A carryover from 2010, 2011 sees few changes in the Dodge Nitro Shock 4WD, the high-end trim for this compact/midsize SUV. This year, the part-time four-wheel-drive Shock gets racing stripes on its hood and front fender, as well as standard 20-inch wheels and four new exterior color choices. The Shock distinguishes itself from the other trim levels with standard heated leather-trimmed seats and a power sunroof.
The Shock’s engine matches that of the Heat 4.0 and Detonator, with a 4.0-liter SOHC engine generating 260 hp at 6,000 rpm and 265 lb-ft of torque at 4,200 rpm. The part-time four-wheel-drive system offers shift-on-the-fly capability so drivers can engage the four-wheel drive system as needed. However, critics note that the lack of a low range limits the SUV’s true off-road ability, as does its 8 inches of ground clearance. The standard 5-speed automatic transmission is combined with hydraulic power-assisted steering (with a tilt, leather-wrapped steering wheel integrating cruise and audio controls). However, the handling of the vehicle leaves something to be desired, with the steering often called vague and unresponsive. Fuel economy, however, receives universally bad grades, with the Shock 4WD producing the same low numbers as its rear-wheel-drive cousin: 16 mpg city/21 highway.
The Shock 4WD does, however, please most consumers with its price and ability to tow up to 5,000 pounds with the available Trailer Tow group package. Seating five, the Shock’s strengths include interior passenger comfort with a quiet cabin, reclining rear seats and plenty of head- and legroom (although the rear seats’ low position may not provide the support that some passengers need). The front passenger seat folds flat to offer a front table-like surface, while the bench rear seat splits, folding flat to increase the rear cargo room from 32.1 cubic feet to an ample 75.6 cubic feet.
The exterior styling of the Shock 4WD may also be a selling feature for some, with deep-tint sunscreen windows, bold crosshair design on the front billeted grille, exaggerated rounded and flared fenders, integrated front foglamps and a boxy, squared rear. The Shock also includes a standard power sunroof controlled from an interior overhead console (which includes a standard universal remote). The available Chrome Accents Group can add extra pizzazz to the exterior with fascia detail, door sills, side steps and a fuel filler door in chrome.
Inside, the driver’s seat, while high enough to offer a view out the front, has a rear view blocked by substantial roof pillars. The Shock, however, comes with the standard ParkSense system to help compensate for blind spots by providing a visual and auditory alert for objects behind the SUV (although there is no backup camera).
Other standard technology in the Shock 4WD includes an electronic vehicle information display (for individual tire pressure information, among other data). The Shock trim includes standard power windows and locks (with remote keyless access), as well as manually controlled air conditioning and remote start. The Shock’s audio system matches the one found in all trim levels: a single-CD/radio with an auxiliary audio jack for remote MP3 players, Bluetooth for audio streaming, and a year’s trial subscription to Sirius satellite radio. The Shock does, however, include 8 Infinity speakers with a subwoofer. Upgrades can include a 6.5-inch touchscreen to control audio and DVD playback, as well as a 30GB hard disk drive for music and album artwork storage. A Garmin GPS navigation system is an additional option for this trim level. Despite the technology, both owners and experts note the interior has hard plastics and a cheap feel to it, as well as some fit and finish issues.
The Shock employs standard safety features available in the other Nitro trims: antilock disc brakes on all four wheels, traction and stability control, and multistage airbags in the front (monitored by a passenger occupant classification system). Side-curtain supplemental airbags are standard for both the front and rear of the Shock. Both the National Highway Safety Transportation Administration (which has only tested the 2010 Nitro by the NHSTA’s old standards), as well as the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety give the Nitro mixed results for crash tests. The NHTSA gives the 2010 Nitro five-stars for front and side crashes, but a lower rating (3 stars) for rollovers (given that the 4WD tested had a 21.9% chance of a rollover). The IIHS, on the other hand, gave the Nitro (for 2007-2011 models) its highest Good rating for frontal and roof strength tests, but a much lower Marginal for side impact tests.
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