Dodge Nitro Quick Links
Car Price Comparison
Dodge Nitro vs. Ford Explorer
On this site: compare the Dodge Nitro and Ford Explorer in terms of:
- how often they require a repair
- real-world gas mileage
- owners' reasons for buying (or not buying) them
Ford Explorer Quick Links
On this page: The Internet's most balanced and thorough car price and features comparison between the Dodge Nitro and Ford Explorer. Including:
- Price Comparison
- Invoice Comparison
- Feature Comparison
- TrueDelta Car Value Comparison
- Customized Price Comparison
- Dealer Price Quotes








Specifications Comparison | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Model Year | 2010 | 2009 | |
| Model | Nitro | Explorer | |
| Body | 4dr SUV | 4dr SUV | |
| Wheelbase | 108.8 | 113.7 | |
| Length | 178.9 | 193.4 | |
| Width | 73.1 | 73.7 | |
| Height | 69.9 | 72.8 | |
| Curb Weight | 4144 | 4706 | |
| Fuel Capacity | 19.5 | 22.5 | |
| R1 Headroom | 40.6 | 39.8 | |
| R1 Shoulder Room | 57.2 | 59.0 | |
| R1 Hip Room | 56.8 | 55.4 | |
| R1 Legroom | 40.8 | 42.4 | |
| R2 Headroom | 40.8 | 38.7 | |
| R2 Shoulder Room | 56.4 | 58.9 | |
| R2 Hip Room | 47.4 | 55.5 | |
| R2 Legroom | 37.7 | 36.9 | |
| R3 Headroom | 37.4 | ||
| R3 Shoulder Room | 53.1 | ||
| R3 Hip Room | 45.3 | ||
| R3 Legroom | 34.9 | ||
| Cargo Volume, Minimum | 32.1 | 13.6 | |
| Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 32.1 | 43.9 | |
| Cargo Volume, Maximum | 65.2 | 83.7 | |
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Price Comparison (MSRP) : Dodge Nitro vs. Ford ExplorerThe sticker prices, before adjusting for remaining feature differences. Usually these are the numbers you will see on the window stickers.Models in short supply often sell at or even above these prices. | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Model Year | 2010 | 2009 | 2009 |
| Model | Nitro | Explorer | Explorer |
| Trim | SLT | Eddie Bauer | Limited |
| Body | 4dr SUV | 4dr SUV | 4dr SUV |
| Base Price | $23,235 | $31,615 | $35,550 |
| 245/50R20 | $1,395 | ||
| 255/50R20 | $1,325 | $630 | |
| 4.0L V6 | $1,000 | ||
| 4.6L V8 | $1,310 | $1,310 | |
| AWD | $1,660 | $2,320 | $2,320 |
| Convenience Group | $185 | ||
| Convenience Package | $995 | ||
| Leather seating surfaces | $795 | ||
| Navigation system | $2,505 | $1,995 | |
| Remote start | $385 | $385 | |
| Sunroof | $895 | $850 | $850 |
| Travel Convenience Group | $575 | ||
| uconnect gps | $2,295 | ||
| Total options | $8,800 | $9,690 | $7,490 |
| Destination | $745 | $815 | $815 |
| Gas Tax / Credit | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Net Price | $32,780 | $42,120 | $43,855 |
| Over MinimumThe difference between a trim and its model's lowest-priced trim. | $0 | $0 | $1,735 |
| Lowest Net Price | Nitro SLT 4dr SUV | ||
| Difference | $9,340 | ||
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Invoice Comparison : Dodge Nitro vs. Ford ExplorerDealer cost before holdback, bonuses, advertising fees, and such. Also before adjusting for remaining feature differences.Models that are not in demand can often be purchased at or a few hundred dollars over these prices. | |||
| Model Year | 2010 | 2009 | 2009 |
| Model | Nitro | Explorer | Explorer |
| Trim | SLT | Eddie Bauer | Limited |
| Body | 4dr SUV | 4dr SUV | 4dr SUV |
| Base Invoice | $22,601 | $29,319 | $32,901 |
| 245/50R20 | $1,269 | ||
| 255/50R20 | $1,127 | $536 | |
| 4.0L V6 | $910 | ||
| 4.6L V8 | $1,192 | $1,192 | |
| AWD | $1,547 | $2,112 | $2,112 |
| Convenience Group | $168 | ||
| Convenience Package | $846 | ||
| Leather seating surfaces | $723 | ||
| Navigation system | $2,129 | $1,696 | |
| Remote start | $327 | $327 | |
| Sunroof | $814 | $723 | $723 |
| Travel Convenience Group | $523 | ||
| uconnect gps | $2,088 | ||
| Total options | $8,042 | $8,456 | $6,586 |
| Destination | $745 | $815 | $815 |
| Gas Tax / Credit | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Net Invoice | $31,388 | $38,590 | $40,302 |
| Over MinimumThe difference between a trim and its model's lowest-priced trim. | $0 | $0 | $1,712 |
| Lowest Net Invoice | Nitro SLT 4dr SUV | ||
| Difference | $7,202 | ||
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Feature Comparison : Dodge Nitro vs. Ford ExplorerAdjusts for unshared features -- values in parentheses These are features on some but not all of the displayed trim lines.In parentheses are the values assigned to these features by TrueDelta or, optionally, by you. | |||
| Model Year | 2010 | 2009 | 2009 |
| Model | Nitro | Explorer | Explorer |
| Trim | SLT | Eddie Bauer | Limited |
| Body | 4dr SUV | 4dr SUV | 4dr SUV |
| Engine | 260hp V6 | 292hp V8 | 292hp V8 |
| Transmission | T5 ($1000) | A6 ($1000) | A6 ($1000) |
| Drivetrain | AWD ($1700) | AWD ($1700) | AWD ($1700) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City / Highway) | 15 / 20 | 13 / 19 | 13 / 19 |
| Tires (rear if not equal) | 245/50-20 | 255/50-20 | 255/50-20 |
| Audio (watts, speakers) | 368, 9 | 190, 7 | 190, 7 |
| Accessories | |||
| AC power outlet ($100) | Standard | Not incl. | Not incl. |
| Keyless entry keypad ($50) | Not incl. | Standard | Standard |
| Power-adjustable pedals ($125) | Not incl. | Package | Standard |
| Brakes, Airbags, and Other Safety | |||
| 911 assist ($0) | Not incl. | Standard | Standard |
| Brake assist ($50) | Standard | Not incl. | Not incl. |
| Front side airbags ($350) | Not incl. | Standard | Standard |
| Vehicle health reports ($0) | Not incl. | Standard | Standard |
| Cargo Management | |||
| Cargo area rails / tracks w/tie downs ($50) | Standard | Not incl. | Not incl. |
| Cargo cover ($75) | Not incl. | Standard | Not incl. |
| Class II trailer hitch ($200) | Not incl. | Standard | Standard |
| Class III trailer hitch ($250) | Package | Not incl. | Not incl. |
| Liftglass or separately opening upper tailgate ($150) | Not incl. | Standard | Standard |
| Retractable load floor ($275) | Standard | Not incl. | Not incl. |
| Roof rack ($300) | Not incl. | Standard | Standard |
| Roof rails ($250) | Standard | Not incl. | Not incl. |
| Climate Control and Infotainment | |||
| Automatic climate control, front ($200) | Not incl. | Package | Standard |
| Dual-zone climate control ($125) | Not incl. | Package | Standard |
| iPod integration ($150) | Not incl. | Standard | Standard |
| Rear air vents ($100) | Not incl. | Standard | Not incl. |
| Rear air vents with manual controls ($150) | Not incl. | Not incl. | Standard |
| Rear HVAC unit ($400) | Not incl. | Not incl. | Standard |
| Satellite radio ($200) | Not incl. | Standard | Standard |
| Satellite radio - one year subscription ($300) | Standard | Not incl. | Not incl. |
| Text-to-speech reader ($50) | Not incl. | Standard | Standard |
| Traffic information system ($200) | Package | Not incl. | Not incl. |
| Travel information system ($300) | Not incl. | Package | Package |
| USB port ($150) | Package | Not incl. | Not incl. |
| Voice control over external devices ($100) | Not incl. | Standard | Standard |
| Voice recorder ($25) | Package | Not incl. | Not incl. |
| Exterior | |||
| Bodyside cladding ($350) | Not incl. | Standard | Standard |
| Bodyside moldings ($75) | Standard | Not incl. | Not incl. |
| Running boards ($350) | Not incl. | Standard | Standard |
| Tow hook(s), front ($40) | Standard | Not incl. | Not incl. |
| Tow hook(s), rear ($25) | Standard | Not incl. | Not incl. |
| Instruments, Lights, and Mirrors | |||
| Automatic headlights ($125) | Not incl. | Standard | Standard |
| Automatic-off headlights ($25) | Standard | Not incl. | Not incl. |
| Seats and Interior Trim | |||
| Center armrest(s) second row ($50) | Not incl. | Not incl. | Standard |
| Folding passenger seat first row ($150) | Standard | Not incl. | Not incl. |
| Heated first row ($300) | Package | Not incl. | Not incl. |
| Manual lumbar, passenger first row ($50) | Not incl. | Standard | Standard |
| Manual recline second row ($75) | Standard | Not incl. | Standard |
| Memory system, driver first row ($200) | Not incl. | Package | Standard |
| Power fore-aft, passenger first row ($100) | Not incl. | Package | Standard |
| Power height, passenger first row ($100) | Not incl. | Package | Standard |
| Power lumbar, driver first row ($100) | Not incl. | Standard | Standard |
| Power recline, driver first row ($100) | Not incl. | Standard | Standard |
| Power tilt, passenger first row ($100) | Not incl. | Package | Standard |
| Power-folding third row ($1000) | Not incl. | Not incl. | Standard |
| Suspension, Wheels, and Tires | |||
| Chrome-clad alloy wheels ($500) | Package | Not incl. | Not incl. |
| Polished alloy wheels ($700) | Not incl. | Package | Package |
| Sport suspension (upgrade) ($0) | Package | Not incl. | Not incl. |
| Total Feature Adjustments The total value of the features listed for a trim, after subtracting the lowest total. | -$0 | -$1,910 | -$3,410 |
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TrueDelta Value Comparison : Dodge Nitro vs. Ford ExplorerThese are the sticker and invoice prices after adjusting for feature differences, to provide an "apples to apples" comparison. | |||
| Model Year | 2010 | 2009 | 2009 |
| Model | Nitro | Explorer | Explorer |
| Trim | SLT | Eddie Bauer | Limited |
| Body | 4dr SUV | 4dr SUV | 4dr SUV |
| Net Price (from Price table) | $32,780 | $42,120 | $43,855 |
| Adjustment (from Feature table) | -$0 | -$1,910 | -$3,410 |
| Feature-adjusted Net Price | $32,780 | $40,210 | $40,445 |
| Over MinimumThe difference between a trim and its model's lowest-priced trim. | $0 | $0 | $235 |
| Net Invoice (from Invoice table) | $31,388 | $38,590 | $40,302 |
| Invoice AdjustmentThe price adjustment multiplied by the ratio between the invoice and sticker prices. | -$0 | -$1,750 | -$3,134 |
| Feature-adjusted Net Invoice | $31,388 | $36,840 | $37,168 |
| Over MinimumThe difference between a trim and its model's lowest-priced trim. | $0 | $0 | $328 |
| Lowest Adjusted Price and Invoice | Nitro SLT 4dr SUV | ||
| TrueDelta Price Difference | $7,430 | ||
| TrueDelta Invoice Difference | $5,452 | ||
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Want a customized car price comparison?
Customized comparisons allow you to include rebates, convert all prices to monthly payments, and view package contents.
Dealer Price Quotes
Dealer Price Quotes
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Notes
While we strive for accuracy, the site is not error-free, and prices can change at any time.
The "TrueDelta Value Comparison" figures optionally include rebates available to the general public in the Chicago area (e.g. they include bonuses from finance subsidiaries but not those for current owners or the military) and adjustments for most differences in feature content. However, they do not include advertising fees, factory-to-dealer incentives, or differences in engines, tires, seat configurations, and audio systems. Exceptions: They do include values for third-row seats and media players.
Usually the base prices, options, and packages you see here match those on the window stickers. However, in some cases these have been restructured to simplify the database and calculations. These modifictions have no impact on the "total" and "net" figures.
Writers: Please acknowledge TrueDelta.com when using these figures.
