With the automotive world gone “crossover” mad, the Dodge Nitro is becoming one of those endangered species — an honest-to-goodness 4WD SUV.
Based on the Jeep Liberty, the Nitro features square-jawed styling, a truck-based ladder-type frame, a solid rear axle, rear-wheel drive, part-time 4WD, and up to 5,000-lbs of towing capacity.
(Note that Nitro’s part-time 4WD system doesn’t have a low range, as does Liberty, and is not intended to be used “all the time” and/or on dry roads.)
Standard powertrain is a 210-hp 3.7-litre V6 with a four-speed automatic.
The optional 260-hp 4.0-litre V6 is packaged with a five-speed automatic, 20-inch aluminum chrome-clad wheels, and performance suspension. Both engines benefit this year from the addition of Fuel Save Indicator (FSI) and available Interactive Decel Fuel Shut-Off (iDFSO).
There is only one Nitro model for 2010 — the SXT, which features an R/T exterior look, 17-inch aluminum wheels, fog lamps, leather bucket seats with heat, leather wrapped steering wheel with auto controls, 6 speakers, power 6-way driver’s seat, active head restraints, and reversible waterproof cargo storage.
Some trim levels are gone, and so are a couple of features, the novel, slide-out “LOAD ‘N GO” storage floor, and the 115V inverter.
All 2010 vehicles, including Nitro, can be equipped with the uconnect Hands-Free Communications system.
The new Navigation Convenience Group includes uconnect maps with navigation 30GB hard drive, MP3 radio, 8 amplified speakers and ParkSense (a rear park assist system.)
Nitro can also be optioned with a new Trailer Sway Control system.
Pricing starts at $31,495.
photo:Dodge
Based on the Jeep Liberty, the Nitro features square-jawed styling, a truck-based ladder-type frame, a solid rear axle, rear-wheel drive, part-time 4WD, and up to 5,000-lbs of towing capacity.
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(Note that Nitro’s part-time 4WD system doesn’t have a low range, as does Liberty, and is not intended to be used “all the time” and/or on dry roads.)
Standard powertrain is a 210-hp 3.7-litre V6 with a four-speed automatic.
The optional 260-hp 4.0-litre V6 is packaged with a five-speed automatic, 20-inch aluminum chrome-clad wheels, and performance suspension. Both engines benefit this year from the addition of Fuel Save Indicator (FSI) and available Interactive Decel Fuel Shut-Off (iDFSO).
There is only one Nitro model for 2010 — the SXT, which features an R/T exterior look, 17-inch aluminum wheels, fog lamps, leather bucket seats with heat, leather wrapped steering wheel with auto controls, 6 speakers, power 6-way driver’s seat, active head restraints, and reversible waterproof cargo storage.
Some trim levels are gone, and so are a couple of features, the novel, slide-out “LOAD ‘N GO” storage floor, and the 115V inverter.
All 2010 vehicles, including Nitro, can be equipped with the uconnect Hands-Free Communications system.
The new Navigation Convenience Group includes uconnect maps with navigation 30GB hard drive, MP3 radio, 8 amplified speakers and ParkSense (a rear park assist system.)
Nitro can also be optioned with a new Trailer Sway Control system.
Pricing starts at $31,495.
photo:Dodge