Zesty fun is the bang with Dodge Nitro, a midsize SUV first introduced as a 2007 model. Beneath the highly chiseled exterior appearance is a spitfire personality. This vehicle is all about the basics: tidy fit and finish, easy-to-use interior controls, and smartly located stow spots like a pull-down, lower dash bin to the driver’s left. The primary change for 2011 is the equipment list as all models now have standard 20-inch wheels. Nitro provides four unique trim levels (Heat, Detonator, Shock and the new for 2011 Heat 4.0 Lifestyle Package) in 4x2 and 4x4 models. The test driven Detonator’s emphasizes a visual fun factor with Detonator Yellow clear coat exterior paint, hood-to-fender racing stripes, and yellow accents on the black cloth seats.

  Powering the Nitro Detonator is a 4.0-liter V6 unleashing 260 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 265 pounds-feet of torque at 4200 rpm. (The base engine is a 3.7-liter V6 that produces 210 horsepower and 235 pounds-feet of torque.)  Nitro scores more power with the driving views, attributable to the vehicle’s superior sight lines and high stance. The Detonator is fitted with a host of standards, including electronic roll mitigation, all-speed traction control, 6-way power driver’s seat, fold-flat front passenger seat, steering wheel- mounted audio controls, fog lamps, and performance suspension. MSRP of Nitro Detonator 4x4 with 5-speed automatic transmission is $27,995. That vehicle’s mpg estimates are 16 city and 21 highway.