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
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