2009 Dodge Nitro Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$21,940 to $29,095

Original MSRP

--

expert review

4.3

avg user rating

(8 reviews)
2009 Dodge Nitro Preview summaryImage

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.

CarGurus Editorial Team
Published May 31, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
While we highlight specific author bylines where possible, sometimes our content results from the combined efforts of several members of the CarGurus editorial team. As with all our editorial content, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.

User reviews for 2009 Dodge Nitro

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User rating:
by Chris K
Apr 01, 2024
Nice rugged look, on a smaller SUV vehicle. If you want a smaller SUV this could be just what your looking for.Apr 01, 2024
by Anonymous
Nov 02, 2022
I am very satisfied with this vehicle so far. Easy to drive, comfortable and fun.Nov 02, 2022
by Anonymous
Oct 20, 2020
I love the truck it ride good as expected. I believe I got a good deal and is glad I found it.Oct 20, 2020

2009 Dodge Nitro Pricing

Original MSRP
$21,940 to $29,095
Price range
N/A
Average price on CG
N/A
YoY price change
N/A

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 4

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.9 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.4 · Rear brake width: 0.47 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front

Convenience Features

Ashtray: with lighter · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 115V · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 4

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.73

Engine

Alternator: 160 amps · Battery: 600 CCA · Oil cooler: heavy duty

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: black · Fender lip moldings: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome surround · Mirror color: black · Paint: pearl · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Rocker panel color: black · Running boards: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: lamp failure

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: manual folding

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Roof rack color: black · Sunroof: power glass

Safety

Child seat anchors: LATCH system

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat folding: folds flat · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Mount Location: underbody · Size: full-size

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 17.4 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.40

Suspension

Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: solid live axle · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: aluminum

Towing and Hauling

Trailer hitch: Class III · Trailer wiring: 4-pin

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: with washer · Tinted: windshield

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 4

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.9 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.4 · Rear brake width: 0.47 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front

Convenience Features

Ashtray: with lighter · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 4

Drivetrain

4WD Type: part time · Axle ratio: 3.73 · Transfer Case: electronic

Engine

Alternator: 160 amps · Battery: maintenance-free · Oil cooler: heavy duty

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: black · Fender lip moldings: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome surround · Mirror color: black · Paint: pearl · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Rocker panel color: black · Running boards: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Roof rack color: black · Sunroof: power glass

Safety

Child seat anchors: LATCH system

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat folding: folds flat · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Mount Location: underbody · Size: full-size

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 17.4 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.40

Suspension

Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: solid live axle · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Tires

Type: performance

Tires and Rims

Wheels: steel

Towing and Hauling

Trailer hitch: Class III · Trailer wiring: 4-pin

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: with washer · Tinted: windshield

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · 6 disc CD/DVD in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Sirius Satellite Radio · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 4

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.9 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.4 · Rear brake width: 0.47 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Dash trim: simulated alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Ashtray: with lighter · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: rear · Rear power outlet: 115V · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: sliding extending cargo floor · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Power adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.73

Engine

Alternator: 160 amps · Battery: maintenance-free · Oil cooler: heavy duty

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: black · Fender lip moldings: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: black · Paint: pearl · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Rocker panel color: black · Running boards: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: auto-dimming with microphone

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Roof rack color: black · Sunroof: power glass

Safety

Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Parking sensors: rear

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Passenger seat folding: folds flat · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather-trimmed

Spare Tire

Mount Location: underbody · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 17.4 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.40

Suspension

Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: solid live axle · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Shock type: performance · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Navigation system: touch screen display

Tires

Type: performance

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: aluminum

Towing and Hauling

Trailer hitch: Class III · Trailer wiring: 4-pin

Wheels

Width: 7.5

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: with washer · Tinted: windshield

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Sirius Satellite Radio · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 4

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.9 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.4 · Rear brake width: 0.47 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Dash trim: simulated alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Ashtray: with lighter · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: rear · Rear power outlet: 115V · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Power adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

4WD Type: part time · Axle ratio: 3.73 · Transfer Case: electronic

Engine

Alternator: 160 amps · Battery: 600 CCA · Oil cooler: heavy duty

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: black · Fender lip moldings: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome surround · Mirror color: black · Paint: pearl · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Rocker panel color: black · Running boards: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: manual folding · Inside rearview mirror: auto-dimming with microphone

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Roof rack color: black · Sunroof: power glass

Safety

Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Parking sensors: rear

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Passenger seat folding: folds flat · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: premium cloth

Spare Tire

Mount Location: underbody · Size: full-size

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 17.4 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.40

Suspension

Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: solid live axle · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Shock type: performance · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Navigation system: touch screen display

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: chrome aluminum

Towing and Hauling

Trailer hitch: Class III · Trailer wiring: 4-pin

Wheels

Width: 7.5

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: with washer · Tinted: windshield

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Sirius Satellite Radio · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 4

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.9 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.4 · Rear brake width: 0.47 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Dash trim: simulated alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Ashtray: with lighter · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: rear · Rear power outlet: 115V · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Power adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.55

Engine

Alternator: 160 amps · Battery: 600 CCA · Oil cooler: heavy duty

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: black · Fender lip moldings: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome accents · Mirror color: black · Paint: pearl · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Rocker panel color: body-color · Running boards: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: manual folding · Inside rearview mirror: auto-dimming with microphone

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Roof rack color: black · Sunroof: power glass

Safety

Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Parking sensors: rear

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Passenger seat folding: folds flat · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather-trimmed

Spare Tire

Mount Location: underbody · Size: full-size

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 17.4 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.40

Suspension

Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: solid live axle · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Navigation system: touch screen display

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: chrome aluminum

Towing and Hauling

Trailer hitch: Class III · Trailer wiring: 4-pin

Wheels

Width: 7.5

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: with washer · Tinted: windshield

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · 6 disc CD/DVD in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Sirius Satellite Radio · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 4

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.9 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.4 · Rear brake width: 0.47 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Dash trim: simulated alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Ashtray: with lighter · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 115V · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Power adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

4WD Type: part time · Axle ratio: 3.55 · Transfer Case: electronic

Engine

Alternator: 160 amps · Battery: 600 CCA · Oil cooler: heavy duty

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: black · Fender lip moldings: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: body-color · Mirror color: black · Paint: pearl · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Rocker panel color: body-color · Running boards: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated · Inside rearview mirror: auto-dimming with microphone

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Roof rack color: black · Sunroof: power glass

Safety

Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Parking sensors: rear

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Passenger seat folding: folds flat · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Mount Location: underbody · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 17.4 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.40

Suspension

Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: solid live axle · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Navigation system: touch screen display

Tires

Type: performance

Tires and Rims

Wheels: chrome alloy

Towing and Hauling

Trailer hitch: Class III · Trailer wiring: 4-pin

Wheels

Width: 7.5

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: variable intermittent · Tinted: windshield

See all trims (6)