Segment:
Compact/Mid-size SUV
Target Audience:
Individuals seeking a rugged, stylish SUV with optional V8 power, often targeting a younger demographic or those desiring a bolder aesthetic compared to mainstream SUVs.
Key Competitors:
Ford Edge, Chevrolet Equinox, Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Nissan Murano.
Nitro Differentiation:
More aggressive styling, optional V8 engine (unique in its class at the time), bolder interior design cues.
Styling:
Distinctive, muscular design with prominent grille, flared fenders, and a generally more assertive presence than many competitors.
Powertrain Options:
Availability of a powerful 4.0L V6 and a more potent 5.7L HEMI V8 engine (R/T trim).
Interior Design:
Unique interior elements, often featuring contrasting stitching and a driver-focused cockpit layout.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, lubrication system, cooling system, exhaust system, ignition system, emissions control, powertrain control module (PCM) diagnostics and repair.
Transmission:
Automatic transmission (e.g., W5A580) repair, overhaul, diagnostics, fluid specifications, and electronic control unit (TCU) information.
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (including ABS), driveline (4WD system, differentials), wheels and tires.
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting (interior/exterior), instrument cluster, power accessories, body control module (BCM), gateway module (GW), fuse and relay identification, wiring diagrams, diagnostic procedures for electrical faults.
Body:
Exterior body panels, interior trim, doors, windows, liftgate, seats, HVAC system (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), body seals, sound deadening, structural repairs.
Diagnostics:
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) system, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and their interpretation, troubleshooting flowcharts, diagnostic testing procedures for all major systems.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid level checks and top-offs, tire rotations, brake inspections, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement.
Component Repair:
Engine component overhaul (e.g., cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft), transmission overhaul, brake caliper and rotor replacement, suspension component replacement (shocks, struts, control arms), steering rack replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, symptom-based troubleshooting, electrical circuit testing, mechanical component testing.
Electrical System Repair:
Wiring harness repair, component replacement (e.g., starter, alternator, sensors), module programming and replacement (PCM, BCM), diagnostic tool usage.
HVAC System Service:
Refrigerant charging, component replacement (compressor, condenser, evaporator), leak detection, diagnostic procedures.
Body And Interior Repair:
Panel replacement, glass replacement, interior trim repair, seat repair, door mechanism adjustment and repair.
Depth Level:
Comprehensive (covers everything from basic maintenance to full drivetrain and body repair and diagnostics).
Diagnostic Capability:
Advanced (includes wiring diagrams, component testing procedures, DTC interpretation, and diagnostic tool guidance).
Engine Code Rt:
EZH (5.7L HEMI V8)
Displacement Rt:
5.7 Liters (345 cubic inches)
Configuration Rt:
V8 (90-degree cylinder banks)
Valve Train Rt:
Overhead Valve (OHV) with HEMI 2-Spark Plug per Cylinder Technology
Horsepower Rt:
340 hp @ 5000 rpm (approximate)
Torque Rt:
375 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approximate)
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (89 Octane recommended for optimal performance)
Available Engine:
3.7L V6 (PowerTech) - 210 hp @ 5200 rpm, 235 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Wheelbase:
109.5 inches (2781 mm)
Length:
179.0 inches (4547 mm)
Width:
73.1 inches (1857 mm)
Height:
68.9 inches (1750 mm)
Ground Clearance:
Approximately 8.3 inches (211 mm)
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
30.5 cubic feet (864 liters)
Cargo Volume With 2Nd Row Folded:
62.7 cubic feet (1775 liters)
Curb Weight Rt AWD:
Approximately 4,400 - 4,600 lbs (2000 - 2087 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approximately 5,600 lbs (2540 kg)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
Good (as per IIHS testing, often mirrored in NHTSA ratings)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
Good (as per IIHS testing)
NHTSA Side Impact Front Passenger:
Good (as per IIHS testing)
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Passenger:
Good (as per IIHS testing)
IIHS Rollover Rating:
4 stars (based on ESC standard equipment)
Electronic Stability Control Esc:
Standard (highly recommended for SUVs)
Anti Lock Braking System ABS:
Standard
Traction Control:
Standard
Airbags Front:
Driver and front passenger airbags
Airbags Side:
Front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, available full-length side curtain airbags.
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts in all seating positions, pretensioners for front seats.
Oil Change Interval Synthetic:
Every 7,500 - 10,000 miles or 12 months with synthetic oil, whichever comes first.
Oil Change Interval Conventional:
Every 3,000 - 5,000 miles or 6 months with conventional oil.
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or every 30,000 miles.
Cabin Air Filter:
Replace every 15,000 - 20,000 miles or annually.
Spark Plugs Hemi:
Replace every 100,000 miles (long-life platinum or iridium plugs).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Inspect fluid condition regularly, change every 60,000 - 100,000 miles depending on driving conditions and fluid condition (refer to manual for specific guidance).
Engine Oil Viscosity:
0W-20 or 5W-20 (check owner's manual for specific recommendation for 5.7L HEMI, typically 5W-20).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 7 US quarts (6.6 liters) for 5.7L HEMI with filter change.
Coolant Type:
HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) - Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant, 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Interior Rattles And Squeaks:
Common across many vehicles of this era, particularly in the dashboard and door panels.
Rear Differential Leaks:
Reported by some owners, often related to pinion seal or axle seals.
HVAC Blower Motor Failure:
Blower motor resistors or the motor itself can fail, leading to erratic fan speeds or no fan operation.
Tire Wear:
Can be uneven, often due to suspension alignment or wear patterns, especially with aggressive styling.
Catalytic Converter Issues:
Some instances of premature catalytic converter failure, particularly with the HEMI V8.
