The Dodge Nitro returns in 2011 with three trim levels—the entry-level Heat, the midrange Detonator, and the upper-end Shock. All trims arrive with a standard rear-wheel-drive or available part-time, shift-on-the-fly four-wheel-drive system. Although the Nitro shares a platform with the Jeep Liberty, the Nitro, even with the four-wheel drive option, seems more suited to on-road driving. While both expert and owner reviews would prefer a low-range option for the four-wheel drive, as well as a higher ground clearance for better off-road abilities, alas, the Nitro does not deliver.
The 4WD Heat brings its engine forward from last year, with a standard 3.7-liter V6 that delivers 210 hp at 5,200 rpm and 235 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm, combined with a four-speed automatic transmission. Unimpressive fuel economy estimates present another issue for both reviewers and owners, with the 4WD Heat making 15 mpg city/21 highway. New for 2011, however, is a Heat 4.0 lifestyle package, which allows buyers to upgrade the engine to a 4.0-liter V6 with a 5-speed automatic (found in the Detonator and Shock trims, as well). The Heat 4.0 delivers more power (260 hp at 6,000 rpm and 265 lb-ft of torque at 4,200 rpm), as well as upgraded stereo and Bluetooth connectivity, but retains lackluster fuel economy: 16/21.
The Heat stands out, however, when it comes to hauling, with a maximum of 5,000 pounds with the available Trailer Tow Group of options. Rear cargo room is spacious, with 32.1 cubic feet available with the rear seats upright and almost 76 cubic feet of available space when the seats are folded flat in a 60/40 split.
The ride, on a performance-tuned short and long arm independent front suspension and solid-axle five-link rear suspension, receives mixed reviews, with some admiring the way the SUV absorbs the bumps, while others feel the ride is too rough. The Heat 4WD seats five with cushioned, cloth-covered seats that provide a comfortable ride in reclining rear seats. The driver and front passenger seating positions give a clear view out the front (although their rear view is impeded by bulky roof pillars). Front seats have manual 4-way adjustment.
Other interior features of the Nitro Heat 4WD include manual air conditioning, power windows and locks (with remote keyless entry), and a tilt-only steering wheel. The Heat’s standard stereo offering matches that of the upper trims, with a CD player, radio (and a 1-year trial subscription to Sirius satellite radio), MP3 playback capability with an audio jack, and 6 speakers. One upgrade is available at this trim level: a 6.5-inch touchscreen to play back DVDs and a 30GB hard drive to store up to 6,700 songs and album artwork. The interior quality, however, in both build and materials, repeatedly comes into question.
Standard safety features in the Heat include four-wheel antilock disc brakes with stability and traction control for the standard 20-inch wheels. The Nitro’s airbags at all trim levels include supplemental side-curtain airbags (front and rear) as well as multistage front airbags with an occupant classification system to monitor front passenger weight and adjust deployment force accordingly. The 2010 Nitro earned five stars from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration for front and side crash tests (it has not yet been tested using the new 2011 criteria), but only three stars for the NHTSA’s rollover test (given the 21.9% chance of rollover for the 4WD). The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety also gave the Nitro mixed scores for its crash tests: a Good rating for the frontal-offset and roof strength tests, but only Marginal for side impact tests.
The style of the Nitro is not for everyone. With an angular shape, boldly flared fenders, and crosshair billeted grille, the Nitro presents an aggressive profile. The exterior of the Heat 4WD comes with standard foglamps and tinted sunscreen glass in addition to power heated mirrors. Possible options to upgrade the exterior include a power sunroof, as well as the Chrome Accents Group, which adds chrome details to the door sills, fuel door, front fascia and tubular side steps.
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