Though essentially a carryover from ’08, the Dodge Nitro for 2009 receives several updates that indicate Dodge listens to its customers. Floor mats, a rear dome lamp, an automatic transmission, and auto unlock when exiting are all standard for ’09. A re-tuned suspension for better handing also addresses a common complaint from owners of the ’08 Nitro. A re-tuned muffler for the 4.0-liter V6, a heavy-duty trailer tow package, and a slew of new option packages are also offered for ’09.

The Nitro arrives in six trims for 2009 - SE, SLT, and R/T, each in rear-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive configuration. The base SE replaces the SXT for ‘09, and the R/T is a brand-new trim that comes with a standard 4.0-liter V6 and a 5-speed overdrive transmission.

The 2009 SE features a 3.7-liter, 210-hp V6 and 4-speed automatic that get an EPA estimated 16/22 mpg in rear-wheel-drive trim and 15/21 in the four-wheel drive. Four-wheel power disc brakes with ABS, 16-inch wheels, a tilt steering wheel, power windows, locks, and mirrors, air-conditioning, Sirius satellite radio, and a voluminous 62 cubic feet of cargo space also come standard.

The SLT in rear-wheel or four-wheel drive for 2009 features the same 3.7-liter V6 and four-speed automatic transmission, speed control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, 17-inch wheels, a universal garage door opener, and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror.

The new Nitro R/T trim for 2009 is offered in rear- and four-wheel drive comes with a standard 4.0-liter V6 that, coupled with a 5-speed automatic, puts out 255 hp. The rear-wheel-drive R/T gets an EPA estimated 16/21 and the four-wheel drive 15/20. Heated exterior mirrors, 20-inch chrome-clad wheels, and some extra moldings distinguish this trim level.

Options for the ’09 Dodge Nitro include chrome accents, a power sunroof, the Mopar Uconnect web (in-vehicle wireless Internet connectivity), up-sized wheels for the SE and SLT, Parksense rear parking assist, MyGig and rear-seat DVD entertainment, the Load ‘N’ Go sliding cargo platform that was a hit with owners in ’08, upgraded leather trim, and, for the R/T, performance tires and a performance-tuned suspension. This does not mean, however that any of the Nitro four-wheel-drive trims should be taken off-road.

Safety features for the Nitro include four-wheel ABS, all-speed traction control, driver and front passenger multi-stage airbags and occupant classification system, Dodge's electronic stability program (ESP), and supplemental side airbags. The Nitro received five stars in both front and side impact tests from the NHTSA.

Most owner complaints of poor handling and the lack of some amenities in the ‘08 Nitro were taken care of for ‘09. Others complained of mediocre or worse gas mileage, less-than-stellar cabin materials, and uncomfortable seats. Almost all owners in ’08 praised the Nitro’s styling, roominess, entertainment systems, and the acceleration of the 4.0-liter V6.