Dodge Readies Nitro Panel Van Concept

Every year, the folks who build those ridiculously huge wheels and gigantic spoilers you see on the road get together for a trade show like no other: SEMA. We won’t be covering all those wheels, spoilers and tuner versions of new cars like some other blogs will; that’s just not us. But anything you may potentially find at a dealership fits in our realm of coverage, and this early look at one of the show’s concepts is as good a starting point as any for our SEMA coverage.

Dodge’s new Nitro SUV hasn’t been out long enough for a full Cars.com review, but we did get some seat time a few weeks ago and were impressed. Is there need for a flat-panel version, like the HHR Flat Panel that Chevy introduced for production a few weeks ago? We’re not sure. These early sketches look good and could sway a few businesses —  think surf shops —  to plunk down real cash, but the regular four-door version has a floor that folds almost as flat and still fits four people for a lunch run.

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.