Chrysler lowballs price of its SUV hybrids, starting at $45,340

[BMW FAN]

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.

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/17/c...ing-at-45-340/

[CmicasatheGreat]

This is HARDLY "low-balling" since a TOP OF THE LINE Chrysler's Aspen starts at $35K... If ANYTHING Chrysler is charging way more for their Dual-Modes than GM is for its. Consider at the very least the Dual-Mode Tahoe is essentially on the same level as an LTZ which starts at $45K.. GM essentially tacks on $4,500 to the price for the 2mode...

Chrysler??? $10K

[paul8488]

Also, aren't the Aspen and Durango smaller than the GM full sizers? Smaller vehicles that cost less than larger ones? Imagine that!

[eurohazard]

Originally Posted by CmicasatheGreat

This is HARDLY "low-balling" since a TOP OF THE LINE Chrysler's Aspen starts at $35K... If ANYTHING Chrysler is charging way more for their Dual-Modes than GM is for its. Consider at the very least the Dual-Mode Tahoe is essentially on the same level as an LTZ which starts at $45K.. GM essentially tacks on $4,500 to the price for the 2mode...

Chrysler??? $10K

Good point Cmicasa. However, GM would do good by offering a lower priced decontented Hybrid SUV. I think the slow sales are in direct relation to the steep prices. But you can easily get $10k off of a standard full size SUV right now.

[chevydlrmn]

Tahoe Hybrid is packaged more like between 2lt and 3lt

[F14CRAZY]

The problem is that while I haven't seen the figures I'm confident the Tahoe and Yukon (non hybrid) are much better sellers even with the SUV slump than the Durango and Aspen. With those two things working against them, and the dismal sales performance of the GMT900 hybrids, how does Cerberus plan to sell a dozen of these? I don't personally know if they're getting a refresh but the Chrysler SUVs are still going from the '04MY and their interiors have been behind all along.

[Ming]

Hard to get excited about a Hybrid that "at best" gets 20MPG anyhow...

To quote an article from earlier today: "They may be the most fuel-efficient vehicles of their type --- but they're not fuel efficient."

[logansowner]

Any mention of the fact that the GM SUV's are 734 times better in every way than the Aspen?

I have seen approximately...1...of these Chrysler SUV's- and I didn't like it. Apparently neither did anyone else because it's a 2007 still on the lot.

[08HYT]

Just bought a Hybrid Tahoe this last week. 4wd, only two options available(sunroof, rear DVD) 56,500 msrp GMS PRICE 50250-4000 loyalty. Plus 2200 tax credit and business write off.

I got 23.6 actual mpg in first tank of mixed driving. Its the perfect vehicle, could tow the boat or haul 8 people in better style and quality then the duraspin. Plus their promise of "almost 40%" inprovement, and none of the aero tweaks of the tahoe lead me to believe it won't touch it in actual mpg. I considered an Acadia but, V6=underpowered for any real towing duty let alone when fully loaded with cargo. Plus no tax credit or write off.

[eurohazard]

Originally Posted by logansowner

Any mention of the fact that the GM SUV's are 734 times better in every way than the Aspen?

I have seen approximately...1...of these Chrysler SUV's- and I didn't like it. Apparently neither did anyone else because it's a 2007 still on the lot.

Well, I'll mention it too then!
I rent a lot of vehicles. Once I had a Durango 4.7 V8....it was decent enough, but it had a huge flaw in that the sun glared badly off of the dash speaker grills back onto the windshield. It was BAD. The 3rd row was a joke for a "full size" SUV.....it required a reach and flip ofthe bottom cussion from the rear door, then you'd have to walk to the back to bring down the back.

I more recently rented a Suburban (basically a longer Tahoe). And the Chevy was way better in almost every way. The 5.3 V8 was stronger, and the interior is probably best in class. The only possible con is th efact the 3rd row didn't fold flat into the floor. You can take them out, but we were hauling people and cargo at different times, I couldn't leave the seats laying around. 734 times better? I don't know, but definately better! Almost as good as my Armada! lol

[CrunkedRL]

I still don't think this price would entice more consumers to even acknowledge the Aspen exists let alone buy one. To me it doesn't make sense to go out and buy a 45K Aspen/Durango hybrid when you can get a LARGER lambda for a fraction of the cost that looks better, rides better, is better equipped, and gets better fuel economy.

[eurohazard]

Originally Posted by CrunkedRL

I still don't think this price would entice more consumers to even acknowledge the Aspen exists let alone buy one. To me it doesn't make sense to go out and buy a 45K Aspen/Durango hybrid when you can get a LARGER lambda for a fraction of the cost that looks better, rides better, is better equipped, and gets better fuel economy.

How exactly is the Lambda larger if you mean wider...then yes. But the Aspen is longer, taller, has a longer wheelbase, better turning radius, more ground clearance etc. Interior room is pretty close too.

Cost and equipment is speculation at this point.......we don't know what that $45k brings to the table.

I'll give you ride, and looks....Lamba quadrulets will win there.

But mpg is questionable too. If one drives mostly in the city, I would suspect the dual-mode Chysler hybrid will get better fuel mileage than the Lambdas.

[eaton53]

Originally Posted by 08HYT

Just bought a Hybrid Tahoe this last week. 4wd, only two options available(sunroof, rear DVD) 56,500 msrp GMS PRICE 50250-4000 loyalty. Plus 2200 tax credit and business write off.

I got 23.6 actual mpg in first tank of mixed driving. Its the perfect vehicle, could tow the boat or haul 8 people in better style and quality then the duraspin. Plus their promise of "almost 40%" inprovement, and none of the aero tweaks of the tahoe lead me to believe it won't touch it in actual mpg. I considered an Acadia but, V6=underpowered for any real towing duty let alone when fully loaded with cargo. Plus no tax credit or write off.

Did they have it on the lot or did you have to order it?
I've never seen a hybrid Tahoe on the lot and there are some pretty big Chevy dealers here.

[K-1]

Originally Posted by Ming

Hard to get excited about a Hybrid that "at best" gets 20MPG anyhow...

To quote an article from earlier today: "They may be the most fuel-efficient vehicles of their type --- but they're not fuel efficient."

Seeing as how these are the '08 EPA estimates, I'd say it's 20mpg "at worst". And when looking at that 20mpg figure, they best just about every V6 on the market: mid-size sedans, coupes, large cars, compact CUVs, mid-size CUVs, large CUVs, and all SUVs. How is that not something to get excited about?

[Markviii]

Nobody's buying these vehicles anyway..totally meaningless!