2005 Dodge Nitro Concept

Peering Into Dodge's Future

With the "midsize" Durango bordering on full-size, there's a lot of room for

With all the new classes available in the SUV market, Dodge is looking to add another to its lineup. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada)

growth in the sport utility segment within Dodge.

To make this point clearer still, most competitive brands offer compact and midsize models, with some even featuring two SUVs in each class, one car-based, optimizing road-holding, and the other truck-based, designed for off-road utility. Therefore Dodge could potentially add up to five new models to its sport utility lineup without even entering the full-size segment.

If you were wondering when the execs behind the Chrysler Group division would take advantage of the equity instilled in the Ram brand, the time is upon us. It's already no secret that a compact SUV is forthcoming, based on the

The Dodge Nitro concept, would be Dodge's first midsize SUV if built. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada)

next-generation SX 2.0 (Neon) (see automotive news section for Feb 1, 2005: Next-Generation Chrysler Compact Aiming to Shake Up Segment), but what about a midsize model, smaller than the Durango?

With North America seemingly on a downsizing trend, such a move makes a great deal of sense. Enter the Dodge Nitro concept, what would be Dodge's first midsize SUV if built. Unlike the Durango, the Nitro is design to carry only five occupants and their cargo, more similar in size to Jeep's Grand Cherokee.