- Engine
- 3,701 cc
- Power
- 210 hp
- Torque
- 319 Nm
- Transmission
- Automatic
- Drive
- 4WD
- Fuel
- Petrol
- Seats
- 5
DodgeSUV
Nitro2007–2012
A cheap, characterful truck-based SUV best bought as a diesel with a solid service file.
- 🇺🇸 North America
- 🇪🇺 Europe
- Engine
- 3,701 cc
- Power
- 210 hp
- Torque
- 319 Nm
- Transmission
- Automatic
- Drive
- 4WD
- Fuel
- Petrol
Overview
What this generation is, and who it suits.
The Dodge Nitro was a one-generation mid-size SUV built on the same underpinnings as the Jeep Liberty/Cherokee (KK), wrapped in deliberately brash, slab-sided styling. It offered 3.7 and 4.0 petrol V6s in North America and, importantly for export markets, a 2.8 VM Motori turbodiesel, with rear- or four-wheel drive.
The Nitro traded on attitude rather than ability: the ride is firm, the cabin plasticky and fuel economy poor on the petrols, which is why it was discontinued without a successor. Its strengths are genuine — proper towing capability, simple truck-based toughness and cheap used prices. The diesel is the pick where it was sold, provided its service history covers the turbo and EGR system.
Pros & cons
What's good
- Distinctive styling that still stands out
- Truck-based toughness with useful towing capacity
- 2.8 diesel (export markets) offers reasonable economy
- Cheap to buy used
What to watch
- Poor fuel economy on petrol V6s
- Hard, budget-grade interior plastics
- Firm ride and mediocre refinement
- No successor, so no ongoing model support or development
Owner reviews
Written by people who have lived with this model.
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Trims & specs
One card per trim, with the spec spread across every year it was sold.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between the Nitro and the Jeep Liberty?
They share a platform and much of their engineering, with the Nitro styled and tuned as the road-biased, showier twin. Many service parts interchange, which helps parts sourcing.
Is the 2.8 diesel Nitro reliable?
The VM Motori engine is generally robust and widely used across Chrysler-group products, but it needs disciplined oil changes and attention to the EGR and turbo plumbing. A car with commercial-grade maintenance records is worth paying extra for.
