Auto Guide
2009 Dodge Nitro
Used

Review and specifications

2009 Dodge Nitro

The Nitro was based on the Jeep Liberty and used the same 210-hp, 3.7-liter V6 engine. The R/T version features a 260-hp, 4.0-liter V6 and a firmer suspension. Pronounced body lean and vague steering detract from agility. The cabin is noisy, the ride is stiff and snappy, and the front end can become buoyant on the highway. The footwells are extremely narrow and 4WD models have a part-time system that lacks a low range. One nice feature is an optional sliding cargo floor that extends 18 inches rearward and is rated to hold 400 pounds. But overall the Nitro has little going for it, the driving position is awkward, plus fit and finish are subpar. The Nitro's last model year was 2011.

Market value
$4,350
Fuel
Conventional
Transmission
Automatic
Seats
5
View listings Find dealers
Model year 2009
Owner rating Not rated
Reliability Not rated
Data updated December 4, 2025

At a glance

Model data

Overview

Powertrain
Conventional
Body style
4-door SUV
Drive type
4WD
Transmission
Automatic, 5-speed
Category
Compact SUVs
Generation began
2007

Pricing

Current retail median
$4,350
Retail value range
$2,925 - $5,375
Original MSRP range
$22,240 - $26,220
Trade-in range
$555 - $2,395

Ratings

Road test score
33/100

Fuel economy

EPA city
17 MPG
EPA highway
23 MPG
EPA combined
19 MPG
Tested city
11 MPG
Tested highway
23 MPG
Tested overall
16 MPG
Annual fuel cost
$2,415
Cruising range
315 miles

Road tests

0-30 mph
3.2 sec
0-60 mph
9.1 sec
60-0 mph braking
142 ft
Avoidance speed
46.5 mph
Test status
Test Completed

Dimensions

Length
179 in
Width
73 in
Height
69 in
Wheelbase
109 in
Weight
4,340 lb
Maximum load
1,150 lb
Towing capacity
3,500 lb

Interior

Seating
5 people
Front head room
3.5 in
Front leg room
41.5 in
Rear head room
6 in
Rear leg room
30 in
Cargo volume
39.5 cu ft
Luggage
4+0+0

Brand context

About Dodge

Until recently, Dodge was known for building outrageous high-performance muscle cars, including the Challenger and Charger, with brashly named trims—Hellcat, anyone? Dodge is still finding its footing during the transition to electrification and stricter emissions laws, with plans for electrified and turbocharged muscle yet to materialize in dealerships. The Hornet compact SUV is based on the Alfa Romeo Tonale, and is available as a plug-in hybrid. The Durango SUV soldiers on, largely unchanged from 2011 and still based on the same design as the 2011-2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Most alarmingly, it lags behind more modern vehicles in crash tests. Dodge sits near Chrysler at the bottom of our used car reliability rankings.

Vehicle ID: 5869 First published: July 22, 2020 Updated: December 4, 2025

Values may vary by trim, options, location, and market conditions.

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