Dodge Nitro - detonates!

Dodge Nitro - detonates!

Dodge Nitro - detonates!

Dodge’s mid-size SUV bunker was a little full with the Durango holding court as captain and the smaller, but not too small, Nitro resting in its shadow. Nitro is a fine vehicle, sharing genes with the Jeep Liberty. Given a more refined unibody Durango coming for 2011, the Nitro has a little more space to detonate in the market with its SUV capability and stand-out styling. With a little more sunlight in which to bathe, it is time for another look.

Designers nailed the styling, giving the SUV a strong and tough stance, but with a certain long-hood, streamlined elegance that could even remind you of Dodges and Imperials from the classic era. Our uplevel Detonator model features body color fender extensions, bumpers, and grille trim. Fog lamps, roof rails, and 20” alloy wheels not only look good, but are functional. A tall vehicle sitting on wide wheels looks pretty cool, like a Mercedes G-Wagen for the masses.

One realizes they’re in an SUV the second they step up in the cabin and plop down on the firm high seat. Jeep owners will find this position familiar as it allows for great off-road visibility and command of the road. Easy-to-read analog gauges, leather-wrapped steering wheel, Mercedes-style gated gear selector, and three big knobs for the climate control couldn’t be easier to appreciate. Seat materials are designed to look good and fend off soda splashes. Touch-screen audio controls, USB input for iPods, and a subwoofer made great sound. A pull-out rear compartment shelf makes loading a cinch, as do 60/40-split rear seats.

I don’t love panels of hard plastic in sedans and coupes because they feel cheap, but in a proper SUV, they are more functional in repelling dirt, water, and kiddie grime. That said, there is still a lot of Tupperware plastic on the doors, dash, and center console of the Nitro. It looks good enough, but upgraded vinyl or color-contrasting trim would be even better. This has been noted of many current-generation Chrysler Group models and the company is hard at work to fix the one glaring niggle in the Nitro.

What still shines through is the excellent powertrain and driving feel. Standard on the Detonator model is a 4.0-litre V6 engine that delivers 260-HP and 265 lb.-ft. of torque – enough to launch off the line, tackle trails, or pull substantial trailers. A five-speed automatic transmission makes good use of the power, putting it to the rear- or all-wheels, depending on which way the knob is turned. New for 2010, Dodge equips the Nitro with “interactive Decel Fuel Shut-Off” or iDFSO – a complicated way to say the computer cuts gas to the engine during deceleration to improve fuel economy. This is virtually imperceptible to the driver except for a light in the dash. Even so, fuel economy is rated a very SUV-like 16/20-MPG city/hwy.

Flip the Nitro over and you’ll see its independent front/five-link rear suspension system. No question, the system provides one of the best compromises between on-road handling and off-road control of any SUV in its class. A Jeep-like turning radius makes the Nitro as easy to maneuver in tight parking garages as tree-strewn forests. As in the Jeep Liberty, the underlying foundation allows a wide range of capabilities for the mid-size bruiser.

It is rare that an SUV is actually fun to drive. SUVs are usually pleasant enough with their plush interiors, high seating position, and all-road confidence. Yet, the Nitro features firm steering, a nimble chassis, composure over almost anything, and a refined feel to the powertrain. Stomp the throttle and all of the ponies wake up and run as if by Hemi commanded. I spent considerable time on the Interstate, carving up two-lane backroads, and carting around family. The Nitro even looked cool at a classic car cruise-in over Labor Day weekend. Fuel economy created a drag on my wallet, but that’s not atypical for SUVs. If the Nitro had an enhanced interior to go with the rest of its accomplishments, it would be top-of-class. In the end, that’s not a big deal considering the little messes who will be riding in the rear of this daddymobile. An as-tested price of $28,545 makes the Dodge Nitro Detonator 4x4 competitive with the Nissan Xterra, Toyota 4-Runner, and GMC Terrain.