For many SUV buyers, vehicles in the compact class are frequently just a little TOO compact. Compacts are perfect for the roles

Still a good looking SUV, the 4x4 capable Nitro is also well laid out and totally convenient for day to day life. (Photo: Dodge)

they are asked to perform, but for some applications the only answer is a utility vehicle that manages to squeeze its way between the very trim rigs and those that are classified as mid-sized.

Few vehicles fit better into this important niche than the Dodge Nitro and its popularity almost certainly lies among buyers who simply couldn’t get along with a compact truck. They want more space and load capacity in a product that still maintains a reasonably small “footprint” out on the road or trail.

The Dodge Nitro is among a large number of new compact to mid-sized SUVs that have arrived on the market in recent years. As the economy slowed, buyers looked to more economical SUVs in a more modest size than they’d been used to. The result

The Nitro's upright stance makes for loads of cargo room and head space. (Photo: Dodge)

has been a significant boom in the compact and mid-sized SUV segment, spawning almost a surfeit of vehicles – some of which are fairly serious SUVs while others fall more into the newer “crossover” category.

The segment for smaller SUVs is said to be the third largest in Canada now, and it continues to grow by leaps and bounds, so products like the Nitro are well placed to grab a slice of the cake. The Nitro is based on the excellent Jeep Liberty and features that chunky “Lego block” styling genre that Chrysler has adopted for vehicles of various configurations. It’s probably a styling theme people either love or hate, but the Nitro has a practical,

The larger 4.0L V6 is the way to go, offering more power with no noticeable drag on fuel economy. (Photo: Dodge)

rugged look that does fit in with the vehicle’s role in life. It features a bold truck-like Dodge grille, a high beltline and large chunky wheels. Dodge likes to think it “stands out in a crowd,” which it probably does.

While there are no major changes for 2010, Dodge has added various features and simplified the range by cutting back to two basic versions – SE and SXT. At one time there were four Nitro variants, but today’s super-competitive auto industry demands product line simplicity, so the move is probably a wise one.

Both

Interior flexibility and cargo room is excellent... (Photo: Dodge)

versions are available with either a 3.7-litre 210-horsepower V6 or a 4.0-litre 260-horsepower V6. A 4-speed automatic is standard now, but buyers of the SXT version taking the 4.0-litre engine option benefit from a 5-speed automatic. At one time, the Nitro could be ordered with a manual gearbox, but that’s gone now, probably due to rationalization efforts to keep costs down. Both engines get the job done very well indeed and the only reason to opt for the larger powerplant would be towing chores or regular runs over mountain passes with a full load – with the appropriate package it can tow up to 2,268 kilos (5,000 lbs).

Given

... made even better with this carpeted sliding floor. (Photo: Dodge)

their spaciousness and cargo capability, they’re not too thirsty either. Actually, the Nitro might become even thriftier thanks to a fascinating upgrade for 2010. Dodge’s “Interactive Decel Fuel Shutoff” turns off the fuel during vehicle deceleration to improve fuel economy without affecting engine performance. It’s standard on both engines and the benefits should be revealed when the “official” 2010 fuel consumption figures are published by the federal government; 2009 figures for the 3.7L are estimated at 13.2 litres/100km in the city and 9.1 litres/100km one the highway.

Both Nitros feature a part-time four-wheel drive system and two-wheel and four-wheel

Top-line infotainment system is available. (Photo: Dodge)

drive lock modes are controlled electronically using a switch on the console. This makes for a highly versatile SUV, which should be able to handle the worst winter conditions with no bother at all. There aren’t too many weather situations that can’t be tackled using the Nitro’s lock modes.

Safety features offered on the 2010 Nitro include standard four-wheel ABS-enhanced disc brakes, electronic stability control, brake assist, electronic “roll mitigation” and all-speed traction control. This all adds up to a very safe and stable sport utility.

Around

Overhead video viewing keeps the little ones entertained. (Photo: Dodge)

the Nitro cabin, I found nothing to complain about with the control layout, seating or spaciousness and overall quality is first class. Especially well done is the rear cargo area, whether the rear seat is folded down or not. It’s huge and the floor is nice and flat, so no space is wasted if you really need to load the Nitro to volume capacity. One option is Dodge’s clever slide-out load floor, which makes it very easy to pack.

The Nitro is an interesting sport ute – not too large, yet not too small and dainty. It’s rugged, has outstanding year-round capability and boasts one of the better four-wheel drive systems in the segment. It’s no cookie-cutter SUV and stands out well against the opposition thanks to its design originality. It’s also fun to drive and not that expensive at about $29,000 base, and should be on the shopping list of anyone scanning that product-packed compact to mid-sized SUV market.