With pronounced fenders, a low-slung stance, and an overall aggressive appearance, the Dodge Nitro is a compact SUV with attitude. Designed primarily for road use and cruising in style, the 5-passenger Nitro is anything but subtle.
For 2009, the Nitro gets an improved, stiffer rear axle to better handle adverse road conditions and an upgraded braking system that includes ABS, traction control and an antiskid Electronic Stability Program or ESP.
The base engine on the Nitro is a 3.7-liter V6 that puts out 210 horsepower and 235 pound feet of torque. An up-rated 4-liter V6 is available that puts out 255 horsepower and 275 pound feet of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels or available part-time 4-wheel drive through a 4-speed automatic on the smaller V6, and a 5-speed automatic on the lager of the two.
Fuel economy for the Nitro ranges from 16 miles per gallon city, up to 22 miles per gallon highway, depending upon powertrain choice.
The two-tone interior of our R/T test model boasts a wealth of versatility. The 60/40 split-fold rear seats give way to over 65 cubic feet of cargo space, while the Load&Go system, which is standard on the R/T model, adds a platform that slides 18-inches, gaining access to items farther within the cargo area.
The standard stereo is a AM/FM/CD/MP3 player with 4 speakers and an auxiliary port, while up-rated models get can opt for a subwoofer-backed 8-speaker system. This option package also includes a touch screen navigation system, USB port, and 30 gig hard drive.
Standard on the R/T and SRT models is HomeLink(r), which allows connection to Nitro of up to three remote devices in and around the home. With Homelink, drivers can operate home lighting, security systems or garage doors directly from the Nitro's cabin.
Standard safety features on the '09 Nitro include driver and front passenger multi-stage airbags, side-curtain airbags and energy absorbing crush zones, all helping it to earn Five-Star Government Front and Side-Impact crash test ratings.
Initial base MSRP for the 2009 Dodge Nitro is $22,240. A fully loaded R/T model will top out at just over $38,000. The Nitro is backed by an impressive unlimited powertrain warranty.
With an undeniably aggressive design, and bristling with features, the versatile 2009 Dodge Nitro backs up style with substance in an overall eye-catching package.