Dodge Nitro: Dodge’s compact SUV of 2007-2012

The Dodge Nitro is a compact SUV that Dodge built for the 2007 to 2012 model years in a single generation. It was a close variant of the second-generation Jeep Liberty, with which it shared its composite unitised construction and full-length frame rails.

Dodge Nitro at a glance

Based on one source: the English Wikipedia article on the Dodge Nitro.

History of the Dodge Nitro

The Nitro debuted in February 2005 at the Chicago Auto Show as a concept with aluminium-trimmed vents, door handles and rear hatch, and an interior with the centre stack and shifter in satin silver. Production began in August 2006 alongside the Jeep Liberty at the Toledo North plant in Ohio, and sales started in September 2006 for the 2007 model year with rear-wheel drive or optional part-time four-wheel drive. It was offered only as a four-door and built in both left- and right-hand drive for global markets, with about 200,000 made before production ended in December 2011.

The Nitro was Dodge’s first compact SUV since the Raider was discontinued in 1990, and the first modern Dodge sold in Europe, where it was the brand’s only SUV until the Dodge Journey arrived for 2009. It shared mechanicals and much bodywork with the Liberty but used a slightly longer wheelbase, with the extra length split between the rear seat and the cargo area. At launch it had a class-leading 5,000 lb towing capacity, and standard equipment included electronic roll mitigation, traction control, side curtain airbags and a sliding cargo floor called Load ‘N Go that moved out of the cargo area by 18 inches to ease loading.

For 2007 there were two- and four-wheel-drive versions with a choice of 3.7-litre or 4.0-litre V6 engines and SXT, SLT and R/T trims. Seats could be cloth, stain-repellent cloth or perforated leather, and standard safety equipment included front and rear side airbags, side curtain airbags, an electronic stability programme with traction control and brake assist, electronic roll mitigation and a tyre-pressure monitor. A four-cylinder version was sold only in Europe.

For 2008 the Nitro came in 4×2 and 4×4 form in SXT and SLT trims with the 210 hp 3.7-litre V6, the SXT with a six-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic and the SLT with the automatic; the optional R/T package added the 260 hp 4.0-litre V6 and a five-speed automatic. For 2009 the SE replaced the SXT, and for 2010 three new trims appeared: Heat with the 3.7 V6, and Detonator and Shock with the 260 hp engine, the latter adding heated leather seats and a sunroof. The Load ‘N Go floor was dropped for 2010. For 2011 the range continued with a new Heat 4.0 package with a five-speed automatic, Uconnect Phone and an eight-speaker sound system, and the Detonator and Shock were given Dodge’s racing stripes.

Design and features

• Liberty base: shared mechanicals and bodywork with the Jeep Liberty on a slightly longer wheelbase.
• Load ‘N Go: a cargo floor that slid out 18 inches for easier loading.
• 5,000 lb towing: class-leading capacity when the Nitro was launched.
• Two V6s: a 210 hp 3.7 and a 260 hp 4.0-litre engine.

Dodge Nitro versions

• SXT and SLT (2007-2008): the original trims with the 3.7 V6.
• R/T: the 4.0-litre V6 version with a five-speed automatic.
• SE (2009): the replacement for the SXT.
• Heat, Detonator and Shock (2010-2011): the later trim line-up.

The Nitro shared its platform with the Jeep Liberty and sat below the Dodge Durango, while it was later joined by the Dodge Journey as a smaller crossover. More Dodge models are in the Dodge collection.

Sources

• Dodge Nitro, English Wikipedia: production, platform, trims, engines