2010 Dodge Nitro

The 2010 Dodge Nitro is a midsize sport utility vehicle (SUV) that is available in five trims levels: SE Sport Utility, SXT Sport Utility, Detonator Sport Utility, Heat Sport Utility, and Shock Sport Utility. The Nitro Heat, SE, and SXT trims are equipped with a 3.7-liter V-6 engine paired to a four-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive available. The Nitro Detonator and Shock trims are propelled by a 4.0-liter V-6 engine mated to a five-speed and offer a choice of rear- or four-wheel drive.

Sporting a traditional body-on-frame design with a live-axle suspension in the rear, the Dodge Nitro can tow 5,000 pounds with the trailer towing package and the weight distribution hitch. The Nitro's fuel efficiency is subpar in the 15 mpg city / 21 mpg highway range. The four-wheel drive is a restricted, part-time feature, offering only 2WD / 4WD locking modes. However, the Nitro does have plenty of headroom and cargo space: 33.1 ft of cargo space behind the back seat and 64.7 cubic feet when the seats are folded flat. While the Nitro offers a good safety system package, its crash test scores are only good to marginal.