2011 Dodge Nitro Detonator 4WD Trim Overview

As in 2010, Dodge rolls out the Detonator as its midlevel Nitro trim. While this compact/midsize SUV is no doubt designed to touch off an explosive driving experience, the reality of the Detonator trim seems be less shock-and-awe inspiring than its name would have you believe.

The engine is a carryover from 2010—a 4.0-liter SOHC V6 delivering 260 hp at 6,000 rpm and 265 lb-ft of torque at 4,200 rpm. The engine’s fuel economy, however, is a major weakness, with 16 mpg city/21 highway (identical to that of the rear-wheel-drive Detonator). Its standard 5-speed automatic transmission and performance-tuned suspension receive tepid reviews, with undistinguished acceleration and power and unresponsive steering provided by the hydraulic power-assisted system.

Alas, most of the changes to the 2011 Detonator 4WD are minor aesthetic ones, with hood-to-fender racing stripes added as a standard feature, as well as 20-inch painted/polished wheels and four new colors. The styling of the Detonator, in fact, has been a love-it-or-leave-it proposition, with its bright colors, boxy shape and exaggerated fender flares. Combined with standard deep-tint sunscreen glass, an optional power sunroof and available chrome accent package, the Detonator 4WD tries hard to deliver attitude on wheels.

Despite its available part-time four-wheel drive, the Detonator 4WD remains a vehicle for on-road driving. While providing the ability to switch from rear-wheel to four-wheel drive while in motion (shift-on-the-fly), both experts and owners note the lack of a low range, which would increase the Detonator’s off-road capabilities. Others note that its 8.1-inch ground clearance is another hindrance to tackling rugged terrain in the vehicle. The Detonator does, however, haul a lot. With rear seats folded flat, you can pack in 75.6 cubic feet and, with the Trailer Tow Group of options, towing capacity increases to 5,000 pounds.

Safety features in the Detonator 4WD trim match those found at the other trim levels, including antilock disc brakes for all wheels, electronic stability and traction control, advanced multistage front airbags, and supplemental side-curtain airbags. An occupant classification system senses the front passenger’s weight and adjusts the deployment of that airbag accordingly. The Detonator trim level introduces a standard ParkSense system, which gives auditory and visual alerts for objects near the rear of the vehicle when traveling in reverse. Although the 2011 has not been tested, the federal National Highway Transportation Safety Administration gave the 2010 Nitro a perfect score for driver and passenger front crash protection, as well as for front and rear side crashes. The rollover test earned the Nitro only three stars, since the 4WD had a 21.9% chance of a rollover (slightly lower than the rear-wheel-drive's). The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety differed in its ratings, giving the Nitro a Good rating for front crashes and roof strength tests, but only Marginal for side impact crashes.

Inside, the Detonator seats five. Described as comfortable and quiet for passengers, the cloth seats are covered in dark gray fabric with a colored centered inset, coordinated with the exterior color of the vehicle. The Detonator offers 6-way power adjustment for the driver's seat, with the standard tilt, leather-wrapped steering wheel integrating audio controls. The rear, although designed for three, may be a tight squeeze for long trips. Head and legroom are spacious, however, and the rear seats recline for additional comfort, although their position low to the floor may be uncomfortable for some. The Detonator also provides a standard electronic vehicle information center (which includes information about individual tire pressure), remote start, a universal garage door opener, power windows and power locks with remote keyless entry. The stereo includes 8 Infinity speakers, Sirius satellite radio (with a one-year trial subscription), Uconnect with Voice command for hands-free phone use, and Bluetooth for streaming audio with compatible players. Additional music players can be plugged into an auxiliary audio jack. Available upgrades can add a hard disc drive for music storage, a touchscreen (6.5 inches), DVD playback and Garmin GPS for navigation.