Against 456 other V6 cars rated 2009–2011, the Nitro trails their 20 mpg average by 2 mpg, about $213 a year.
Every Dodge Nitro engine, compared
The Dodge Nitro was rated in a single specification, so its gas mileage does not vary by version — only by model year. Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.7L 6-cyl | 16 / 22 | 2007–2011 | $2,087 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Jeep Liberty gets 18 mpg, the Nissan Xterra 18 mpg and the Cadillac SRX 20 mpg, next to 18 mpg for the 2011 Nitro.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2011) | $0.178 |
| Fuel per year | $2,133 |
| Fuel over five years | $10,665 |
| Against other V6 cars, 2009–2011 | +$213 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,390 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2011 Dodge Nitro gives up 6 mpg in town: 22 on the highway against 16 in the city, $655 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2011) | 16 mpg | $2,400 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 22 mpg | $1,745 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +6 mpg (38%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the Nitro changed over the years
The Nitro peaked in 2008 at 19 mpg (16 city, 22 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2011 at 18 — 1 mpg apart, or $112 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2011 car does 18.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 16 / 22 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 2010 | 16 / 22 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 2009 | 16 / 22 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 2008 | 16 / 22 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 2007 | 16 / 22 | 1 | $2,021 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 5 EPA ratings of the Dodge Nitro — 1 engine across 2007–2011. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $3,390. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2011 Dodge Nitro get?
18 mpg combined, 16 city and 22 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 2007 the Nitro has averaged 18.4 mpg.
Is the 2011 Nitro more efficient than the 2010?
About the same: 18 against 18 mpg combined.
Which Nitro year has the best gas mileage?
The 2008, at 19 mpg combined (16 city, 22 highway).
Does the Nitro get better gas mileage than the Jeep Liberty?
About the same: 18 mpg for the 2011 Nitro against 18 for the 2012 Jeep Liberty.
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