Dodge Nitro (07-09) - Review

Review by Simon Harris on
Last Updated: 09 December 2008
The Dodge Nitro is an imposing 4x4 with chunky all-American styling and plenty of road presence. Unfortunately there's little else positive. Although the diesel engine is fairly potent, it's not very economical or refined - and likewise in most other areas the Nitro feels crude. It's meant to be an alternative to cars like the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento - but they both feel sophisticated by comparison. An uncomposed ride and cheap-feeling interior complete the unappealing package while the vague steering and excessive body roll in corners mean it doesn't drive well either.
2.5 out of 5

Other Dodge reviews

3 out of 5

Running costs

With large, powerful engines, the Nitro is never frugal: the diesel returns a claimed average in the low 30s-mpg (depending on transmission) with the petrol at 24mpg. Servicing is reasonable though, but tyres for the SXT model, with its 20-inch wheels, won't be cheap.

* based on most recent data

Estimated fuel cost for 10,000 miles per year

Unleaded

£2,557 - £2,557 *

Diesel

£2,003 - £2,137 *

The estimated fuel cost figure is a guide to how much this model will cost to fuel each year, so you can compare between cars. It's calculated by using the model's average mpg (calculated from both town centre and motorway driving) and the average fuel price. It's based on the following cost-per-litre: petrol 135p and diesel 141p. Prices are updated daily.

Summary Running Costs

Servicing period

Petrol 7500 miles, diesel 12,000 miles.

Warranty

Three years/60,000 miles.

Road tax (12 months)

£460.00 - £475.00

Vehicle excise duty (VED) varies according to the CO2 emissions and the fuel type of the vehicle. For cars registered after March 1st 2001 VED or road tax is based on the car's CO2 emissions. For cars registered before March 1st 2001 it is based on engine size.

Full running costs data

1.5 out of 5

Green credentials

  • A
  • B
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  • D
  • E
  • F
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  • H
  • I
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  • L
    228
  • M
    283

CO2 emission figure (g/km)

Fuel economy rating

The arrows indicate the best and worst CO2 bands for this model.

Emissions summary

The petrol version emits 288g/km of CO2, but most buyers will pick the diesel that produces 228g/km or 250g/km if fitted with automatic transmission. The CRD engine isn't especially frugal - returning 33mpg.

Find the exact engine and CO2