2007 Dodge Nitro: First Drive

Dodge’s first midsize SUV is a noticeable improvement over anything else in the Chrysler group’s portfolio in this segment. The Nitro features nice interior touches, a user-friendly cargo area and a tough look in a very crowded segment. After a short test around suburbia, I was impressed with the ride and handling, even if the brakes weren’t up to par. 

On the road, the R/T model was remarkably quiet and smothered bumps with ease. The ride was incredibly high, too. While many SUVs are aiming for a carlike ride and are even built on car platforms, the Nitro is based on a truck-like platform similar to — but not shared with — the Jeep Liberty.

Drivers will also note a large hood stretched out in front of them. It was hard to judge where the corners were, but the Nitro didn’t drive like it was much bigger than the Liberty; the Nitro is actually 4.5 inches longer and 1.5 inches wider.

Huge 20-inch wheels cap off the exterior, which looks cartoonishly macho. This is the vehicle Bluto would drive if he had to chase Popeye today. The high beltline and small windows add to this Hummer-like look, but also detract from the day-to-day chores you need a car to handle. In my short time with the Nitro I could barely talk to someone outside the SUV — let alone shake their hand — because of the small windows. I can’t imagine using a drive-through ATM in this thing with any success. Expect to park and go inside the bank unless you want to look like an idiot opening the door to get to your cash.

The interior is one of Chrysler’s nicest to date in a mainstream vehicle. The window switches actually come from the Mercedes-Benz side of the corporation, and they’re immediately noticeable as a huge upgrade. They were the first thing I noticed when I opened the door, and Joe Wiesenfelder immediately recognized their high-end origin as well. A huge shifter is yet another cartoonish feature, but the gauges and sturdy leather were more contemporary and, dare I say, handsome.

A new “Load ‘n Go” system allows the cargo floor to slide out for easier loading of said cargo. While it works perfectly and feels rock solid — it can hold up to 400 pounds — I found it a bit too high for everyday grocery runs. However, when you fold all the seats down the space looks enormous. According to Dodge it’s 65.2 cubic feet, putting it above the Mazda CX-7 and just below the Ford Edge’s capacity.   

With mileage rated at 17/21 mpg city/highway in the 260-hp R/T, there are more efficient car-based SUVs out there that are also slightly more practical, but I ended up liking the Nitro a lot more than I ever thought possible. Perhaps there’s a little Bluto in me after all. Damn, I always saw myself as more of a Popeye.

Related:
More on the 2007 Dodge Nitro
2007 Dodge Nitro Pricing Is Here

Comments

[mestdagh]

I like the look of the Nitro. The fold down flat load area should work great. I wouldn't consider it seriously though, unless Dodge did better w/ the mileage. C'mon 17/21 mpg. You have to be kidding. My Ram/Cummins does that and it weighs 8000 lbs! Also I'd have to have a manual transmission.

Also, I'd have to immediately trade the 20" wheels in for 17" w/ a higher profile. 20" and off pavement don't mix well. Personally I think 20"/ low profile tires look .. well girly.

[Bowrider]

If you took this vehicle off road, you'd be the only one to ever do it. Anyone (likely any woman) who buys one of these is not going to take it off road, regardless of the capability.

Have you ever seen a "good old boy," like yourself, driving a Liberty? I'd say not. That's because the Liberty, like this vehicle, is for chicks. Your Ram is for men.

[mestdagh]

Bowrider, I said off-pavement, not off-road. Actually I'd like a vehicle of this size & load area that got good fuel mileage. Something like the Jeep Gladiator concept vehicle.
I've never been called a "good old boy" before. Maybe I am in comparison to some ..

It looks like an 'American' Honda Element. It might just work especially for people downsizing out of macho looking trucks.

[Dick Bohnsack]

This is one great looking vehicle. I've admired it since the concept car. It doesn't look like an Element, which was nominated as one of the ugliest cars in America. I think the Nitro will be one of the most noticed cars this year.

[Mitch Lassiter]

WE bought one today...the SXT model with many upgrades. Much much cheaper than anything else this size, and the 3.7 is listed as 19/25 ..... a little more respectable.

[Paul]

Interesting comment , about libertys n Nitros being for women , ur just too funny , hey, some of us dont need some tank looking vehichle soo as long as our compact or mid sized suv is reliable and has 4x4 preferably part time over full time , all is good , besides , the sticker price on a tank looking suv as opposed to my Nitro , u do the math , thou i do agree the fuel mileage is pathetic on our american cars, hell , Toyota s doing something right , if u look into them , god knows y our own cant or wont do something right for fuel economy , fuel is the only complaint i can come up w/ other than that , the Nitro or even the Liberty r great , my old Mazda Tribute was great tooo , thou off roading was a no no for it !!

[Hot Rod]

First of all, I hate SUV'S! But let's face it, their handy to have. I was in the market for a sports car but, I had to come to the conclusion that it was not practical enough. I began to look at SUV's but didn't like any of em, that's until I saw this concept. Pick up trucks are very useful, but I am not a cowboy or in construction. Off road? Nah. We just need something that can tow a good relative amount and I can get those big items without a hassle. Further I need something that can I can take clients out in. What's best is that this vehicle does not look like a chick ride to me. I am planning on getting one this spring.

there are some practical sports cars out there, depending on what you want.

[TIm Minor]

I think it would be a sweet little truck to put a good lift on it and some descent tires to go crawling with. It is better looking and has the mean look to it for offroad. I would do it just to do it.