Dodge Durango Hybrid SUV Review
SUV Reviewer
The Dodge Durango Hybrid was last available in the 2009 model year after only two months of production. It was a traditional mid-sized SUV with a truck-based chassis and seating for eight and offered all-wheel drive without low-range gearing. Chrysler discontinued the vehicle due to the economic slowdown and the overall demand for smaller vehicles.
The Dodge Durango Hybrid was known as the Limited HEV model. Standard features on the vehicle included 18-inch alloy wheels cladded in chrome, cruise control, power and heated mirrors, running boards, leather upholstery, reclining rear seats, memory functions for the driver seat, remote ignition, rear parking sensors, a power tail gate, a rear backup camera, a navigation system with real-time traffic information, a touchscreen stereo interface, connectivity for Bluetooth and the iPod, front and second row seats that are heated, and a 30 Gigabyte hard drive for the storage of music and other multimedia files. Also included was a hybrid system energy flow monitor.
The engine in the Dodge Durango Hybrid utilizes a "two-mode" hybrid technology combining a 5.7 liter Hemi V8 with two electric motors. A specially designed transmission with variable gear ratios maximized the efficiency of both power sources. The Hemi V* was able to produce 345 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque while the two electric motors could produce 87 horsepower and 235 pound-feet of torque. One benefit of this approach was a high towing capacity of 6,000 pounds. In addition, the hybrid technology was combined with a four-wheel drive system that used a single speed transfer case. This rear-based system enabled all of the vehicle's power to be able to be sent to the back wheels depending on the road conditions and the need, making for a nimble vehicle. The Dodge Durango Hybrid could run on either gas or electric power, depending on the conditions and the speed of the vehicle and came with a continuously variable automatic transmission.
Fuel economy for the Dodge Durango Hybrid was 19 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway, which was a 40 percent improvement in city driving and 5 percent improvement on the highway over the gas-powered models.
Safety features on the Dodge Durango Hybrid included stability and traction control, antilock disc brakes, an anti-skid system, front and side curtain airbags and trailer sway control. The vehicle earned a five-star rating in government frontal crash testing.
The interior of the Dodge Durango Hybrid was designed for the versatility that accommodates a family style but was lacking in the quality of the interior materials. An optional third seat can increase capacity to seven or eight people. The front row seats are spacious and comfortable but the second row is less so and lacked legroom. Although the third row was also spacious with ample legroom, it was designed more for the smaller members of the family. Cargo capacity can reach up to 102 cubic feet when the third row is folded into the floor.
Driving the Dodge Durango Hybrid is somewhat different with a truck-like feel and the quiet whir of the electric motor at low speeds. The electric motor also provides sufficient power for everyday driving.
The Dodge Durango Hybrid was known as the Limited HEV model. Standard features on the vehicle included 18-inch alloy wheels cladded in chrome, cruise control, power and heated mirrors, running boards, leather upholstery, reclining rear seats, memory functions for the driver seat, remote ignition, rear parking sensors, a power tail gate, a rear backup camera, a navigation system with real-time traffic information, a touchscreen stereo interface, connectivity for Bluetooth and the iPod, front and second row seats that are heated, and a 30 Gigabyte hard drive for the storage of music and other multimedia files. Also included was a hybrid system energy flow monitor.
The engine in the Dodge Durango Hybrid utilizes a "two-mode" hybrid technology combining a 5.7 liter Hemi V8 with two electric motors. A specially designed transmission with variable gear ratios maximized the efficiency of both power sources. The Hemi V* was able to produce 345 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque while the two electric motors could produce 87 horsepower and 235 pound-feet of torque. One benefit of this approach was a high towing capacity of 6,000 pounds. In addition, the hybrid technology was combined with a four-wheel drive system that used a single speed transfer case. This rear-based system enabled all of the vehicle's power to be able to be sent to the back wheels depending on the road conditions and the need, making for a nimble vehicle. The Dodge Durango Hybrid could run on either gas or electric power, depending on the conditions and the speed of the vehicle and came with a continuously variable automatic transmission.
Fuel economy for the Dodge Durango Hybrid was 19 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway, which was a 40 percent improvement in city driving and 5 percent improvement on the highway over the gas-powered models.
Safety features on the Dodge Durango Hybrid included stability and traction control, antilock disc brakes, an anti-skid system, front and side curtain airbags and trailer sway control. The vehicle earned a five-star rating in government frontal crash testing.
The interior of the Dodge Durango Hybrid was designed for the versatility that accommodates a family style but was lacking in the quality of the interior materials. An optional third seat can increase capacity to seven or eight people. The front row seats are spacious and comfortable but the second row is less so and lacked legroom. Although the third row was also spacious with ample legroom, it was designed more for the smaller members of the family. Cargo capacity can reach up to 102 cubic feet when the third row is folded into the floor.
Driving the Dodge Durango Hybrid is somewhat different with a truck-like feel and the quiet whir of the electric motor at low speeds. The electric motor also provides sufficient power for everyday driving.
