2009 Dodge Nitro Review

The Dodge Nitro is a lot like a gladiator that time has not managed to change. While so many in this class of SUV get the vanilla aerodynamic swirl treatment to their exteriors, Dodge's ram moniker shows toughness by keeping Nitro's lines lean and edgy. This is an SUV that wears its emotions on its sleeve - and I like that.

F or the 2009 model year, the Dodge Nitro continues to offer a brawny, upright, in-your-face exterior with unique styling cues that separate it significantly from the rest of the competition.

While many manufacturers are tweaking the sheet metal on their SUVs to make them a bit more aerodynamic, Dodge has left Nitro's physique alone.

I like that. I also like Nitro's prominent fender flares, high beltline and aggressive crosshair grille. However, I don't like Nitro's outside door handles. They're borrowed from Nitro's Jeep cousin, the Liberty, and require pushing in with your thumb while pulling outward on the handle.

That's usually not a problem for me, but when trying to open the doors while my arms were full of packages proved to be a bit awkward and challenging.

Looking at Nitro, you'd be surprised to know that it's derived from a modified Jeep Liberty platform.

Although the Liberty is a true off-roader, the hunkered-down styling of the Nitro makes it better suited for on-road excursions.

The Nitro is the most awesome-looking SUV in its class and I especially like it in R/T trim that features a paint-to-match grille and 20-inch chrome clad wheels.

Slipping into Nitro's cabin is a bit of a disappointment for me. First, the front seats have narrow foot wells, especially on the driver's side. Also, there's an abundance of cheap-looking plastic.

Seating is upright and the seats are a tad on the firm side. However, Nitro is very versatile. Its front passenger seat can fold flat, as well as the 65/35 split rear seat. The rear seats also recline. There are four different lean angles and they can double as a bench for tailgating.

Also, there's an 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.

For 2009, there are three trim levels: SE, SLT, and R/T. Dodge has dropped the SXT trim. All of the trims can be ordered as rear-drive or four-wheel drive.

The SE and SLT feature a 210-horsepower 3.7-liter V-6 engine mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission. The R/T comes standard with a larger and more powerful 260-horsepower 4.0-liter V-6 engine mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission. The 6-speed manual transmission is no longer offered in Nitro.

My Nitro tester was a SE with four-wheel drive. The 3.7-liter V-6 engine in my tester was good enough when traveling by myself. But when loaded down with four adults and their gear, my Nitro SE 4x4 labored when trying to pass slower vehicles on the highway.

The fuel economy rating for my 2009 Dodge Nitro SE 4x4 was 15 mpg city and 21 mpg highway and my Nitro tester seemed to like gasoline more than I did. I swear I could see the gauge moving towards "E" as I was driving.

On the plus side, Nitro's ride is pleasingly comfortable and quiet for this class. All Nitro's include standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and four-wheel drive models further improve foul-weather traction. By the way, the Nitro can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.

2009 Dodge Nitro SE 4x4

Engine: 3.7-liter (210 hp) V-6

Transmission: 4-speed automatic

Drive Type: 4WD

Fuel Economy: 15 city/21 highway

Base Price: $23,100

As Tested: $25,100 (including $695 for destination)

Website: www.dodge.com