Engine: 4.0-liter sohc V6

Engine Options: 210-hp 3.7-liter V6; 260-hp 4.0-liter V6

Transmission: 5-speed automatic

Transmission Options: 6-speed manual; 4-speed automatic; 5-speed automatic

Standard Safety Equipment: multi-stage frontal airbags, head-protecting curtain side airbags; anti-lock disc brakes with brake assist, electronic stability program with traction control and electronic roll mitigation, child seat anchor system, tire-pressure monitor

Optional Safety Equipment: rear obstacle detection

Basic Warranty: 3 years/50,000 miles

Assembled In: Toledo, Ohio

Model Tested: Dodge Nitro R/T ($26,180)

Standard Equipment: YES Essentials cloth upholstery, air conditioning, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, six-way power adjustable driver's seat, remote keyless entry with power windows and door locks, heated power exterior mirrors, 115-volt power outlet, flat folding front passenger seat, 60/40 folding rear bench seat, AM/FM/CD with MP3 and six speakers, Sirius satellite radio, auxiliary input jack, tilt steering column, theft-deterrent system, rear window washer/wiper, roof rails, vehicle information center, auto-dimming rearview mirror, universal garage door opener, fog lights; Load 'n Go cargo storage system with tie-down rails, overhead console, cruise control, compass; tinted windows, sport suspension, P245/50R20 Goodyear Eagle tires on chromed aluminum wheels

Options as Tested: Trailer Tow package ($820); power sunroof ($895); Premium Sound group with AM/FM/6 CD/DVD/MP3 with 8 speakers plus subwoofer ($350), full-size spare, Convenience group with rear obstacle detection, UConnect wireless cell phone link, remote engine starting ($1,345)

Destination Charge: 660

Gas Guzzler Tax:

Layout: rear-wheel drive

Horsepower: 260 @ 6000

Torque: 265 @ 4200

Miles Per Gallon in the City/Highway: 15/20

Wheelbase: 108.8 inches

Length/Width/Height in Inches: 178.9/73.1/69.9 inches

Track Front/Rear: 61.0/61.0 inches

Turning Cycle: 36.3 feet

Seating Capacity: 5 people

Head/Hip/Leg Room, f: 40.6/56.8/40.8 inches

Head/Hip/Leg Room, m: inches

Head/Hip/Leg Room, r: 40.8/47.4/37.7 inches

Trunk Volume: 75.6 cubic feet

Payload:

Suspension, f: independent, upper and lower A arms, coil springs, shocks and stabilizer bar

Ground Clearance: 7.3 inches

Curb Weight: 3971 pounds

Towing Capacity: 5000 pounds

Tires: P245/50R20

Brakes: disc/disc with ABS and brake assist

Fuel Capacity: 19.5 Gallons