Dodge Nitro vs. Honda Element Review

Cost
The destination charge is a standard charge for transporting the vehicle from its point of origin to the dealer. It costs almost the same to get the Honda to the dealership as the Dodge Nitro. The Dodge Nitro pales in comparison to the Honda in terms of fuel economy. The Dodge Nitro will tax your gas budget substantially more than the Honda Element will. The Honda Element isn't much less costly than the Dodge Nitro regarding MSRP. The Honda Element will save you a bundle at the pump every year compared to the Dodge Nitro. The Dodge will cost you a bundle in gasoline every year compared to the Honda.

Utility
The Dodge Nitro will quite certainly prove handier than the Honda for those of you with frequent child-cargo. The Dodge Nitro is a better choice than the Honda Element as far as hauling capacity, especially if you frequently need to carry a lot of equipment or massive animals. Towing is significantly more the Dodge Nitro's forte than it is the Honda Element's.

Convenience
The Dodge's fuel tank will need to be replenished a bit more often than the unit in the Element.

Comfort
Taller drivers will substantially enjoy the extra head room in the Element's front cabin compared to the Dodge Nitro. While the rear of the Dodge Nitro offers a bit more head- and leg-room than the Honda, there really isn't much of a difference.

Dimensions
Your wallet will hurt more every time you fill up the Dodge Nitro than the Honda Element because of its larger tank. The Honda Element and the Dodge Nitro compete for the same parking spaces. The Honda's shorter wheelbase may produce a less-settled highway ride but a more maneuverable feel in daily traffic than the Dodge Nitro.

Performance
Regarding horsepower, the Nitro packs quite a punch and will knock the Honda down a few rungs. On the other hand, bear in mind that high horsepower engines often command higher insurance premiums.

Handling
With their similar turning circles, the Honda Element and the Nitro definitely handle roughly the same into and out of tight spots.

Drivetrain
The Honda's engine is tremendously smaller than the Dodge Nitro's. Note that smaller engines can be stressed more; however, smaller engines typically get better gas mileage. Torque equals pickup, and the Dodge Nitro will have picked up and gone by the time the Element finally gets moving. Torque is the force that lets you accelerate quickly, and in this respect, the Dodge Nitro is significantly more powerful than the Honda Element.

Warranty
The Dodge Nitro and the Honda Element have the same basic after-sale protection.