The Dodge Nitro makes the loudest statement in the mid-size SUV segment thanks to its brawny, in-your-face styling. Now in its second year of production, the Nitro tops my list in terms of best-dressed.
Nitro's wheels, which are pushed to the corners, are nicely accented by tastefully prominent fender flares. Nitro's high beltline reminds me of the popular Dodge Charger. And of course, up front, Nitro sports an impressive, masculine crosshair grille flanked by bold, rectangular headlamp assemblies.
Looking at the Dodge Nitro, it's difficult to tell that its platform comes from a modified version of the Jeep Liberty. The Liberty and Nitro look like they came from different worlds. The Liberty stands tall while Nitro looks hunkered down and ready to pounce.
The Nitro is obviously not Dodge's version of the Liberty. It's a totally different vehicle. The Liberty is a true off-roader while the Nitro is built for the street. There isn't anything on the road that looks like the Nitro, especially when ordered in R/T trim with 20-inch chrome-clad wheels.
I do have one complaint about an exterior feature. I don't care for the outside door handles (borrowed from Jeep). They require the user to push a button in with your thumb. I like handles that you just pull on, which is the natural motion to swing the door open.
Nitro's cabin has five seats, but nowhere near as much room as Dodge's full-size Durango SUV. Still, the interior is quite versatile thanks to a front passenger seat that folds flat, along with the folding 60/40 rear seats.
I also like the available sliding rear cargo floor, known as Load 'N Go. It handles up to 400 pounds and makes loading and unloading packages much easier.
A benefit of being low to the ground is Nitro's tailgate, which doesn't require a pull strap or step ladder to reach when closing.
Nitro buyers can opt for goodies like a navigation radio with a 20-gigabyte hard drive and rear entertainment system. Nitro also features a 115-volt and two 12-volt power outlets. New for 2008 is an optional rear park assist system.
But overall, the interior looks cheap as it features lots of plastic on the dash and doors. Also, the driver doesn't get as much legroom as the front seat passenger due to a high hump in the floor. The hump also limits legroom for the middle back seat passenger.
Powering Nitro is one of two V-6 engines. The Nitro SXT and SLT feature a 210-horsepower 3.7-liter V-6 while the R/T adds a 260-horsepower 4.0-liter V-6.
A six-speed manual transmission comes standard in the SXT. A four-speed automatic is optional in SXT and comes standard in SLT. And a five-speed automatic is teamed to the larger V-6 in the R/T.
Nitro models with 2WD power the rear wheels. The Dodge Nitro 4x4 features a part-time four-wheel-drive system. Two-wheel- and four-wheel-drive modes are electronically controlled by a switch in the center console, which can be selected at any time with the part-time four-wheel-drive system.
Four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock are standard on Nitro. So is Electronic Stability Program (ESP). And now for 2008, Dodge has added another standard feature; Trailer Sway Control.
My 2008 Dodge Nitro SXT 4x4 tester was powered by the smaller V-6. Power is still good enough for taking off from a stop and for passing at highway speeds.
Obviously those seeking more performance should step up to the R/T. I also found the ride to be comfortable and well-mannered. There was however a bit of road and engine noise inside the cabin while cruising at highway speeds.
I should point out that when properly equipped, the Nitro can tow up to 5,000 pounds. Overall, with a starting price of around $20K, the Dodge Nitro is a very attractive mid-size SUV.
2008 Dodge Nitro SXT 4x4 Engine: 3.7-liter (210 hp) V-6
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Drive type: 4WD
Fuel economy: 15 city/21 highway
Base price: $21,255
As tested: $24,265 (including $660 for destination)
Web site: www.dodge.com