Overview

The 2009 Dodge Durango will offer a two-mode hybrid powertrain designed to boost fuel economy and reduce emissions.

The 2009 Dodge Durango Hybrid will share its two-mode hybrid system with the 2009 Chrysler Aspen Hybrid as well as a new round of full-size SUV hybrids from General Motors. The system was developed with BMW, GM and Mercedes-Benz.

The two-mode hybrid system will use a new electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (ECVT) paired with a 5.7-liter Hemi V8. The Hemi V8 also has Dodge's Multi-Displacement System, which shuts down four cylinders under light load conditions to conserve fuel. Total output is 385 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. Dodge says the hybrid system will boost city fuel economy by 40 percent and overall fuel economy by more than 25 percent. That should raise fuel economy to about 18 mpg in the city and 19 on the highway compared to 13 city and 18 highway for the regular AWD Durango.

The continuously variable transmission has two electric motors and four fixed gears. A controller determines when the vehicle should operate in the first or second mode. The first mode is mostly for around-town driving and can use battery power alone up to 30 mph. The second mode is meant for highway speeds and always uses full engine power. The controller determines the necessary torque for the driving conditions and instructs the engine and electric motors to respond accordingly. Torque is transferred to a series of gears in the transmission, which multiply torque similar to a conventional automatic transmission to propel the vehicle. No engine speed changes are necessary for mode shifts to occur. The Durango Hybrid will have a 300-volt battery pack located under the second-row seats. The battery pack will power the electric motors, and regenerative braking will charge the batteries. A rectifier under the hood will convert the battery pack's AC power to DC to power such accessories as interior lighting, the climate control system, and the radio. On the inside, the Durango Hybrid will have a power gauge that will show when the electric motors are aiding power or being charged. The power gauge will also have a green economy zone that drivers can use to aim for optimal fuel economy.

Unlike the GMC Yukon and Chevy Tahoe Hybrids that share the two-mode hybrid system, the Durango Hybrid will not have exterior modifications.

While fuel economy will benefit, towing capacity will not. The 2009 Dodge Durango Hybrid will be rated to tow up to 6000 pounds compared to the 8800 pounds for a properly equipped standard AWD model.

The 2009 Dodge Durango Hybrid will be available as an all-wheel drive model with equipment that matches that of the top-line Limited. Standard features will include dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, the MyGIG Multi-Media Infotainment System, seating for eight, power-adjustable pedals, heated front seats, a rearview camera, and a power liftgate. Dodge's MyGIG Multi-Media Infotainment System comes with an eight-inch touch screen, a navigation system with voice activation and real-time traffic, and a 20-gigabyte hard drive that holds music and picture files, as well as navigation map information.

Pricing hasn't been announced, but we expect the Dodge Durango Hybrid will start at about $42,000 when it goes on sale in the middle of 2008.

Dodge redesigned the Durango for the 2004 model year, making it bigger and placing it between midsize and full-size truck-based SUV competitors.