2009 Dodge Durango Hybrid

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What is it?
2009 Dodge Durango Hybrid

What's special about it?
Did you ever think you would see "hybrid" and "Durango" in the same sentence? Probably not, but the 2009 Dodge Durango Hybrid is the real deal. It's a full hybrid, which means it can run on electric power just like a Prius, yet it can also seat eight and pull your boat just like any other Durango.

How does it do it? It's all in the transmission, in this case a two-mode transmission developed jointly with BMW, GM and Mercedes-Benz. If that seems like a lot of companies coming together just to build a transmission, you would be right. It's indicative of the extensive technology involved with this system, and, yes, it's the same system used in the new 2008 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid.

In its most basic form, the Durango's two-mode system combines a standard 5.7-liter Hemi V8, two electric motors and a very sophisticated transmission that manages all the power. In the low-speed mode of the two-mode system, the Durango will shut down completely at a stop and runs on electric power only at low speeds. In other words, when you're sitting in traffic, this Durango is more like a giant, Hemi-powered Prius.

At higher speeds, the Durango's V8 kicks in its 345 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. Together with the electric motors, Dodge says there's a total of 385 hp on tap. It's enough to give the Durango a 6,000-pound tow rating along with an expected 25 percent improvement in highway fuel mileage. In the city, Dodge says the Durango will deliver 40 percent better fuel economy than the standard gasoline version. Given the 4WD model's EPA numbers of 13 mpg city/18 mpg highway, expect the hybrid version to get just over 18 mpg in the city and around 22 mpg on the highway.

Production of the 2009 Dodge Durango Hybrid begins this summer. No pricing has been announced, but expect to pay a premium of several thousand dollars over the current V8 models.

What's Edmunds' take?
If you have the cash, there's no reason not to choose the hybrid Durango over the standard version. Just don't expect to save much money in the long run. — Ed Hellwig, Senior Editor