2011 Dodge Nitro

The 2011 Dodge Nitro gets a few new standard and optional features. Among the former are upgraded seat materials, deeply tinted glass and even (on the Detonator and Shock trims) racing stripes. Underneath the buff bod, the Nitro shares its platform with the Jeep Liberty. The upsides of this shared DNA are a rugged part-time four-wheel-drive system and a hefty towing capacity. Furthermore, the Nitro’s backseat is located very low, which makes for easy ingress and egress but negates the comfort otherwise provided by the ample legroom and reclining seatback.

The competition actually provides the sort of performance that the Nitro’s styling promises.

The 2011 Dodge Nitro is a five-passenger SUV available in Heat, Detonator and Shock trim levels.

The Heat includes 20-inch chrome-clad wheels, foglamps, roof rails, deep tinted windows, keyless entry, full power accessories, heated mirrors, air-conditioning, a tilt steering wheel, a 60/40-split-folding and reclining rear seat and a six-speaker stereo with a CD player, satellite radio and an auxiliary audio jack. There is also the available Heat 4.0 package that includes a bigger V6 engine, an upgraded nine-speaker audio system and Bluetooth connectivity.

The Nitro Shock trim adds different 20-inch wheels, a sunroof, leather upholstery and heated seats.

There is a Towing package available on all trims.

The Dodge Nitro Heat comes with a 3.7-liter V6 engine that produces 210 horsepower and 237 pound-feet of torque. A four-speed automatic transmission is standard. Rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive are available, with the latter being a part-time system with high- and low-range gearing. EPA estimates are an underwhelming 16 mpg city/22 mpg highway and 18 mpg combined with rear-wheel drive and 16/20/17 with four-wheel drive. EPA estimates are a similarly poor 16/21/18 with rear-wheel drive and 15/21/17 with 4WD. In performance testing, a rear-drive Nitro with the 4.0-liter engine went from zero to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds while a 4×4 model hit the target speed in 8.2 seconds.

Standard safety equipment includes antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control and side curtain airbags. The stability control includes a trailer sway control feature. Rear parking sensors are standard on the Detonator and Shock.

The 2011 Dodge Nitro has not been rated using the government’s new, more strenuous 2011 crash-testing procedures. Testing by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the Nitro its top score of "Good" in the frontal-offset test and a second-worst "Marginal" in the side test.

With the rear seats folded, there are 65 cubic feet of cargo space available, about average for this class.

With its aggressive styling and macho name, you’d think that the 2011 Dodge Nitro offered vigorous power and acceleration. Alas, even with the 4.0-liter V6, the Nitro is slower than a Toyota RAV4 V6. Handling has never been a Nitro strong suit compared to other small SUVs, and the steering is notably vague.