Engines and transmissions |
| (Photo: Amyot Bachand) |
All Nitros benefit from a V6 engine. R/T models have a 4.0-liter displacement and generate 260 horsepower through a five-speed automatic transmission. The other models are powered by a 210-hp, 3.7-liter V6. A six-speed manual gearbox is standard on SE and SXT models (2WD and 4WD). The four-speed automatic transmission, standard on the SLT, is optional with the two inferior models. It's important to study long enough the various possibilities in order to make the right choice. Your first decision should be between a 2WD or 4WD truck. The most attractive retail price is the one for the 2WD Nitro SE.
Safety firstThe Nitro is loaded with standard driving aides: ABS brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), traction control, stability control with
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| (Photo: DaimlerChrysler) |
anti-rollover technology, etc. In addition, passengers can rely on side airbags and side curtain airbags. Dodge is fully aware of the dangers facing SUV drivers, which is why the engineers incorporated all the features that allow passengers to remain safe and sound during precarious situations.
On the roadI would have liked a telescoping steering wheel in order to find a better driving position. The front left pillar impedes the driver's view during left turns. You also have to be very careful at intersections. The front independent suspension and the rear multi-link suspension is Dodge's way of creating a balance in ride comfort. The steering is a bit lazy, which forces the driver to maneuver with greater effort and quickness than with a sedan. I tried three different models. The first, in 4x4 SLT trim, showed a lot of energy on the road. However, a short stay at the helm of the second model, identical to the first, was characterized by a significant difference in comfort and stability. All my test vehicles were what we call "pre-production" models. True, there was some body roll, but not enough to turn your stomach upside down. The grip and stability of the 2WD models (SE and SXT) really surprised me.
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| (Photo: DaimlerChrysler) |
The powerful R/T, with its optional sport suspension, was the most interesting ride of the day. On the other hand, I didn't like the programming of the four-speed automatic transmission mated to the 3.7-liter V6. As soon as you climb up a hill, it seems to toy around with the gears, which becomes frustrating. I liked though the manual transmission available with this engine (standard on SE and SXT models). The performance depends on the number of wheels that drive the vehicle. My preliminary ratings had an acceleration time of 12.5 seconds for the 2WD Nitro and 13.5 seconds for the AWD model. The R/T is even faster, as its 10.5 seconds time suggests.
