With gas prices rising daily and becoming a main factor in the buying cycle, manufacturers are scrambling to make their fleets more fuel efficient and hybrids and diesel systems seem to be the route most are taking.
Chrysler recently announced that its largest SUV twins, the Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen, will both come with a starting price just under $46,000. The 2009 Durango Hybrid will start at $45,340, while its Aspen counterpart will start at $45,570. Both go on sale this August.
Currently, the base Durango starts at $27,675 with the Aspen coming in a little bit higher with a $33,225 MSRP. This pair’s main competition, the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon Two-Mode Hybrids, also carry hefty premiums over the base price starting at $50,490 and $50,945, respectively.
The Durango and Aspen will use the same hybrid system the Yukon and Tahoe Two-Mode Hybrids, which get EPA estimated mileage of 21 miles per gallon in the city and 22 mpg on the highway. Being a little smaller and lighter, the Durango and Aspen should be able to manage somewhat better results.
While sharing the basic technology behind the two-mode hybrid system, one thing the Chryslers don’t share with the powertrain in GM’s SUVs is the renowned HEMI® engine. The new 5.7-liter HEMI® will deliver 385 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. To help improve efficiency, the new HEMI® uses a Multi-displacement System (MDS), which shuts down four cylinders at cruising speeds to conserve gasoline even further. The goal for Chrysler is to give the Durango and Aspen hybrids an overall fuel economy increase of 25 percent and an increase of city fuel economy around 40 percent.
It isn’t clear whether these full-size, hybrid SUVs will help stop the bleeding that all of the Big 3 are currently experiencing, but any increase in fuel economy will help slow it down. With EPA estimates in the 20s, Chrysler’s duo should certainly strike a cord with those who still have a need for a vehicle that seats eight, offers over 100 cubic feet of total cargo capacity and a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds.