Out of the box, the Nitro will come standard with a 3.7L, 210-horsepower V6, the same engine shared with its Liberty platform-mate. Unlike the Jeep, however, the Nitro will have an available 4.0L 255-horse V6 in R/T trim (pictured). Poverty-spec Nitros will come with a six-speed manual cogswapper, though a four-speed auto will be on offer. On the upmarket SLT, the latter is the sole transmission available. Those plumping for the big-daddy R/T will have to slake themselves with go and stop pedals-- a five-speed automatic is the only gearbox extant. Nitros will be available in 4x2 and 4x4 trim.


Features for the Toledo-assembled SUV are to include a raft of safety equipment, including stability control, side-curtain 'bags and anti-lock brakes. The Nitro's favorite party trick is sure to be the "Load 'n Go" moving cargo floor, which slides 18" to aid in loading and unloading. With a max load of 400 lbs., it could make for a fun tailgating proposition as well. When properly set up, the Nitro will tow up to 5,000 lbs., to boot.

Options will include 20" wheels, rear-seat DVD, remote start, a DVD-based sat-nav system with live traffic update, U-Connect (Dodge-speak for Bluetooth) and Sirius satellite radio.

No word on pricing yet, but the least expensive Jeep Liberty stickers at just over $21k.