2007 Dodge Nitro Preview

There are more edges on the 2007 Dodge Nitro than on an eight-sided table. And probably more ways to use the Nitro, too, if only because seating around a table like that may be uncomfortable, and the Nitro should offer a better ride than the Liberty on which the Nitro is built. Introduced at the 2006 Chicago Auto Show, the Nitro promises to make things interesting – dare we say, edgy – in the ever-expanding waistline of the small SUV segment, and will battle a growing list of tough and bigger contenders in the space. The Nitro will have looks going for it, in spades, so it should compete just fine as long as you like that famously aggressive Dodge look. Scheduled to go on sale late in 2006 as a 2007 model, the Nitro is based on the Jeep Liberty.

What it is

Three 2007 Dodge Nitro models will be available: the Dodge Nitro, the Dodge Nitro SLT, and the Dodge Nitro R/T. Nitro and SLT buyers get a 3.7-liter, V6 engine that delivers 210 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 235 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm. Nitro R/T buyers will get the added grunt and displacement of a 4.0-liter V6 making 255 horsepower at 5,800 rpm, and 275 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm. One manual and two automatic transmissions will be offered; the base Nitro will come standard with a six-speed manual, the Nitro SLT is fitted with a four-speed automatic, and the Nitro R/T will feature a five-speed automatic. This menu of powertrains will drive an SUV that weighs slightly more than 4,000 lbs. and is built with an independent front and solid axle rear suspension, and a full-time 4WD system.

Why it matters

As yet a new member of an already crowded class, the Nitro brings Dodge style and innovation to the small SUV segment. With automakers building SUVs of this size with more aggressive looks, in part to attract more male buyers, the Dodge should do quite well – as long as it delivers what so many people are looking for from this type of vehicle: good fuel economy, power enough to tow two dirt bikes and a quality, spacious interior. Dodge, with the Nitro, has the look – we’ll see if it also has the goods to go along with it.

What’s under the hood

Two engines are offered with the Nitro: a 3.7-liter V6 engine for the Nitro and Nitro SLT that makes 210 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 235 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm, and a 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 255 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 275 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm for the Nitro R/T. One manual and two automatic transmissions will be offered; the base Nitro will come standard with a six-speed manual, the Nitro SLT is fitted with a four-speed automatic, and the Nitro R/T will feature a five-speed automatic. Manual transmissions come with a part-time four-wheel-drive system, and full-time all-wheel-drive is offered with automatic transmissions. Suspension design is a front independent/solid rear configuration, with what Dodge says is a sport-tuned setup in the R/T model. Braking comes courtesy of four-wheel antilock brakes, with traction control and DaimlerChrysler’s Electronic Stability Program (ESP) keeping the Nitro stable. Side curtain airbags are also standard.

What’s inside

Inside, the Dodge Nitro’s feel is utilitarian, with strong plastics, fabrics and brushed metal accents throughout. The Nitro’s layout is one of simplicity and function. Innovations inside the 2007 Dodge Nitro include a “Load n’ Go” cargo floor, which is essentially a sliding floor that moves out to just beyond the rear bumper for easier loading and unloading. Seats feel comfortable and firm, and you have a choice between vinyl, cloth or leather material, depending on the model you choose. A two-row SUV, the Nitro seats five, and the front passenger seat and backseat fold flat for cargo.

What it looks like

Designers at Dodge have carried over the corporate grille, lines and stance throughout the lineup, and have done an especially nice job with the Nitro. The SUV has a strong roofline, flared fenders and a front end that ends like a cliff, right into the familiar Dodge grille. In red, black, or another bold color, the Nitro will look great – but maybe a little odd in softer tones. Right off the bat, it’s better looking than the majority of small suvs on the market, and that should at least get some attention from car shoppers. Add to that bold look some nice, 17-inch wheels (or 20-inchers on the R/T or SLT), and you’ve got yourself a Macho Man SUV.

What we think

So this is what a small SUV would like if Dodge built one. From grille to rear fascia, it turns out that the look of the Ram makes a pretty nice SUV, too – we think much nicer than the too long Dodge Durango, though the recent redesign significantly improve the style of Dodge’s large SUV. With the introduction of the Nitro, and the Caliber, Dodge has filled some gaping holes in its lineup with strong contenders. Dodge and its smash-mouth styling will likely find a receptive audience, as long as fuel mileage is good and the price is competitive.

When you can buy it

Pricing for the 2007 Dodge Nitro has not been announced, but speculation lands the Nitro anywhere between $22,000 for the base model to $32,000 for the top R/T trim. Whatever the price, the Nitro will go on sale in the fall of 2006.

Key specifications

Engine Size and Type: 3.5-liter V6 (Base; SLT); 4.0-liter V6 (R/T) Engine Horsepower: 210 at 5,200 rpm (3.5L); 255 at 5,800 rpm (4.0L) Engine Torque: 235 lb.-ft at 4,000 rpm (3.5L); 275 lb.-ft. at 4,000 rpm (4.0L) Transmission: Six-speed manual (Base); Four-speed automatic (SLT); Five-speed automatic (R/T) Curb Weight: 3,932 - 4,151 lbs. (est.) Length: 178.9 inches Width: 73.1 inches Wheelbase: 108.8 inches Height: 69.9 inches Max. Seating Capacity: Five Max. Cargo Volume: 66.9 cu.-ft. Max. Towing Capacity: 2,000 - 5,000 lbs. Competitors: Acura RDX, Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Hummer H3, Hyundai Santa Fe, Jeep Compass, Jeep Liberty, Jeep Patriot, Kia Sorento, Mazda CX-7, Mazda Tribute, Mercury Mariner, Mitsubishi Endeavor, Nissan Murano, Nissan Xterra, Pontiac Torrent, Saturn Vue, Subaru Outback, Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota FJ Cruiser, Toyota RAV4.

Photos courtesy of DaimlerChrysler