Does Dodge still make Nitros?
The Dodge Nitro is not in production. Dodge does not currently offer a vehicle named Nitro, and the model was discontinued after the 2011 model year.
This article explains what the Nitro was, why it disappeared from showrooms, and how Dodge’s lineup has evolved since, including what buyers can expect from the brand today.
What was the Dodge Nitro?
Launched for the 2007 model year, the Dodge Nitro was a boxy, two‑row SUV designed to deliver rugged utility with a compact footprint. It shared some underpinnings with the Jeep Liberty and offered multiple V6 engine choices and available all‑wheel drive to appeal to buyers seeking practicality in a sporty package.
Key specifications and features defined the Nitro during its run:
- Engine options in the U.S. market typically included a 3.7-liter V6 and a 4.0-liter V6
- Chassis offered rear‑wheel drive or optional all‑wheel drive
- Body styling emphasized a square, weather‑tough design with a five‑seat interior
- Transmission generally paired with the V6 options through automatic gearsets
These attributes positioned the Nitro as a rugged, utilitarian compact SUV, aimed at buyers who wanted cargo space and a bold look without stepping up to a larger SUV.
Why was the Nitro discontinued?
Multiple factors converged to end the Nitro’s run. Sales were not meeting expectations, and Chrysler (the parent company at the time) restructured its lineup around more widely appealing crossovers and Jeep‑based models. The Nitro also faced overlap with other Dodge and Jeep offerings, complicating the product plan during a period of financial stress and reorganized brand strategy.
- Declining sales and shifting consumer demand toward different SUV formats
- Strategic shift within Chrysler Group toward crossovers and Jeep‑based platforms
- Platform overlap and product portfolio consolidation during the Chrysler–Fiat era
- End of production timing in late 2011, with no 2012 Nitro model year in the U.S. market
In the years following, Dodge redirected emphasis to other models, and the Nitro’s boxy two‑row design did not receive a direct successor in the lineup. The brand ultimately leaned into larger three‑row SUVs, performance coupes, and, more recently, new crossovers and electrified models.
What Dodge offers today instead of Nitro
There is no direct Nitro replacement in Dodge’s current lineup. Today’s Dodge range centers on a mix of performance cars and crossovers, with no model bearing the Nitro name. Notable current offerings include Durango, as a larger three‑row SUV, and the Hornet, a subcompact crossover introduced in the 2023 model year. For performance enthusiasts, the Challenger and Charger remain core nameplates, while Dodge has been expanding its electrified and performance‑focused lineup.
- Dodge Durango – a larger, three‑row SUV with multiple powertrain options
- Dodge Hornet – a modern subcompact crossover introduced in 2023
- Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger – iconic performance coupes that continue in the lineup
- Continued emphasis on high‑performance and electrified models as part of Dodge’s current strategy
In short, while Dodge has not revived or renamed the Nitro, the brand’s modern lineup reflects a shift toward crossovers and high‑performance models, including recent electrified developments that aim to attract new buyers while honoring Dodge’s performance heritage.
Summary
The Dodge Nitro was discontinued after the 2011 model year and has not returned under another name. Dodge’s current lineup emphasizes crossovers like the Durango and the Hornet, plus performance-focused cars such as the Challenger and Charger, with ongoing moves toward electrification. If you’re seeking a used Nitro, you’ll be looking at 2007–2011 models on the used market, but be aware that Dodge no longer lists or supports the vehicle in new-car sales as of 2025.
