2007 Dodge Nitro Review

PROS
Good ride/handling balance, Powerful engine, Attractive prices

CONS
Limited visibility, Narrow rear doors, Balky transmission

Form and Function Until this year, Dodge was at a serious disadvantage when competing for SUV buyers. For more than a decade, the near full-size Durango had been the brand's lone SUV. That changes for 2007 as Dodge adds the sporty-crossover Caliber and midsize Nitro. The Caliber is designed to appeal to value-conscious buyers looking for a versatile wagon, while Nitro is sized and aimed directly at the heart of the midsize SUV market.

Nitro shares chassis and engines with the 2008 Jeep Liberty. Both are evolutionary enhancements of the 2007 Jeep Liberty. Nitro has a 108.8-inch wheelbase and is nearly 180 inches long. It has five-passenger capacity with front bench seats and a split-folding three-place rear bench seat. A third-row seat is not available. Chief Nitro competitors include the Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Edge, Honda Pilot, Hyundai Santa Fe, Mazda CX-7, Nissan Murano, and Toyota Highlander.

Nitro is available in SXT, SLT and R/T trim levels. SXT and SLT models come with a 210-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 engine. R/T has a 260-horsepower 4.0-liter V6. SXT comes with either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. SLT comes standard with the four-speed automatic. R/T models come only with a five-speed automatic.

Nitro SXT and SLT can tow up to 3500 pounds. Nitro R/T can tow up to 5000 pounds.

Standard safety equipment includes antilock brakes, traction control, stability control, tire-pressure monitor, dual front airbags, and curtain side airbags. Side airbags and park assist are not available.

SXT comes standard with air conditioning, tilt steering wheel, center console, power mirrors, windows, and door locks, keyless entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player with digital media connection, theft-deterrent system, and roof rails. SLT adds to SXT leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, power driver seat, sliding cargo tray, rear privacy glass, fog lights, and alloy wheels.

R/T adds to SLT satellite radio, sport-tuned suspension, and chrome alloy wheels. Key options include leather upholstery, remote starting, rear-seat DVD entertainment system, navigation system with hard drive and Bluetooth cell-phone connection, and sunroof.

Nitro prices start at $19,225 and climb to $24,295. All models have a $660 destination charge.

Get up and Go
Nitro R/T's 4.0-liter V6 provides ample acceleration away from stoplights and good passing response. Dodge doesn't quote a 0-60 mph time for R/T but it's easily less than 7 seconds and that makes Nitro one of the quicker V6-powered midsize SUVs. The engine isn't the smoothest in the class, but is docile enough in gentile cruising.

The Nitro R/T's standard four-wheel drive can be left in rear- or all-wheel drive regardless of pavement type. However, it should be noted that there is no low range for rugged off-road driving.

As with most midsize SUVs, Nitro's fuel economy numbers aren't that great. The 17 mph EPA city rating is on par with other midsize SUVs, but the 22 mpg highway rating is a bit low. In real-world driving expect to average 18 mpg in daily commuting, perhaps as high as 20 mpg if your commute includes lots of highway driving. Dodge recommends 89-octane fuel for Nitro R/T and 87-octane fuel for SXT and SLT.

On the Road Nitro R/T rides like a typical SUV. That equates to a fair amount of impact absorption, but an equally bouncy ride. There's also some head toss (side-to-side bounding) when the road grows rough. The ride never grows tiresome--even on the more firmly spring R/T--but Nitro doesn't ride as smoothly as a typical midsize sedan.

Even though Nitro has rugged off-road looks it's really a soft-roader. The four-wheel-drive system doesn't have a low range and there's no off-road package. That said, the Nitro is fairly maneuverable and isn't overwhelmed when the road grows twisty. There is a fair amount of body lean in quick turns or sudden lane changes, but overall the Nitro handles the road better than most midsize SUVs.

Despite its boxy shape and squared-off lines, the Nitro's interior is surprisingly tranquil. There is very little wind rush at highway speeds and tire noise is low as long as the road isn't too coarse. Both engines are quiet in routine cruising. Sadly, they growl coarsely in hard acceleration.

Behind the Wheel
Nitro's interior is a model of simplicity. The driver faces large, easily legible gauges. The center stack features straightforward audio controls and simple climate controls. Materials aren't overly impressive, but build quality is good and the cabin is free from squeaks and rattles that are common in other SUVs.

Front seats are firm and narrow. Head room is OK for six footers, but anyone taller might want to skip the optional sunroof as it eats into available space. Leg room is also cramped by narrow foot wells and an intrusive driveline hump.

Visibility isn't great thanks to narrow windows, thick pillars, and large headrests. Park assist or a backup camera would be welcome options. Step up isn't daunting (and it shouldn't be considering the lack of a true four-wheel-drive system), but the rear door openings are narrow and the foot wells area sunken, forcing occupants to step up and then down when getting in or out.

Rear seats are surprisingly comfortable. Seat cushions are flat, but supportive and backrest angle adjusts. There's ample head and leg room for two large adults. Three will fit in a pinch, but the cabin's a little too narrow for long-haul three-abreast seating.

Interior storage is SUV typical with a large center console and generous front-door map pockets. A few more open bins might be nice for storing cell phones and the like.

Bottom Line Nitro places style over functionality. That said, it offers adequate room for four adults and a weekend's worth of gear, reasonable fuel economy, and plenty of creature comforts. In R/T form it's quick and fun to drive. Prices are attractive as well--a fully-equipped R/T will just tip $30,000. At that price Nitro is a bargain compared to most of its competition.

You can't get a V8 or a third row seat, so Nitro's appeal is limited to a certain group of buyers. If you are one of those buyers and you want to make a statement, Nitro is a wiser choice than the less user-friendly Hummer H3 or Toyota FJ Cruiser.