Although large SUVs have fallen out of favor with U.S. consumers in the last few months, Chrysler is hoping that hybrid versions of its largest utility vehicles will help sway consumer demand. The Chrysler Aspen Hybrid and Dodge Durango Hybrid began rolling off the production floor in late August, and on Friday received their official certification from the EPA.
According their EPA certifications, the hybrid SUV twins return 20 mpg city and 22 mpg highway — a 40 percent improvement in city mileage.
The Dodge Durango Hybrid lists from $45,340 while the up-level Chrysler Aspen Hybrid lists from $45,570. Both prices include an $800 destination charge.
While most hybrids focus on efficiency, both vehicles are equipped with Chrysler’s 5.7L HEMI V8 which, when combined with the hybrid drivetrain, produces a robust 385 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. Chrysler claims both hybrids can tow 6,000 pounds.
To further fuel savings, both SUVs come equipped with Chrysler’s MDS technology, which allows the engine to run on just four-cylinders.
Although General Motors’ full size hybrids — the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid and GMC Yukon Hybrid — best the Chrysler twins by 1 mpg in the city, the Durango and Aspen list for about $6,000 less than GM’s offerings.
