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Story by Dubspeed Driven Associate Editor, Carl Modesette
Photos by Zerin Dube, additional photos courtesy of the Chrysler Corporation
The way the sport-utility market is growing and changing these days, I’m not quite sure what to call the Nitro R/T. Sport-Sport-Utility? Super-Sport-Utility? Whatever classification the EPA decides to give it, suffice it to say that the Nitro is an SUV for those who aren’t quite ready to surrender their man-cards.
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On the outside, it’s clear that the Nitro is all about image. A bold, boxy exterior design over 20-inch wheels pushed out flush with the wide fender flares yields a mean, aggressive, and sporting look. I can’t help but imagine the Nitro as the result of a Range Rover Sport wandering over to a dive bar on the wrong side of the tracks, having a few too many margaritas, and going home with a Dodge Omni. Despite any negative connotation that visual may imply, I rather find the Nitro to be very attractive – most of all because it’s distinctive, which seems to be the trend in the Dodge design house these days.
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On the inside, you’ll find that the Nitro follows the Charger and Caliber in overall design. Dark Charcoal plastics of differing textures mate well with aluminum-colored accents on the center stack and steering wheel. While it’s clear these plastics are of the cheaper, non-soft-touch variety, their quality, fitment, and texture are carried out well (thanks to the European half of DCX). Overall interior ergonomics are a mixed bag – for while the seating positions are comfortable, some items are awkward to reach while driving, like the shifter and A/C controls. Rear seat legroom behind tall front-seaters is adequate, but certainly not class-leading – same goes for rear cargo space. The Infiniti stereo system is the centerpiece, with mirror-shaking power and surprising clarity for the pricetag.
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Driving dynamics are stellar for a vehicle that shares a platform with an off-roading Jeep. The power of the 4.0L V-6 makes its presence known as soon as the accelerator is depressed, sending the nose upwards at only moderate throttle. Take the time to wind this sixer out, and you’ll find that power and torque build all the way to redline. While this would be great in a sports car, how often does one really wind out an SUV? This engine would probably be better off tuned for more low-range torque than peak horsepower. The Nitro’s cornering prowess is also a pleasant surprise, aided in no small part by the massive 20-inch wheels wrapped in low-profile rubber. Unfortunately, a truck chassis tuned for sportiness and riding on such wheels and tires results in a ride that can be a bit jouncy and harsh. Braking feel and power are eerily similar to the Charger’s, in that there seems to be a breakover point when the expected linear relationship between pedal effort and stopping power goes exponential on you – which isn’t to say that’s a bad thing, more that it just takes a little getting used to. Another thing that takes getting used to is the throttle tip-in – there seems to be a bit of electronic slack in the throttle body wiring harness, which results in slingshot takeoffs from a dead stop. Great for impressing your buddies, terrible for grande lattes. The aforementioned quibble may be due to an engine control software bug, as we experienced a rough and unpredictable low idle, which should be easily fixed by software flash updates.
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Overall, as before, the Nitro is an image vehicle. It has distinctive styling, copious power, a killer stereo, and fantastic grip – qualities most usually associated with sports cars, but in a taller, roomier, and boxier package. If your needs are practical and your wants are, well, more impractical (and more dominant in your mind), the Nitro makes a great compromise.
