Latest Cars And Bikes Reviews

The 2009 Dodge Durango lineup gets a new gas/electric Hybrid model for what is its final model year. Durango is a traditional truck-type SUV and offers seating for five, seven, or eight. It comes in SE, SLT, and Limited trims. Conventional gasoline Durango models are available with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Optional on AWD versions is a low-range gear for off-roading. Hybrid models are AWD only and are not offered with low-range gearing. Maximum towing capacity is 8950 lb for conventional models and 6000 lb for the Hybrid. Rear-drive SE and SLT versions have a 210-hp 3.7-liter V6 engine. All others, except hybrids, have a 303-hp 4.7-liter V8. Optional on all but the SE is a 356-hp 5.7-liter version of Chrysler’s Hemi V8, an increase of 21 hp over the 2008 Durango.

Hybrids have a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 that pairs with a battery-powered electric motor for 385 hp. It can run on either gas or electric power or both, depending on driving needs. No plug-in charging is needed. Both Hemi V8s have Chrysler’s Multi-Displacement System, which shuts down four cylinders when cruising in order to save fuel. V6 Durangos have a 4-speed automatic transmission. Both conventional V8s use a 5-speed automatic, while the Hybrid gets a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).

Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and curtain side airbags. Rear-obstacle detection and power-adjustable pedals are standard on Hybrid and Limited and available on other Durangos. DVD entertainment is offered on SLT, Limited, and Hybrid. Newly available is Chrysler’s uconnect multimedia suite, which can include a wireless cell-phone link, 30-gigabyte hard drive for storing digital music and picture files, and a navigation system with real-time traffic information.