Did the Dodge Nitro have a hemi?
No—the Dodge Nitro never offered a Hemi engine. It was equipped with two V6 powerplants—the 3.7-liter PowerTech V6 and the 4.0-liter Magnum V6—while a V8 Hemi option was never part of its lineup.
Engine options in the Nitro
The Nitro’s official engine choices, available over its production run, were limited to gasoline V6s. Here are the two standard options:
- 3.7L PowerTech V6 — approximately 210 horsepower and about 235 lb-ft of torque.
- 4.0L Magnum V6 — approximately 260 horsepower and about 265 lb-ft of torque.
Neither engine is a Hemi; the Hemi designation in Dodge and Chrysler refers to a V8 family with hemispherical combustion chambers, used in other models.
Why Dodge chose V6 instead of a Hemi
To fit the Nitro into a mid-size SUV segment with competitive pricing and fuel economy, Dodge offered V6 engines that could provide adequate performance and towing without the extra weight and cost of a V8 Hemi. The Hemi V8s were reserved for larger Dodge applications and trucks, where customers expected higher-end power and towing capacity.
Notes on aftermarket modifications
Some enthusiasts have discussed swapping in V8 engines, including Hemi variants, but such changes are not factory-supported, can void warranties, and are generally not recommended.
Summary
The Dodge Nitro did not come with a Hemi. It was offered with two V6 engines, the 3.7L and the 4.0L, with no factory V8 option. This kept the model within its mid-size SUV positioning, balancing power, cost, and fuel economy.
What engine does the Dodge Nitro have?
3.7-liter V-6
The Nitro's base engine was a 210-horsepower, 3.7-liter V-6, while the performance-oriented R/T trim got a 260-hp, …
Why was Dodge Nitro discontinued?
The Dodge Nitro was discontinued primarily due to low sales and a combination of poor performance, fuel economy, and interior quality. The vehicle suffered from a rough ride, a noisy cabin, a cramped interior, and an outdated design that didn't compete well with rivals, leading to a steady decline in sales after its initial launch.
This video explains why the Dodge Nitro was discontinued, including its shortcomings: 51sMarspeedYouTube · Aug 21, 2019
- Poor sales: After a decent start, sales dropped sharply, with the model failing to gain significant traction in a competitive market.
- Poor fuel economy: The Nitro's engines were not fuel-efficient, which was a significant drawback compared to other SUVs on the market.
- Lackluster interior: The interior was criticized for using cheap, hard plastics and having a poorly designed layout, which contributed to a low-quality feel.
- Unrefined ride and handling: The Nitro had a rough, noisy ride and vague steering, making it uncomfortable for many drivers.
- Underpowered engines: For its weight, the Nitro's engines were considered underpowered, especially the base V6.
- Outdated platform: The vehicle was based on an older platform from the Jeep Liberty and didn't receive significant updates, leaving it behind newer models.
What Dodge has a 5.7 HEMI?
Chrysler later made the 5.7 L Hemi available in all models of the 2004 Dodge Ram, Dodge Durango, the 2005 Chrysler 300C, Dodge Magnum R/T, Jeep Grand Cherokee, the 2006 Dodge Charger R/T, Jeep Commander, the 2007 Chrysler Aspen, the 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T, and the 2022 Jeep Wagoneer.
Does the Dodge Nitro have a V8 option?
For enthusiasts who want more, the Nitro has an SRT-8 variant with a 6.4-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine. This beast delivers faster acceleration and performance and a rear-wheel drive configuration for the purists.
