Dodge
Caliber
Owner report available
Dodge
Nitro
Owner report available
Dodge Caliber vs Dodge Nitro
The short answer
Based on available data, the Dodge Caliber comes out ahead of the Dodge Nitro on fuel economy and power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
Caliber
Overall
Overwhelmingly negative sentiment based on long-term owner reports. The vehicle is widely characterized as unreliable, poorly built, and a poor value proposition, even at very low purchase prices. Positive feedback is extremely rare and isolated, typically from owners who report no issues with diligent, frequent maintenance.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available. No specific trim or model year is recommended.
Known issues
- CVT transmission failure: Complete loss of power, failure to engage gears, overheating, whining noise at highway speeds, throwing P0700 diagnostic codes. Described as a very common point of catastrophic failure. Frequency: very frequent.
- Major electrical system failures: Erratic dashboard behavior (lights illuminating, gauges spinning), vehicle entering limp mode, repeated failure of the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), numerous communication error codes (U0100, U0141, etc…
- General mechanical unreliability: Serpentine belt failures, premature failure of water pumps, alternators, and other accessory components. Engine noises suggesting internal valvetrain problems. Frequency: very frequent.
Nitro
Overall
Overwhelmingly negative sentiment based on long-term owner experiences. The vehicle is widely criticized for poor build quality, unreliable mechanical and electrical systems, and a general lack of durability. Positive remarks are extremely rare and isolated, typically referencing a single owner's experience with high mileage.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available. No specific trim or model year is recommended.
Known issues
- Poor build quality and cheap interior materials: very frequent. Chronic electrical system failures: very frequent.
The verdict
The Dodge Caliber is the better choice for most buyers.
It has better fuel economy on its best-equipped version than the Dodge Nitro, based on the data above. If power matters more to you than running costs, the Dodge Nitro is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Dodge Caliber or the Dodge Nitro?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Dodge Caliber and the Dodge Nitro. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Dodge Caliber or the Dodge Nitro?
The Dodge Nitro seats more passengers than the Dodge Caliber on its catalogued best-equipped version. Body type also differs: the Dodge Caliber is classed as a Hatchback, the Dodge Nitro as a SUV.
Which has better fuel economy, the Dodge Caliber or the Dodge Nitro?
The EPA rates the 2012 Dodge Caliber at 24–27 mpg combined and the 2011 Dodge Nitro at 17–18 mpg, depending on the version.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Dodge Caliber or the Dodge Nitro?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Dodge Nitro than the Dodge Caliber. See the known issues comparison above.