2009 Dodge Nitro Review Summary & Specs
SE Sport Utility
Midsize SUV with bold styling.
Summary & Specs
reviewed by
The Nitro has all the Dodge character. It feels bigger than its size, thanks to a high beltline, high seating position, and much glass at the rear corners. The R/T used to cost $3200 more than the SLT, but for 2009 Dodge has leveled the prices, which makes the R/T the superior value. Mechanically, the SE and SLT models are hindered by the 3.7-liter engine and four-speed automatic transmission. The R/T has a more powerful and smoother 4.0-liter engine, which gets about the same gas mileage at the 3.7, along with a good five-speed automatic transmission. It also has a more comfortable ride. If you're going to opt for a Nitro, go for the R/T.
NewCarTestDrive.com correspondent Sam Moses filed this report from San Diego, California, with Kirk Bell reporting from Chicago.
Specs
| Vehicle Category |
Sport Utility Vehicles |
| Editor |
New Car Test Drive |
| Model Lineup |
Dodge Nitro SE 2WD ($22,240), SE 4WD ($23,900); SLT 2WD ($24,560), SLT AWD ($26,220); R/T 2WD ($24,560); R/T AWD ($26,220) |
| Engines (standard) |
4.0-liter sohc V6 |
| Transmissions (standard) |
5-speed automatic |
| Engines (optional) |
210-hp 3.7-liter V6; 260-hp 4.0-liter V6 |
| Transmissions (optional) |
6-speed manual; 4-speed automatic; 5-speed automatic |
| Safety Equipment (standard) |
multi-stage frontal airbags, head-protecting curtain side airbags; anti-lock disc brakes with brake assist, electronic stability program with traction control and electronic roll mitigation, child seat anchor system, tire-pressure monitor |
| Safety Equipment (optional) |
rear obstacle detection |
| Basic Warranty |
3 years/50,000 miles |
| Assembled In |
Toledo, Ohio |
| Manufacturer Phone |
800-4ADODGE |
| Manufacturer URL |
www.dodge.com |
| Base Price MSRP |
$22,240 |
Specs as Tested
| Model Tested MSRP |
Dodge Nitro R/T 4WD ($26,220) |
| Standard Equipment |
YES Essentials cloth upholstery, air conditioning, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, six-way power adjustable driver's seat, remote keyless entry with power windows and door locks, heated power exterior mirrors, 115-volt power outlet, flat folding front passenger seat, 60/40 folding rear bench seat, AM/FM/CD with MP3 and six speakers, Sirius satellite radio, auxiliary input jack, tilt steering column, theft-deterrent system, rear window washer/wiper, roof rails, vehicle information center, auto-dimming rearview mirror, universal garage door opener, Load 'n Go cargo storage system with tie-down rails, overhead console, cruise control, compass; tinted windows, sport suspension, fog lights, P245/50R20 Goodyear Eagle tires on chromed aluminum wheels |
| Options as Tested (MSRP) |
Travel Convenience Group ($820) with an alarm, heavy-duty engine cooling, a Class III trailer hitch receiver, a wiring harness and a full-size spare tire; power sunroof ($895); Convenience group ($1,345) with rear obstacle detection, auto-dimming rearview mirror, UConnect wireless cell phone link, remote engine starting, eight speakers and subwoofer; Premium Sound group with AM/FM/6 CD/DVD/MP3 stereo ($350) |
| Destination Charge |
745 |
| Gas Guzzler Tax |
|
| Price as Tested |
$30,375 |
| Layout |
rear-wheel drive |
| Horse Power |
260 @ 6000 |
| Torque |
265 @ 4200 |
| Fuel Economy |
16/21 |
| Wheelbase |
108.8 |
| Length/Width/Height |
178.9/73.1/69.9 |
| Track Front/Rear |
|
| Turning Radius |
36.3 |
| Seating Capacity |
5 |
| Front Head/Hip/Leg room |
40.6/56.8/40.8 |
| Middle Head/Hip/Leg room |
|
| Rear Head/Hip/Leg room |
40.8/47.4/37.7 |
| Trunk Volume |
75.6 |
| Payload |
|
| Towing Capacity |
5000 |
| Front Suspension |
independent, upper and lower A arms, coil springs, shocks and stabilizer bar |
| Rear Suspension |
live axle with upper and lower trailing arms, track bar, coil springs, stabilizer bar and shocks |
| Ground Clearance |
7.3 |
| Curb Weight |
4204 |
| Stock Tires |
P245/50R20 |
| Brakes Front/Rear |
disc/disc with ABS and brake assist |
| Fuel Capacity |
19.5 |