MSRP: $22,240 - $26,220
Invoice: $20,941 - $24,622
MPG: 16 City / 22 Hwy
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U.S.News Scores

Overall:6.9
Performance:6.5
Exterior:8.6
Interior:7.0
Safety:7.5
Reliability:5.0
Research we analyzed for this review
Pros and Cons
  • Unique, aggressive styling
  • Class-leading towing capacity
  • Innovative interior features and options
  • Poor ride and handling for its class
  • Underpowered base engine
  • Low-grade interior materials

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Dodge Nitro - What the Auto Press Says

The Nitro ultimately can't match the value or performance of its competitors. However, check it out if you want a rugged SUV with aggressive styling, excellent towing capabilities and functional cargo space.

For 2009, the Dodge Nitro gets minor changes to improve performance. These include a standard automatic transmission, stiffer rear axles, a retuned suspension and brake revisions. "Introduced in 2007, this is Dodge's take on the Jeep Liberty compact SUV," says Car and Driver. "With a 5000-pound max towing capacity and enviable off-road capability, it trumps most other small utes in capability. An upgraded chassis and steering gear valve for 2009 address dynamic vagueness." Still, the Nitro falls short on interior materials quality and measures near the bottom of its class for fuel economy. For another rugged option, try the Nissan Xterra. If you're interested in the Nitro, check our great Chrysler deals.

The Nitro comes in three trims -- the base SXT, the SLT and the high-performance R/T -- in either rear- or four-wheel drive.

  • "The 2009 Dodge Nitro R/T 4X4 shovels a good cabin tech package into a vehicle that delivers mediocre performance and economy." -- CNET
  • "Nitro works best as a style statement, trailing SUVs such as the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander for power, drivetrain refinement, and rear-seat accommodations." -- Consumer Guide
  • "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
  • "With a bad-boy road presence and a useful amount of interior space, the 2009 Dodge Nitro will likely satisfy image-seeking SUV buyers. But this midsize sport-utility vehicle falls short in terms of overall practicality and refinement." -- Edmunds   
  • "According to Dodge, the Nitro is the automaker's first midsize SUV. Just like its Durango big brother, however, the 2009 Dodge Nitro straddles a line between two segments, competing on some levels with vehicles from both the compact and midsize SUV categories. It even somewhat threatens to cannibalize sales from the recently introduced Journey, although the Nitro can't match the Journey's fuel economy or seating capacity numbers. The Nitro's niche in the marketplace isn't defined by its measurements, though, but by its bold, unique styling." -- Kelley Blue Book

Nitro Performance - 6.5 (Mediocre)

In the past, test drivers have complained about the Dodge Nitro's rough ride and handling. However, for this year Dodge is upping the ante. "For 2009, the Nitro's larger V-6 gets a retuned exhaust note, and all Nitros get a stiffer rear axle shaft," says Cars.com. "The shocks, springs, anti-roll bars and steering have all been retuned, offering (along with the stiffer axle) an improved ride, Dodge says." Read More

Nitro Exterior - 8.6 (Very Good)

More than anything else, the Nitro receives praise for its aggressive exterior styling, which truly sets it apart from the large pack of compact SUVs. "During our brief drive, the Nitro proved to be fun to drive for a vehicle of its size, and drew many glances from fellow drivers, including a couple of fingers -- one of them a thumb," says Four Wheeler. "With that kind of reception on the highway, we don't have any doubts of Dodge succeeding in its goal of reaching the male driver who wants to make a statement." Read More

Nitro Interior - 7.0 (Good)

The Dodge Nitro's interior is viewed by most as just adequate -- and Dodge hasn't added anything for 2009 that will change that consensus. Pluses are the cabin's innovative features and storage options, but a big minus is the low-grade materials. "The Nitro's interior may mean well (clever packaging and a convenient layout are its strong points), but it also feels cheap enough that you find yourself wondering how long things will hold together," says Automobile Magazine. Read More

Nitro Safety - 7.5 (Good)

Almost all of the safety features on the Nitro come as standard equipment. These include anti-lock brakes, traction control and electronic stability control. The 2009 Nitro does extremely well in federal government crash tests. Read More

Nitro Reliability - 5.0 (Mediocre)

The 2009 Dodge Nitro reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Dodge offers a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty. Read More

Review Last Updated: 8/27/09