Last fall, the Dodge Division of DaimlerChrysler's Chrysler Group introduced its first-ever mid-size sport utility vehicle, the
2007 Dodge Nitro (great, memorable name) to join its full-size Dodge Durango SUV in the product lineup.
Three trim levels are offered: entry, SXT and SLT and up-level R/T. Drivers also get to choose from two-wheel, rear-wheel drive, full-time four-wheel drive or part-time four-wheel drive.
Dodge Nitro is based on a slightly stretched version of the compact Jeep Liberty sport utility. Both feature unibody construction found in passenger cars, although Nitro can handle an assortment of light-duty, off-road activities thanks to the available four-wheel drive.
The Chrysler Group has been an innovator in developing functional interiors. Minivans sport second-row Stow-'n-Go bucket seats that manually fold flat into the floor opening up more cargo room. Nitro's LOAD 'N GO cargo floor reflects that same out-of-the-box thinking. It's a sliding panel floor that pulls out from the cargo region a couple of feet and can hold 400 pounds of stuff, after which it slides back into place. It's available in SLT and R/T trims.
Exterior wise, Nitro sports five doors and opts for a tough, masculine look. It's a rather polarizing design; people like it, or they don't. Smooth curves make way for sharp angles in this tall-standing vehicle.
In this regard, it shares some family resemblance with several Jeep products, save for the bold cross hair front grille indicating it's first and foremost a 'Dodge' truck. Wheel arches add to the bold look. Large, easy-to-grab black door handles with large, circular thumb buttons are a great touch. I like the way the vehicle stands out from others in the mall parking lot.
The hatch door, hinged at the top, lifts from the bottom as one unit. The lower portion is flanked by tall, vertical tail lights.
Narrow side windows and a high belt line (a design used in the Dodge Magnum wagon and other recently introduced Chrysler products) add to the modern look. Large, square side-view mirrors provide good looks and an excellent visual of what's going on outside.
At 178.9 inches in overall length, Nitro is two inches shorter than the redesigned 2007 RAV4 (available with an optional third-row seat), which Toyota markets as a compact offering. The line between compact and mid-size SUV is more blurred than ever.
Nitro offers two six-cylinder powertrains. Standard in the up-level R/T is a 4.0-liter, single overhead cam V-6 (manufactured in Kenosha, Wis.) delivering 255 horsepower and mated to a standard five-speed automatic transmission. The SXT and SLT trims feature a 3.7-liter, single overhead cam V-6 boasting 210 horses and is teamed with a standard six-speed manual transmission; a four-speed automatic is optional. This summer, Dodge plans to introduce a diesel engine to Nitro in overseas markets.
Fuel mileage could be a bone of contention with local gas prices tickling $3 a gallon. Our R/T test vehicle with the 4.0-liter engine included estimated mileage of 17 mpg city and 24 highway, which is below some competitors. The 3.7-liter V-6 carries approximately the same estimations. The good-sized fuel tank holds 19.5 gallons of regular unleaded fuel.
Pricing starts at $19,885 (including $660 destination charge) for the lowest priced model, a two-wheel drive SXT; the 4 x 4 SXT checks in at $21,394. Our top-line R/T 4 x 4 topped out at $30,230 including such options as power moon roof ($850), upgraded sound system($550), remote starter ($225) and customer preferred package ($1,980).
Nitro seats five. No third-row is available. The vehicle's high stance opens up plenty of head room in any seat. Cloth bucket seats and manually-adjusting backrest were more soft and subtle than expected. A large parking brake handle and prominent gear shift knob were in between the front bucket seats.
Three circular, easy-to-grab dials controlled ventilation functions on the lower center dashboard. Plenty of small storage nooks abound for cell phones or spare change. The prominent instrument cluster has three independent, deep set gauges.
As with other Chrysler products, secondary volume and station preset controls are on the back of the steering wheel within easy finger control for added convenience. Large half-moon-shaped interior door handles have brushed aluminum accents. The glove box is smaller than expected.
Headlight controls are found on the turn signal stalk, while a right-side steering column stalk is home to front- and rear- wiper activation. Cruise control functions are utilized via a square appendage on the steering wheel.
The passenger-side front seat back folds flat onto the cushion while back seat cushions fold down with a 60/40 split for added storage space. Three adults can travel in back for short durations; for longer trips, it's a two-seat region. Back-seat riders must contend with a narrow entryway when the doors are swung open, but seats require a step-in not a step-up motion.
Nitro comes nicely equipped with many safety features standard including electronic stability control, electronic roll mitigation, traction control, brake assist, anti-lock brakes, driver and front-passenger air bags and side-curtain air bags. Other standard features include an AM/FM/compact disc/MP3 stereo and power-folding mirrors. Sirius satellite radio is optional as is a rear-seat DVD entertainment system.
Nitro is assembled at Chrysler Group's Toledo North Assembly Plant in Ohio. Most Chrysler Group vehicles are covered by 3-year/36,000 mile powertrain warranty in the 2007 model year.