Jeep has its Liberty and Dodge has its Nitro, but the two are so visually different that you'd never know they were cast from the same basic platform. Now in its sophomore year, the Nitro, which joins the Dodge Durango as the brand's second sport-ute, might be the most innovative use of 90-degree angles yet. Let's face it, square is sexy in the case of the Nitro.

Available in base SXT, better-equipped SLT and sporty R/T models, the Nitro's style is only the first thing that will get you all revved up. You'll also find reclining rear seats that fold flat for more room, slide-out load floor (SLT and R/T) that supports up to 400 pounds (it's designed to save your back) and standard rear- wheel drive (full-time four-wheel drive is available). Speaking of revving up, the base Nitro powerplant is a 210-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 (shared with the Jeep Liberty) mated to a six-speed manual transmission (SXT only) or optional four-speed automatic.

The R/T, which equates to Road and Track in Dodge-speak, certainly puts the "sport" in sport-utility vehicle with its body- colored side-cladding and bumpers and its 260-horsepower 4.0-liter V6/five-speed-automatic-transmission combo.

All models come with side-curtain airbags, roll-sensing software and stability control. Interestingly, 20-inch wheels and tires (16- inchers are standard) are optional as is DVD navigation and rear- seat DVD entertainment system.

Base price: $20,300

Type: Four-door sport-utility vehicle

Base engine (hp): 3.7-liter SOHC V6 (210)

Optional engine (hp): 4.0-liter SOHC V6 (260)

Layout: Front-engine, rear- /four-wheel drive

Transmission: Six-speed manual; four-speed automatic (opt.); five- speed automatic (R/T)

Mileage (city/hwy): 16/22

Safety: Front airbags; side-curtain airbags; anti-lock brakes; stability control

Weight (lb.): 3,930

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