Later this month Chrysler will finally launch the Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango hybrids. These are the first non-GM products of the 2-Mode hybrid partnership that also includes GM, Daimler and BMW. Chrysler hopes that the hybrid models can revive its big SUV sales, but if GM's experience with the Tahoe and Yukon Hybrids is any indication, there may be cause for concern. With that in mind, Chrysler has priced its hybrids $8,000 lower than the comparable GM models in that hopes that doing so will kick-start sales. Back in June, AutoblogGreen drove the Chrysler Aspen hybrid from Portland, Maine to Boston, Mass. Head over to ABG to read all about how it fared and how much the hybrid system boosts the truck's mileage. Hint: it did better than expected.
Apparently hoping to avoid the ignominious fate of the full-size hybrid SUVs from two-mode hybrid partner General Motors, Chrysler is getting aggressive with the pricing of its new Durango and Aspen hybrids. At launch this fall, the Chryslers will be stickered at 45,340 and $45,570 respectively, some $8,000 below the four-wheel-drive versions from GM. GM recently had to slap $4,000 cash on the hood to entice customers to check out the Tahoe Hybrid and Yukon Hybrid. Unlike GM, however, Chrysler has chosen not to offer a two-wheel-drive variant of its hybrid SUVs. At this point we still don't know how equipment levels will compare between the GM and Chrysler models, so it's hard to do a direct comparison of these high-mpg hybrid SUVs.
The last time we talked to Chrysler about the hybrids, they were not planning to implement any of the weight savings measures that GM has used to offset the weight of the two-mode hybrid system in its GMT900 SUVs. On the GM models, an aluminum hood and tailgate, lighter front seats and special wheels drop the weight by about 150 lbs. Chrysler has apparently not given the hybrids unique body work either, which surely added to GM's cost. As for mileage, the official EPA numbers are apparently not in yet, but Chrysler is anticipating 20 mpg at best, which would be equal to the four-wheel-drive GM vehicles.
