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2011 Dodge Nitro Review - What the Auto Press Says

Car reviewers love the 2011 Dodge Nitro’s styling, but they find little else to like about the pugnacious little SUV.

Most affordable compact SUVs are starting to look alike – but not the 2011 Dodge Nitro. Instead of a sleek, rounded shape that helps negate wind resistance and improve fuel economy, the Nitro is as squared-off and broad-shouldered as a starting lineman. The 2011 Nitro also ups its manly credentials with best-in-class towing abilities and a line-up that only includes V6 engines. The Nitro doesn't offer fuel-sipping four-cylinders.

But, even in the male-dominated world of car reviewers, the testosterone-dripping Nitro wins few fans. Consumer Guide says the Dodge Nitro “works best as a style statement, trailing most crossovers for drivetrain refinement, rear-seat accommodations, and interior materials."

Buyers who prefer the Nitro’s in-your-face styling will probably find enough to like about the interior and performance to justify its purchase. But, if you’re looking for a comfortable and practical family SUV, the Nitro isn’t it.

Other SUVs to Consider

If you want to stand out with against-the-grain styling, there are plenty of other affordable compact SUVs besides the Dodge Nitro. The Honda Element has boxy styling, a lower starting price and better fuel economy than the Nitro.

If you need to tow and don’t mind blending in, the Ford Escape offers 3,500-pound towing capacity with the Class II Trailer Towing Package. It also has a lower starting price and slightly better fuel economy than the Nitro.

Details: Dodge Nitro

For 2011 the Dodge Nitro is little-changed, with the exception of trim names. The Nitro is available in Heat, Detonator, and Shock trims and twenty-inch wheels are now standard across the line. The Nitro shares much of its construction with the Jeep Liberty.  

• "The...Dodge Nitro R/T 4X4 shovels a good cabin tech package into a vehicle that delivers mediocre performance and economy." -- CNET
• "The [2011]Dodge Nitro has a macho name and a macho image, but that's about where its appeal ends. Just about any other compact crossover SUV would be a wiser purchase." -- Edmunds
• "So, yes, the Nitro is ultimately lacking a little refinement, and, yes, there are traces (especially in the droning V-6's lackluster throttle response) of warmed-over Liberty bits. But mostly, the Nitro's on-road personality is a fun one: purpose-oriented and happily trucklike but still entertaining when the road goes all twisty." -- Automobile Magazine
• "It turns out that the thing actually has something approaching character. For one thing, it is the first Dodge product I've driven in years that was absolutely flawless in the things that count -- fit, finish, interior design and comfort, and overall utility." -- Washington Post

Nitro Performance - 6.6 (Mediocre)

While reviewers like the Nitro’s best-in-class towing capacity, they complain about other aspects of its performance. Poor fuel economy and a rough ride keep many reviewers from recommending the 2011 Dodge Nitro. Read More

Nitro Exterior - 8.5 (Very Good)

The Dodge Nitro has squared-off, aggressive exterior styling. Most reviewers love the look and say the Nitro stands out in a sea of lookalike crossover SUVs. View Photos

Nitro Interior - 7.0 (Good)

The Dodge Nitro has an interior that most reviewers say is cleverly designed.  Cargo space is good, and there are some innovative features.  However, reviewers consistently complain about materials quality, which keeps the Nitro from having one of the better interiors in the class. Read More

Nitro Safety - 8.3 (Very Good)

Almost all of the safety features on the Dodge Nitro come as standard equipment. The Nitro hasn’t been crash tested yet, but the similar 2010 Nitro did well in most federal government crash tests.  However, the 2010 model fell short in insurance industry testing. Read More

Nitro Reliability - 3.0 of 5

The 2011 Dodge Nitro reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. Dodge offers a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty on the Nitro. Read More