Durango, Aspen hybrids officially rated at 20 city and 22 highway

We know all about the technology that makes the hybrid versions of Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango SUVs work. It's quite similar to the 2-Mode system that General Motors uses in its GMC Yukon and Chevy Tahoe hybrids and was jointly developed by these two corporations along with BMW. Our own Sam Abuelsamid has driven the Chrysler hybrid 'utes and managed a respectable 22.1 miles per gallon, beating Chrysler's early predictions of 19 mpg city and 20 mpg highway. At that time, the hybrids had not yet had their official EPA mileage ratings bestowed upon them, but that situation has since been rectified, with the 2009 models achieving 20 city and 22 highway. That figure measures up rather well with its most direct competitors, the aforementioned full-size SUVs from GM, which match the Dodge and Chrysler units in the city but trail on the highway by two miles per gallon. This figure gives Chrysler, with its 400-horsepower hybrid, the best fuel mileage in its category. Chrysler's also quick to point out that its full-sizers are priced nearly $8,000 less than the units from GM and qualify for a $2,200 tax credit.

[Source: Chrysler]

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AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Oct. 16, 2008: Chrysler and Dodge hybrid SUVs boast fuel economy improvement of more than 53 percent in city, 40 percent overall; offer better city fuel economy than a V-6 Honda Accord

Most powerful hybrid SUVs with 400 horsepower

Full-size SUVs deliver rare blend of fuel economy, utility, capability and performance

Customers can expect a tax credit of up to $2,200

Official EPA fuel economy numbers for the 2009 Chrysler Aspen Hybrid and Dodge Durango Hybrid are 20 city and 22 highway, achieving best-in-class fuel economy ratings for a full-size 4x4 SUV.

Chrysler LLC's first production hybrids are coupled with the renowned 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine with fuel-saving Multi-Displacement System (MDS) technology. Total output, when combined with the advanced two-mode hybrid system, is 400 horsepower and 380 lb.-ft. of torque - the most powerful hybrid SUVs.

The Chrysler Aspen Hybrid and Dodge Durango Hybrid are priced nearly $8,000 below the competition. Additionally, customers can expect a tax credit of up to $2,200.

"Our new 2009 Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango hybrids deliver best-in-class fuel economy of up to 22 miles per gallon-an improvement of more than 53 percent in the city and 40 percent overall," said Frank Klegon, Executive Vice President - Product Development, Chrysler LLC. "This unique combination of value, fuel economy, performance and capability gives SUV owners a no-compromise hybrid alternative."

Capable of towing 6,000 lbs., 2009 Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango hybrid vehicles deliver seamless, dependable power and performance on demand, in an efficient package. With an electrically variable transmission-featuring the best characteristics of an automatic transmission and hybrid drive-and two different hybrid modes of operation, the drive system dramatically improves fuel economy around town and at highway speeds.

The 2009 Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango hybrids are built at the Newark Assembly Plant in Delaware. The new 2009 Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango Hybrids arrive in showrooms this year.

Chrysler Brand

Chrysler is the seventh largest brand in the U.S. automotive market. The brand's succession of innovative products continues to solidify Chrysler's standing as the leader in design, agile performance and innovative technology built around a customer's needs, all at an extraordinary value.

The award-winning all-new 2008 Chrysler Town & Country has 35 new or improved features that include the innovative Swivel 'N Go(TM) seating system.

Arriving later this year, the new 2009 Chrysler Aspen Hybrid will give a unique option to customers who need the cargo and towing capability of a sport-utility vehicle, but want a more efficient alternative. Chrysler Aspen Hybrid is better than 53 percent more fuel efficient in the city and 40 percent more fuel efficient overall. Also, for customers seeking additional fuel efficiency, the Chrysler Sebring sedan and Chrysler Sebring Convertible both achieve 30 miles per gallon (mpg) highway fuel economy and have been certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) SmartWay program, which recognizes the cleanest, most efficient vehicles sold in the U.S.

Dodge Brand

With a U.S. market share of 6.4 percent, Dodge is Chrysler LLC's best-selling brand and the sixth largest nameplate in the U.S. automotive market. In 2007, Dodge sold more than 1.3 million vehicles in the global market, including the best-selling minivan in 2007 total sales, Dodge Grand Caravan.

The Dodge brand's first crossover vehicle-the all-new 2009 Dodge Journey-arrived in dealer showrooms in the first quarter of 2008, and is now available outside North America in petrol and diesel powertrains in both left- and right-hand drive. Arriving in dealerships this year is the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram with game-changing exterior and interior design, innovations, best-in-class features and craftsmanship; the all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger, a modern interpretation of the American muscle car; and the new 2009 Dodge Durango Hybrid, a hybrid-electric vehicle that combines fuel efficient advanced hybrid technology with full-size SUV performance and capability. Last fall, America's best-selling minivan, the all-new 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan, arrived in dealerships with 35 new or improved features including the newest innovation, the Swivel 'N Go(TM) seating system. In 2007, Dodge Avenger and Nitro entered key volume segments outside North America, joining the Dodge Caliber, the highest sales volume vehicle for the company outside of North America.