Nitro a sibling to Liberty

The Dodge Nitro is an all new mid-size sports utility vehicle. Right from the introduction of the full-size Durango in 1998, there was talk about a smaller SUV from the Dodge group. Nitro is 22 inches shorter than Durango. It comes in three trims, an SXT, an SLT, and an R/T. A 210 hp 3.7-liter V6 is standard on SLT and SXT.

Nitro is the first non-Jeep vehicle to use a Jeep platform. It is a pure SUV based on the softer-looking Jeep Liberty. The styling Nitro holds is powerful and functional with the large signature fender flares and solid stance.

The Dodge Nitro SXT, SLT, and R/T trims offer a choice of a two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. The 3.7-liter V6 engine produces 210 hp and 235 lb-ft of torque. The 4.0-liter V6 engine generates 260 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque. The available transmissions are 4-speed automatic transmission (AT), 5-speed AT, and 6-speed manual transmission (MT). The 4.0-liter V6 engine is available with a standard 5-speed automatic that is smoother than the 4-speed automatic.

The 4.0-liter engine is standard for the R/T. Both the engines are made out of light weight aluminum and ride a top speed of a 110 mph. The fuel economy ranges from 17 to 18 mpg in the city and 21 to 24 mpg on the highway depending on its engine and transmission.

The Dodge Nitro is a very squared-off vehicle, with exaggerated fender flares. The Nitro looks and feels larger than its actual size. Even if Dodge Nitro is small among the midsize SUVs, Nitro's boxy design provides acceptable space and an impressive cargo. Considering its looks and style Nitro stands best among its competitors in its rear seat arrangements and exterior styling.

The front fascia makes it apparent that Nitro is unmistakably a Dodge make due to its large crosshair grille that is a Dodge trademark. Even though Nitro shares a similar platform to Jeep Liberty, it does not imitate any of the Jeep’s styling or body.

The Dodge Nitro is available in seven colors, which are Black, Inferno Red Crystal Pearl, Stone White, Sunburst Orange Pearl, Electronic Blue Pearl, Bright Silver Metallic, and Light Khaki Metallic.

The interior design of the Nitro consists of a modern chrome and brushed silver accent. The SXT comes in basic cloth, but the cloth in the SLT and R/T is a YES Essential fabric. The optional perforated charcoal leather with red stitching in R/T is beautiful. The seats are bucket shaped. The front buckets are very comfortable and supportive, with excellent bolstering.

The Nitro is truly roomy, and feels more spacious than the Liberty. Front seats provide good side support in curves. Gauges can be easily read. However, in consideration of the competition, Nitro’s interiors require improvement. The interior facilities include fold-flat seating, reclining rear seating, power adjustable driver seat, Yes Essentials fabric seats, air conditioner, integrated cup-holders, power door locks, sun visors, power windows, and AM/FM radio with CD player, MP3, and speakers.

The Nitro offers optional packages that include features such as a power sunroof, an UConnect® communication system, a MyGIG multimedia infotainment system with SIRIUS radio, an Infinity® premium sound system with eight speakers, and heated mirrors.

With a balanced ride and handling, this new SUV is fully capable on off-beaten tracks. The Nitro boasts of an all-new independent front suspension plus an all-new five-link rear suspension that is better for off-road applications. These upgraded suspensions are meant to fulfill the Dodge’s statement ‘a consistent ride quality is maintained, even when loaded or towing a trailer’.

Comparing the transmissions, the five-speed automatic makes a world of difference in smoothness than the four-speed. At the same time the manual mode is also good in its kind.

The Nitro is equipped with an optional performance suspension upgrade for SLT and R/T models. A revised sway bar, springs, shocks, bushings, in addition to 20-inch tires and wheels are added to improve handling and enhance traction. The rack-and-pinion steering gives the driver precise control and positive feedback from the steering force exerted by the tires. However, the engines are slightly noisy.

As Dodge says there is safety in numbers. Dodge made a large number of upgrades on the safety front in 2007. For both front and side crash rating, the 2007 Dodge Nitro earned NHTSA’s highest government rating, a five-star. The safety devices that Nitro consists of are top of the line with standard features that include an advanced multistage driver and front passenger airbags with occupant classification system, supplemental side head curtain airbags, 4-wheel ABS, electronic stability program, and pressure monitoring display.

A halogen fog lamp comes as optional in Nitro. Other optional safety features consist of a safety cage with multiple high-strength steel cross-members that provide solid passenger protection, a security alarm, and a 6-way power driver's seat.