Are Dodge Nitros good on gas?

Not particularly. The Nitro’s fuel economy tends to sit in the mid-teens in city driving and the low- to mid-20s on the highway, depending on engine and drivetrain.

The Dodge Nitro was produced from 2007 to 2012 and prioritized interior space and rugged styling over best-in-class fuel efficiency. This article reviews typical fuel-economy figures by engine and drivetrain, explains what affects real-world mpg, and offers shopping tips for used Nitros.

Fuel economy by engine and drivetrain

Below are the typical EPA-style ranges for common Nitro configurations. Actual numbers vary by year, trim, tires, and drivetrain.

• 3.7-liter V6 with two-wheel drive (2WD): roughly 17–19 mpg in city driving and 23–25 mpg on the highway.


• 3.7-liter V6 with four-wheel drive (4x4): about 16–18 mpg city and 22–24 mpg highway.


• 4.0-liter V6 with 2WD: around 16–17 mpg city and 22–23 mpg highway.


• 4.0-liter V6 with 4x4: around 15–17 mpg city and 21–22 mpg highway.

Note: The Nitro’s fuel economy is heavily influenced by drivetrain (2WD vs 4x4), engine, and model year. The heavier weight and older technology mean numbers lag behind modern compact crossovers and hybrids.

Real-world performance and factors that affect mpg

In daily use, owners report mpg that can be well below the EPA estimates if the vehicle carries passengers and cargo, uses larger tires, or is driven aggressively. The Nitro’s target audience—more for utility and bold styling—often compromises efficiency for interior space and rugged capability.

Key factors that can improve or worsen mpg

To understand mpg, consider these variables that commonly affect real-world numbers:

• Vehicle weight and payload: more gear and passengers reduce fuel economy.


• Tire size and condition: low rolling-resistance tires help, worn tires hurt mpg.


• Maintenance and sensors: dirty MAF, clogged air filters, old spark plugs, or failing oxygen sensors can lower mpg.


• Driving style and conditions: highway cruising at steady speeds yields better mpg than city stop-and-go or aggressive acceleration.


• Aerodynamics: roof racks and airflow from accessories can reduce efficiency.

Owners who kept up with maintenance and avoided excess weight often saw closer-to-EPA numbers, but wide variation is common for the Nitro.

What to consider if you're shopping used Dodge Nitro

Because the Nitro is no longer produced, buying one means budgeting for older-model reliability and potentially higher fuel costs relative to newer SUVs. The following considerations help buyers assess fuel economy and overall value.

• Check maintenance history and service records, especially for the engine, transmission, and tires; documented care tends to coincide with steadier mpg over time.


• Inspect the tires for wear and proper inflation; mismatched or worn tires can noticeably lower fuel economy.


• Ask for fuel-economy data and, if possible, track real-world mpg from previous owners or a test drive.


• Compare with similar, newer compact crossovers or hybrid options if fuel economy is a high priority.

Even with careful maintenance, potential buyers should expect mpg that reflects the Nitro’s age and design, and plan accordingly for fuel costs when comparing against modern rivals.

Summary

The Dodge Nitro is not a standout for fuel efficiency. Its mpg typically sits in the mid-teens in city driving and the low- to mid-20s on highways, with 4x4 and larger engines pulling that figure down slightly. For buyers prioritizing mpg, newer compact SUVs or hybrid crossovers offer better efficiency; for those who value space, rugged styling, and budget-friendly used-market pricing, the Nitro remains a reasonable option with prudent maintenance and realistic expectations about ongoing fuel costs.

Is the Dodge Nitro good on gas?

The pickup is good off the line and there's plenty left in the tank — power wise, at least. The fuel economy is a disappointing 16 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway for a four-wheel drive model with the 4-liter. This is the Achilles' heel of the Nitro.

What year to avoid Dodge Nitro?

The 2007-2011 Dodge Nitro model years are generally considered the ones to avoid due to a high number of common issues, including electrical problems, no-start conditions, and power door lock failures. While specific years like 2007 and 2009 had various recalls, the issues with electrical systems (like the wireless control module), persistent starting problems, and door lock malfunctions were reported across the entire production run. 
You can watch this video to learn about the history and major flaws of the Dodge Nitro: 50sMarspeedYouTube · Aug 21, 2019
Common problems across 2007–2011 models 

• Electrical issues: A common problem is the wireless control module (WCM) being affected by electrostatic discharge (ESD), which can cause the anti-theft system to activate and prevent the vehicle from starting. The TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) or fuse box can also cause numerous electrical problems.
• No-start condition: Even with a working battery, starter, and alternator, the vehicle may fail to start due to the WCM or other electrical gremlins.
• Power door locks: Many owners report issues with power door locks that either don't work or work intermittently.
• Illuminated liftgate light: The liftgate "ajar" light and interior courtesy lights can stay on even when the liftgate is fully closed. 

This video explains the common problem of Dodge Nitro's engine not starting: 41sSimple Mechanic AdviceYouTube · Nov 27, 2024
Specific year issues

• 2007: Had a recall related to hydraulic service brakes that could cause a loss of control.
• 2008–2010: Involved in a recall for the airbags, steering, and power train which included a potential for the driveshaft to break and cause the airbags to deploy. 

This video discusses the common problems and issues with the Dodge Nitro: 1mAutoProblemsYouTube · Apr 21, 2023

Is a Dodge Nitro a reliable car?

The Dodge Nitro's reliability is mixed, with some sources indicating it's a dependable vehicle, particularly in its later years, while others cite common issues. While some owners report high mileage without major problems, common complaints include electrical issues, starting problems, and transmission leaks. Other potential issues to watch for include problems with power locks and remote keyless entry.
 
This video discusses the common problems and weaknesses of the Dodge Nitro: 1mMasterCarsProYouTube · May 28, 2023
Positive reliability reports

• Some owners report that the Nitro is a very reliable vehicle, with some reaching high mileage with only regular maintenance. 
• Consumer reviews for models like the 2010 and 2011 indicate a reliability rating of 4.5 to 4.7 out of 5, says Cars.com, says Cars.com. 
• RepairPal gives the Nitro an overall reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5. 

Common problems and issues

• Electrical problems: This is a frequent complaint, along with the engine not starting and stalling. 
• Transmission issues: Some owners report leaking transmissions. 
• Power locks and keyless entry: These systems have been identified as common failure points. 
• Heater problems: Some owners note that the heater may only blow hot air on one side of the cabin. 
• Interior and build quality: Some reviews mention issues with build quality, while others cite problems with interior parts. 

This video explores the history and major flaws of the Dodge Nitro: 58sMarspeedYouTube · Aug 21, 2019
What to consider

• Age: The Nitro has not been produced since 2011, so reliability will depend on the vehicle's age and how well it has been maintained. 
• Maintenance history: A well-maintained Nitro is more likely to be reliable. 
• Inspection: Before purchasing, a thorough inspection is recommended to check for potential problems like those listed above.

Is a Dodge good on gas?

Dodge Charger
The Dodge Charger is a five-passenger sedan that gets competitive gas mileage on the highway. Powered by either a V-6 or a V-8 engine, the Charger gets 30 miles per gallon on the highway, and 19 miles per gallon on city streets, giving it a combined rating of 23 miles per gallon.