The 2009 Dodge Durango Hybrid will share its two-mode hybrid system with the 2009 Chrysler Aspen Hybrid as well as a new round of full-size SUV hybrids from General Motors. The system was developed with BMW, GM and Mercedes-Benz.

The two-mode hybrid system will use a new electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (ECVT) paired with a 5.7-liter Hemi V8. The Hemi V8 also has Dodge's Multi-Displacement System, which shuts down four cylinders under light load conditions to conserve fuel. Total output is 385 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. Dodge says the hybrid system will boost city fuel economy by 40 percent and overall fuel economy by more than 25 percent. That should raise fuel economy to about 18 mpg in the city and 19 on the highway compared to 13 city and 18 highway for the regular AWD Durango.

The continuously variable transmission has two electric motors and four fixed gears. A controller determines when the vehicle should operate in the first or second mode. The first mode is mostly for around-town driving and can use battery power alone up to 30 mph. The second mode is meant for highway speeds and always uses full engine power. The controller determines the necessary torque for the driving conditions and instructs the engine and electric motors to respond accordingly. Torque is transferred to a series of gears in the transmission, which multiply torque similar to a conventional automatic transmission to propel the vehicle. No engine speed changes are necessary for mode shifts to occur.