2008 Dodge Nitro
by Rebecca Antioco- 01/08

Nitro looks great, but not best

(Since this vehicle is virtually unchanged from our review of the 2007 model, it has been updated to include the changes for 2008)

Nitro.  No, it’s not a Transformer or an American Gladiator, it’s the new small SUV from Dodge, who has traditionally been a small player in the popular SUV segment, with the Durango its only offering until now.  Unlike many of the small “SUVs” cruising the highways, Nitro is true truck-based SUV, not a car-based crossover vehicle, and shares a chassis with the Jeep Liberty.

Nitro’s exterior styling lives up to its aggressive, burly–sounding name.  It has a muscular, boxy shape with huge front and rear fender flares adding to its imposing look.  It’s Hummer-esque, but also vaguely reminiscent of a ‘90s-era Jeep Cherokee.  Love it or hate it, you can’t argue with the fact that it makes a statement, particularly when you opt for the so-bright-you-have-to-avert-your-eyes red or blue paint job ($225).  For 2008 three new exterior colors have been added to the Nitro palette:  Brilliant black pearl coat, light graystone pearl coat, and modern blue pearl coat.

Inside, the look is austere, with brushed-metal accents on the console and door handles doing little to dress it up.  Seats are relatively comfortable, but are manually adjusted on the base model.  Nitro seats five comfortably in two rows of seats, but finding the LATCH anchors for installing a child-safety seat is a bit of a challenge.

The Nitro is available in three trim levels – SXT, SLT and R/T – each available as either rear-wheel or four-wheel drive.  The first two models come with a standard 3.7-liter V-6 engine that puts out 210 horsepower.  The R/T is equipped with a 4.0-liter 260-horsepower V-6.  Standard transmission is a six-speed manual on the SXT, a four-speed automatic on the SLT and a five-speed automatic on the R/T.  The base SXT is moderately equipped with niceties like power windows, door locks and mirrors, but you’ll have to upgrade to the SLT to have access to some of the Nitro’s hipper and more distinguishing features.

Of particular note among those options is the MyGIG navigation and entertainment system ($1545).  In addition to the direct iPod plug-in capability, MyGIG features a 20 gigabyte hard drive that can store your music and images (which are displayed on the 6.5-inch color touch screen).  Load your tunes and pics from a disc or via a USB flash drive and you can leave the CDs and iPod at home.  MyGIG also includes GPS navigation with two-or three-dimensional views and Sirius satellite radio.  A rear-seat entertainment system is also available for an additional $1300.  With it, you can plug in your kid’s Xbox 360 or other video game system of choice for entertainment on long road trips.

New for 2008 are the Premium Sound Package ($945), a six-disc CD/AM/FM radio, and six premium speakers with subwoofer.  There’s also a new Convenience Group ($1345) that includes remote start, ParkSense rear parking assist system, a Travel Group option ($820) with trailer tow, security alarm and a full-size spare tire. Dodge has added two-tone seats with a choice of Inferno Red, Electric Blue or Sunburst Orange seat inserts on the R/T model.

With the seats up, storage capacity is around 32 cubic feet, smaller than competitors Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V.  But with the seats folded flat, cargo space increases to a class-leading 75.6 cubic feet.  Also standard on SLT and above (but not on the base SXT) is the Load ‘N Go cargo floor, which slides out 18 inches and can hold up to 400 pounds for ease of loading.  There are also bins under the floor for additional storage.  If you need to haul gear in a trailer, the Nitro has a standard towing capacity of 2000 lbs., but can be equipped to tow up to 5000 lbs.  Impressive for a small SUV.

On the road is where Nitro’s shortcomings become evident.  To say that the ride is firm puts it mildly.  Every minor bump in the road sends you tossing around like a bobble-head doll.  One reviewer wondered if she could request Styrofoam packing peanuts for cushioning when driving around in this box.  The brake pedal has a spongy feel, which does not inspire confidence when making a sudden stop.  In reality, the Nitro’s braking distance is short, but the perception is disconcerting.  Additionally, the Nitro gives you a wandering feeling, and not in a good way.  I felt like I had to be on constant alert to prevent it from drifting during highway driving.

Safety wise, the Nitro scored the highest five stars in front and side impact tests by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.  It didn’t fare quite as well in rollover tests, however, earning a middling three stars, even with standard electronic stability control.  Standard safety features also include traction control and anti-lock brakes, advanced multi-stage front airbags and supplemental side airbags.

Nitro will appeal to those looking for a small, but tough SUV with some cool tech features and aggressive styling.  Still, I think it will remain a niche vehicle rather than proliferating the roadways like some of the more refined competition.

 

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