Dodge Nitro Research Paper
The Dodge Nitro is a small SUV and is similar to the Jeep Liberty. Introduced in 2007, the five-passenger Nitro offered 2WD and 4WD configurations and two V-6 engine choices. Dodge discontinued the Nitro in 2011, ending a five-year model run.
Dodge Nitro: 2007 to 2011
Based on the Jeep Liberty, the Dodge Nitro offered a few differences from its corporate cousin, including the front fascia, equipment offerings, and engine choices. Both models offer standard rear-wheel drive with part-time four-wheel drive available.
The Nitro’s release came one model year ahead of the introduction of the second-generation Jeep Liberty. Dodge canceled the Nitro following the 2011 model year, while the Liberty soldiered on for one more year.
The Dodge Nitro …show more content…
is marked by a traditional boxy SUV look similar to earlier Jeep Cherokee models. A bold front end is embellished by Dodge’s crosshair grille and hemmed in by large headlamp assemblies. A small and narrow lower grille opening is offset by available fog lamps.
This model has a broad grille, strong shoulders, and upright roof pillars.
Featuring a high belt line, the Nitro’s profile is marked by generously flared wheel wells, vent sculpting, and character lines. From the rear, the fascia is marked by a flat lift gate with large vertical combination lamps present.
Inside, the Nitro offers bucket seats up front and a split-folding bench seat in the rear. The front passenger seat also folds forward, expanding the standard 32.1 cubic feet storage capacity to 75.6 cubic feet. Towing capacity ranges from 3,500 to 5,000 pounds, depending on the model selected.
All Nitro models come with power windows, power door locks, a tilt adjustable steering wheel, air conditioning, a 115-volt outlet, an auxiliary input port, and an audio system.
Two engine choices, both V-6s, were offered throughout the Nitro’s brief model run. The standard engine displaces at 3.7 liters and makes 210 horsepower and 235 foot-pounds of torque. A 6-speed manual transmission was standard; a 4-speed automatic was available.
The second engine displaced at 4.0 liters and makes 260 horsepower and 265 foot-pounds of torque. This engine is paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission.
In 2008, Dodge added a new trailer sway control system, integrating same with the stability control system. Rear parking sensors were offered optionally for the first
time.
Beginning in 2009, Dodge dropped the manual transmission, offering an automatic transmission standard across the model line. Revised brakes and a retuned suspension system were also included.
For 2010, Dodge dropped the load and go trunk floor and renamed the trim levels. Power-heated side mirrors and front active head restraints became standard equipment. For the Nitro’s last year, Dodge shuffled equipment, upgraded the audio system, and rolled out Bluetooth connectivity.
Other models to consider in this segment besides the Jeep Liberty include the Ford Escape, Toyota RAV4, Subaru Forester and Outback, Honda CR-V, Nissan, Rogue, Chevrolet Equinox, Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-5, Volkswagen Tiguan, and the Mitsubishi Outlander. Two Jeep models, the Compass and Patriot, might also be compared.
Dodge Nitro: 2007 to 2011
Based on the Jeep Liberty, the Dodge Nitro offered a few differences from its corporate cousin, including the front fascia, equipment offerings, and engine choices. Both models offer standard rear-wheel drive with part-time four-wheel drive available.
The Nitro’s release came one model year ahead of the introduction of the second-generation Jeep Liberty. Dodge canceled the Nitro following the 2011 model year, while the Liberty soldiered on for one more year.
The Dodge Nitro …show more content…
is marked by a traditional boxy SUV look similar to earlier Jeep Cherokee models. A bold front end is embellished by Dodge’s crosshair grille and hemmed in by large headlamp assemblies. A small and narrow lower grille opening is offset by available fog lamps.
This model has a broad grille, strong shoulders, and upright roof pillars.
Featuring a high belt line, the Nitro’s profile is marked by generously flared wheel wells, vent sculpting, and character lines. From the rear, the fascia is marked by a flat lift gate with large vertical combination lamps present.
Inside, the Nitro offers bucket seats up front and a split-folding bench seat in the rear. The front passenger seat also folds forward, expanding the standard 32.1 cubic feet storage capacity to 75.6 cubic feet. Towing capacity ranges from 3,500 to 5,000 pounds, depending on the model selected.
All Nitro models come with power windows, power door locks, a tilt adjustable steering wheel, air conditioning, a 115-volt outlet, an auxiliary input port, and an audio system.
Two engine choices, both V-6s, were offered throughout the Nitro’s brief model run. The standard engine displaces at 3.7 liters and makes 210 horsepower and 235 foot-pounds of torque. A 6-speed manual transmission was standard; a 4-speed automatic was available.
The second engine displaced at 4.0 liters and makes 260 horsepower and 265 foot-pounds of torque. This engine is paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission.
In 2008, Dodge added a new trailer sway control system, integrating same with the stability control system. Rear parking sensors were offered optionally for the first
time.
Beginning in 2009, Dodge dropped the manual transmission, offering an automatic transmission standard across the model line. Revised brakes and a retuned suspension system were also included.
For 2010, Dodge dropped the load and go trunk floor and renamed the trim levels. Power-heated side mirrors and front active head restraints became standard equipment. For the Nitro’s last year, Dodge shuffled equipment, upgraded the audio system, and rolled out Bluetooth connectivity.
Other models to consider in this segment besides the Jeep Liberty include the Ford Escape, Toyota RAV4, Subaru Forester and Outback, Honda CR-V, Nissan, Rogue, Chevrolet Equinox, Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-5, Volkswagen Tiguan, and the Mitsubishi Outlander. Two Jeep models, the Compass and Patriot, might also be compared.