Does the Dodge Nitro have a Mercedes engine?
No. The Dodge Nitro does not use a Mercedes engine. It relies on Chrysler/Jeep-sourced V6 powerplants rather than any Mercedes-Benz design.
The Nitro first hit showrooms for the 2007 model year and was developed under the Mopar umbrella, a time when DaimlerChrysler’s overlap existed but did not extend to supplying Mercedes engines for this model. In practice, the Nitro’s engines were built within the Chrysler/Jeep engineering ecosystem rather than sourced from Mercedes-Benz.
Engine options in the Dodge Nitro
Here are the gasoline powertrain options that were offered in the Nitro for North American markets. These are internal-combustion options developed within the Chrysler lineup and not Mercedes-made engines.
- 3.7-liter PowerTech V6
- 4.0-liter SOHC V6
In summary, the Nitro’s available engines were Mopar designs, not Mercedes-Benz engines, reflecting Chrysler’s engineering approach during the model’s production years.
Mercedes connection and engine sourcing
During the late 1990s and early 2000s, DaimlerChrysler explored cross-flows between the two brands. However, the Dodge Nitro itself did not receive a Mercedes-branded or Mercedes-sourced engine. The Nitro’s powertrains were developed and built under Chrysler/Jeep engineering, aligning with the brand’s strategy to leverage internal V6 family origins rather than external Mercedes units.
What this means for buyers and enthusiasts
For prospective owners and collectors, the key takeaway is that authentic Nitro performance comes from Mopar engines, not Mercedes-Benz powerplants. This distinction matters for maintenance, parts sourcing, and understanding the vehicle’s heritage within the Chrysler product lineup.
Summary
The Dodge Nitro does not use a Mercedes engine. Its engine options are Chrysler/Jeep PowerTech V6 units—the 3.7L and the 4.0L—reflecting the model’s in-house engineering lineage rather than any Mercedes-Benz sourcing. While DaimlerChrysler-era ties exist in broader corporate history, they did not translate into Mercedes engines powering the Nitro.
