Have you been greenwashed convinced into thinking you can drive a big SUV and still do your part for the environment? Chrysler says you'll be saving big bucks driving an Aspen or Durango Hybrid over a "competitive vehicle" from GM. "$8,000 below the competition," they crow. But wait, GM doesn't make a 7-seat hybrid Trailblazer or Envoy. So what Chrysler is really referring to as the competition are the Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon hybrid twins. Ok, so technically the Durango/Aspen and Tahoe/Yukon are both classified as full-size SUVs, but doesn't it go without saying that a Tahoe is going to cost more than a Durango? What's more, the Tahoe Hybrid starts at $49,590 while the Durango Hybrid starts at $44,540; hardly the $8,000 difference Chrysler's advertising.
An apples-to-apples comparison requires careful examination of the fine print. Prospective buyers have to compare pricing between the more-expensive and less-efficient 4WD models, because Chrysler doesn't make Durango or Aspen hybrids with 2WD. Of course, Chrysler touting a pricing advantage over the GM Two-Mode Twins is humorous by itself when you consider that both Chrysler and GM use essentially the same hybrid drivetrain connected to their unique engines. So basically Chrysler is letting us know that a Durango is cheaper than a Tahoe. You know, just in case you forgot.
[KickingTires]