2007 Dodge Nitro Exterior Review [ 2008 ]
Dodge Nitro Exterior Review
Exterior - 8.1 (Very Good)
Dodge has attempted to set the Nitro apart from the rest of the small SUV segment with its aggressive, muscular appearance, and reviewers approve. The Washington Post says the Nitro is "A work of chest-thumping, chest-bumping masculinity" and adds, "If I still had teenage daughters, I'd slam the door in the face of any suitor who drove up in this one. He wouldn't have to open his mouth. I'd know he was up to no good."
The Nitro is characterized by "pronounced wheel arches, abbreviated overhangs bordering a long wheelbase, squared-off corners and a bold, upright Dodge crosshair grille," says AutoWeek. Edmunds calls this "a unique look for this class, adding, "although the Nitro's high beltline and short glass area call to mind the Hummer family, while the faux vents in its front quarter panels are cribbed from Land Rover's Range Rover Sport."
Dodge has aimed unashamedly for a masculine image with the Nitro. According to the Detroit News, Chrysler Group Senior Manager of Product Design Dennis Myles opened the press conference introducing the vehicle by criticizing the rest of the small SUV field, saying "They look somewhat feminine -- and not in a good way." The Nitro is positioned as a response, and even reviewers who were inclined to dislike the vehicle on those grounds were won over by its appearance. "Despite my normal aversion to overly aggressive-looking SUVs, I'm fond of the Nitro's Tonka-tough appearance," says Cars.com.The Detroit News initially worried that the Nitro "teeters perilously close to being cartoonish with its bulging wheel flares and crosshair grille, as if it were drawn by some first-grader stoked up on Mountain Dew and M&Ms," but was eventually won over, saying, "I like the Nitro because it is unmistakable on the road, turns heads and has a safe, practical side, as well."
Exterior Trims
SXT
The Dodge Nitro is a five-door small SUV. It comes standard with a chrome grille, 16-inch wheels, black plastic molding, bumper and door handles.
SLT
The Nitro SLT is distinguished from the base SXT by its larger 17-inch wheels, and body-color bumpers.
R/T
The top-of-the-line Nitro R/T is distinguished by a body-color grille and moldings, and large 20-inch wheels.
