The Nitro debuted in February 2005 at the Chicago Auto Show as a concept with aluminum-trimmed vents door handles and rear hatch, as well as an interior with a center stack and shifter in satin silver.

The Nitro shares mechanicals and much bodywork with its platform-mate, the Jeep Liberty, while using a slightly extended wheelbase, the extra length split between the rear seat and cargo areas.

Safety features such as electronic roll mitigation, traction control, and side curtain airbags, as well as a functional sliding cargo floor marketed as Load 'N Go were offered as standard equipment.

The Nitro's SXT trim included standard power mirrors, windows, and door locks with remote keyless entry, satellite radio, air conditioning, and seating for five.

The Nitro's SE trim standards included power mirrors, windows, and door locks with remote keyless entry, satellite radio, air conditioning, and seating for five.

The SXT and R/T added alloy wheels, a power driver's seat, stain-repellent cloth, the Load 'N Go retractable cargo floor, cruise control, and an overhead console with a trip computer, compass, and exterior temperature display.

The Heat trim level had power mirrors, windows, and door locks with remote keyless entry, satellite radio, and air conditioning.

The Detonator added a rear-park assist, remote start system, power driver's seat, cruise control, an overhead console with a trip computer, compass, and exterior temperature display.

The Heat 4.0 came standard with a five-speed automatic transmission, Uconnect Phone, and an upgraded eight-speaker sound system.

In early 2007, a TV advertisement in Europe for the Nitro with the tag line: "charged with adrenaline", showed a dog electrocuted after lifting its leg on the SUV's front wheel.