is a concern. As a compact SUV, you’d expect it to have about average fuel consumption: not as thirsty as, say, a Cadillac Escalade, but then again it doesn’t have the same size or capacity either. Of course if gas mileage is not a concern for you then this will not be a problem.

The US Department of Energy lists the Nitro’s fuel economy at between 15 and 16 mpg for city driving, and between 20 and 22 mpg for highway driving. The official Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) figures are only around one mpg higher than these. There appears to be very little variation between the 2WD and the 4WD models. It also seems that if you prefer the 4.0 Liter V6, you won’t see noticeable fuel costs over the 3.7 Liter engine.

Dodge Nitro Reviews
Below is a selection of direct links to reviews for the Dodge Nitro. Please note, I am not affiliated with any of these sites.

• AutoSavant.net
• AutoExpress.co.uk
• Trucktrend.com (Dodge Nitro Concept)
• Epinions.com
• NCTD.com
• Edmunds.com review
• ConsumerGuideAuto.com
• Automotive.com
• Startech tuned Nitro at Jalopnik.com
• Owner reviews at Nitroforumz.com

Other Dodge Nitro Trivia

• The song used in the Nitro commercial was written specifically for the commercial itself.
• The Nitro commercial song is called “Planet” by Asche and Spencer. Some say it is a remake of “Freedom for the World”, originally by Paul Anka, but this is not the case.
• The commercial was designed and produced by BBDO Detroit