2007 Dodge Nitro Review

The Dodge Nitro was brand new for 2007, as it entered the compact sport utility vehicle market for Dodge, coming in between the larger Durango SUV and the smaller Caliber.  The Nitro is based on the Jeep Liberty and features Dodge's distinctive crosshair grille. All models come with a standard electronic stability system with rollover mitigation. The Nitro is a unibody design, but the non-independent rear suspension, standard rear-drive configuration and large-displacement 3.7-liter and 4.0-liter V6 engines all point to the platform's truck like roots.  The Nitro may be related to the Liberty, but it has a look that's all its own, with a high waistline, big wheels and aggressively flared fenders. There are many mid-size SUVs out there, and Dodge wanted the Nitro to be distinctive, in order to keep up its reputation for bold styling. The result is a very squared-off vehicle, with exaggerated fender flares. The 2007 Dodge Nitro comes as three models, each with a choice of two-wheel drive (2WD) or four-wheel drive (4WD).

Nitro Power and Drive

For power, the Nitro is available with two powertrains.  The base model gets a 210-horsepower, 3.7-liter V-6 and a choice of six-speed-manual or four-speed-automatic transmissions. The R/T model comes with a 260-hp, 4.0-liter V-6 and a five-speed-automatic transmission; it produces 265 pounds-feet of torque. A part-time four-wheel-drive system is standard with the manual transmissions; full-time all-wheel drive is standard on automatic models. Dodge says the 2007 Nitro's suspension is tuned to provide a level ride when loaded or towing. The R/T version features firmer springs, shocks and other items to improve its cornering and traction. The R/T may cost more, but it's worth it. It's better looking anyhow, with more of its trim in the same color as the body, and in the end it simply offers a higher level of basic performance by the engine, transmission and suspension.

 Design of the '07 Nitro

The Nitro is the first mid-size SUV from Dodge. It's built on the platform of the future Jeep Liberty, and feels bigger in size, thanks largely to a high beltline, high seating position, and more glass instead of sheetmetal at the rear corners. The Nitro design is full of sharp and angular lines, which give the vehicle a muscular, chiseled look. A high beltline makes the greenhouse area seem smaller than on other SUVs. The Nitro, which has a 108.8-inch wheelbase, rides on 16-inch wheels, with 17-inchers optional. The Nitro R/T comes with 20-inch wheels, which are an option on the SLT trim level. In silhouette, with its relatively upright windshield, very high beltline and rectangular windows, plus short front overhang, its shape is reminiscent of something like a '62 Dodge Power Wagon. But from the rear three-quarter angle, the lines around the rear glass are reminiscent of its bigger cousin, the Jeep Commander.

 Dodge Nitro Cabin

Inside the five person 2007 Nitro, cloth or leather seat upholstery is available, depending on the trim level. Brushed-metal-look accents are used on the gearshift, door handles, climate controls and center console. Both the front passenger seat and backseat fold flat for storage. On the Nitro SLT and R/T, a sliding cargo floor is standard to aid in loading packages. The Nitro features Load 'n' Go, a cargo storage system allowing seats to fold totally flat. The rear seats and front passenger seat fold totally flat in seconds; additionally, the cargo floor slides rearward out over the rear bumper, and can hold 400 pounds, making the loading of heavy objects much easier. Under half of the cargo floor there's a four-inch-deep compartment that can store things such as jumper cables and tools, or hide a laptop. The steering wheel is a handsome four-spoke, with a big center hub and thick spokes; the info center buttons are under your thumb on the big spokes. There are three big main instruments; they are good looking and especially legible, with the digital information still visible in the sun because the three pods are thoughtfully shrouded. Rearview visibility is very good, with just windows back there, no attempt at swoopy styling with sheetmetal. And again, because the front fenders have no rise or real shape, it's easy to see the front corners of the vehicle, making parking a relief compared to many vehicles this size.

 '07 Nitro Lineup

The SXT includes cloth upholstery, air conditioning, remote entry with power windows and door locks, 115-volt power outlet, flat folding front passenger seat, 60/40 folding rear bench seat, AM/FM/CD with MP3 and six speakers, tilt steering column, traction control and brake assist, slate-colored molded front and rear fascias and fender flares, folding power mirrors, rear window washer/wiper, and 16-inch steel wheels.

The SLT adds stain-resistant cloth seats, power six-way adjustable driver's seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, Load 'n Go cargo storage system wi th tie-down rails, overhead console, cruise control, heated mirrors, compass, auto-dimming rearview mirror, vehicle information instrumentation, tinted windows, body-colored front and rear fascias and fender flares, and 17-inch aluminum wheels.

The R/T comes with a sports suspension with 20-inch wheels and Goodyear Eagle tires. The R/T is equipped like the SLT, though it also has Sirius Satellite Radio.

Conclusions

Four-wheel antilock brakes are standard. The Nitro adds a traction control system that applies those brakes to wheels that slip during acceleration to get them grabbing the road again. An electronic stability system with rollover mitigation is also standard, as are side curtain-type airbags. Front side-impact airbags are not available. The Nitro competes with the BMW X3, Nissan Xterra and Saturn Vue. Of those, the Nitro offers the largest maximum cargo capacity - 75.6 cubic feet with folding seats in their lowered position. At 178.9 inches from bumper to bumper, the Nitro is on par with its competitors. Read a Dodge Nitro Road Test by Automotive.com for more research. The Nitro is a vehicle in the very crowded small SUV class that actually offers character. It's not easy to make an SUV look distinctive, and the Nitro tries very hard. Mechanically, the 3.7-liter engine and four-speed automatic transmission in the SXT and SLT could use a boost in power. The R/T's engine, a more powerful and smoother new 4.0-liter engine, gets about the same gas mileage at the 3.7, along with a good five-speed automatic transmission, performs great. It also has a more comfortable ride. For many, investing in the extra cost will be worth getting a more capable and better performing R/T model.