Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen Hybrid SUVs Achieve 21 MPG
October 17, 2008
By Benson Kong
Photography by the Manufacturer
The Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen hybrid SUVs are Chrysler's first entries into the hybrid market, and the EPA recently rated them with official mileage ratings of 20/22. The SUVs, which share the same platform, started coming off assembly lines in late August. The Durango and Aspen are built at Chrysler's Newark plant in Delaware.
Both hybrid SUVs utilize a 5.7L V-8 HEMI engine that pushes out 385 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque. To achieve the better gas mileage, the hybrids use an advanced two-mode hybrid system and cylinder-deactivation technology. The two-mode hybrid system was co-developed with GM, Daimler, and BMW and integrates an automatic transmission with a hybrid-electric drive system. Although both SUVs are hybrids, they are still capable of towing up to 6000 lb while savings hundreds of gallons of gas per year.
The sticker price for a 2009 Dodge Durango HEMI Hybrid is $45,340, while the 2009 Chrysler Aspen HEMI Hybrid is slightly more at $45,570. An estimated tax credit of $1800 is available for these green vehicles.
Source: Motor Authority