2009 Dodge Durango: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

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.

COMPETITION

Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Larger than Compact SUVs, Midsize SUVs offer a mix of car- and truck-type construction, V6 and V8 power, and up to eight-passenger seating. This class also includes crossover vehicles.

Our Best Buy choices are the Chevrolet Traverse, Honda Pilot, GMC Acadia, Mazda CX-9, and Saturn Outlook. Our Recommended picks are the Dodge Journey, Ford Flex, Hyundai Santa Fe, and Toyota Highlander.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Chevrolet Traverse, Dodge Journey, Ford Flex, Kia Borrego, Nissan Murano, and Toyota Venza. The Hummer H3 adds a crew-cab pickup truck bodystyle for 2009, while the Dodge Durango adds a gas/electric hybrid model.