Learning on GM's mistakes, Chrysler is putting a much more humble price stick on its upcoming
2009 Dodge Durango HEMI Hybrid SUV. According to the company's press release, the vehicle will start at a pretty much affordable $45,340, which is about $5000 less expensive than GM's
Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid and
GMC Yukon Hybrid SUVs.
Durango's sibling, the
2009 Chrysler Aspen HEMI Hybrid, will be similarly priced at $45,570 including $800 destination fee. Prospective buyers are also eligible for an estimated tax credit of $1800, so there is a good chance that Chrysler's hybrid-powered behemoths will actually sell rather stay in dealer's showroom gathering dust like the pair of GM's hybrids.
Both
Durango and
Aspen are powered by the same 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine with cylinder-deactivation technology and develop a peak output of 385hp and 380lb-ft (515Nm) of torque when coupled to Chrysler's efficient two-mode hybrid system.
Company promises that the hybrid-powered models will feature 25% increase in mileage in comparison to the regular SUVs working on gasoline while maintaining their original 6000lbs towing capacity.
See also: Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell crossover SUV to arrive soon
