Chrysler Hybrid SUVs Priced Below GM's

Chrysler announced the pricing of its two full-size hybrid SUVs today. The 2009 Dodge Durango HEMI Hybrid will start at $44,540 and the 2009 Chrysler Aspen HEMI Hybrid will start at $44,770. Neither price includes $800 in destination charges.  The two go on sale in August.

Chrysler is touting the sticker as “$8,000 below the competition.” The competition is the Chevy Tahoe hybrid, which starts at $49,590, and the more expensive GMC Yukon hybrid. Wait, that’s not $8,000. That’s because in all of the press materials Chrysler does not mention its hybrids only come in four-wheel drive. The 4x4 Tahoe hybrid starts at $52,395.

Chrysler expects tax credits for the hybrids to be around $1,800. We’ve driven early versions of both Chrysler hybrid SUVs and you can read about that experience here.

Chrysler expects mileage to be about 20/20 mpg city/highway, virtually the same as GM’s mileage gains. We’re not sure if the lower price will entice buyers to the Chrysler SUVs over GMs because at that price point it still might be hard to sell a big hybrid SUV. We also wonder if Chrysler is willing to lose money on the sales. GM and Chrysler use virtually the same two-mode hybrid system in these SUVs.

Comments

[alex]

earth to chrysler, most americans dont care about full size suvs anymore. Would be nice to see them invest in a car that acuatlly gets good mileage.. WHO CARES

[Bowrider]

People who like SUVs or need SUVs that are actually utilitarian care. Hence the "U" in SUV. This is impressive gas mileage for a full-size SUV.

[JJJR]

This subject is almost too dumb to comment on. A $45,000 hybrid - I’m impressed, think I’ll order two.

[Adrock]

If you say so, Bowrider. But are the gas savings worth the price premium?

Why can't manufacturers produce *small* car hybrids (that don't look like a space ship.) Is it because the technology is too expensive? Who wouldn't want a A3, xB/xD, Mazda3, 9-2x, Fit, Versa/Sentra, Astra, Corolla/Yaris or Rabbit/Beetle with a hybrid drivetrain getting 40+ MPG highway?