Press Kit: What's New for '09

2009 Dodge Durango Offers Hybrid Efficiency

Auburn Hills, Mich. August 31, 2008 -

Bringing comfort, convenience, refinement and Chrysler LLC’s first production hybrid powertrain system to the full-size sport-utility vehicle (SUV) market, the 2009 Dodge Durango also boasts several best-in-class capabilities: towing capacity of 8,950 pounds, cargo space (with rear seats folded) of 68.4 cubic feet, and horsepower – 365 with the available 5.7-liter HEMI®.

The new 2009 Dodge Durango HEMI Hybrid offers a blend of performance, utility, capability and vastly improved fuel economy, in a single package. Combined with Chrysler’s fuel-saving Multi-displacement System (MDS), the advanced two-mode hybrid technology delivers an overall improvement of more than 25 percent in fuel economy and up to a 40 percent improvement in the city.

Customers who demand performance and efficiency in a conventional powertrain may choose between three engines: a standard 3.7-liter V-6 producing 210 horsepower (157 kW) and 235 lb.-ft. (319 N•m) of torque; an E85-compatible, 4.7-liter V-8 engine generating 303 horsepower (226 kW) and 330 lb.-ft. (447 N•m) of torque, with the flexible-fuel vehicle (FFV) designation as well as improved fuel economy with more horsepower and torque; and a new 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 with MDS that produces 376 horsepower (280 kW) and 401 lb.-ft. (544 N•m) of torque.

The 2009 Dodge Durango is offered with a choice of 4x2 or 4x4 drivetrains. Inside, there’s seating for up to eight, and amenities including industry-first heated cloth seats, available power rear liftgate, remote start, Stain Repel Seat Fabric and dual-zone automatic temperature control.

WHAT’S NEW FOR 2009
EXTERIOR

  • New exterior color: City Teal Metallic Clear Coat

INTERIOR

  • Sirius Streaming Video packaged with rear-seat video system
  • uconnect tunes now with 30-gigabyte hard drive

POWERTRAIN/CHASSIS

  • Chrysler’s advanced, state-of-the-art two-mode full hybrid system, integrating proven automatic-transmission technology with a patented hybrid-electric drive system
  • Hybrid system delivers an overall improvement of more than 25 percent in fuel economy and up to a 40 percent improvement in the city
  • New 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 with fuel-saving MDS technology provides 376 horsepower (280 kW) at 5,600 rpm and 401 lb.-ft. of torque (544 N•m)

DESIGN

The 2009 Dodge Durango continues to display bold Dodge styling with taut angles and chiseled surfaces in front-end design, marked by the signature crosshair grille. Rectangular headlamps with dual-halogen bulbs wrap around the corners of the fenders, above a one-piece front fascia with integrated fog lamps and chromed accents.

The 2009 Dodge Durango’s high beltline emphasizes its bold appearance, while the roofline dips slightly at the rear to distinguish the silhouette. Short front and rear overhangs contribute to the vehicle’s expression of concentrated power, as do flared wheel arches surrounding Durango’s wheels.

The rear design of the 2009 Dodge Durango is marked by “afterburner” taillamps, augmented by a center high-mounted stoplamp integrated smoothly into the rear roofline. A chrome appliqué accentuates the rear liftgate and also features a centered, three-dimensional Ram’s head.


ENGINEERING

Offered for the first time in the Dodge Durango is Chrysler’s advanced, state-of-the-art two-mode full hybrid system, developed in partnership with General Motors, Mercedes-Benz and The BMW Group. It delivers a “two-mode” full hybrid system by integrating proven automatic-transmission technology with a patented hybrid-electric drive system.

The two modes in the hybrid system result from low- and high-speed electric continuously variable transmission (ECVT) modes. During the two ECVT modes, the system uses electric motors for acceleration, improving fuel economy, or for regenerative braking to utilize energy that would normally be lost during braking or deceleration. The energy is stored in a 300-volt battery pack for later use. The system’s two modes are optimized for city and highway driving. In addition, there are four fixed gear ratios for high efficiency and power-handling capabilities.

The first mode is designed for low speeds and light loads. In this mode, the vehicle can operate in three ways: electric power only, engine power only, or any combination of engine and electric power.

In electric-only operation, the engine is shut off, with the vehicle moving under electric-only power at low speed. The result is a significant reduction in fuel consumption in heavy stop-and-go traffic.

The second mode is used primarily at highway speeds. In addition to electric assist, the second mode provides full power from the 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 when conditions demand it, such as when passing, pulling a trailer or climbing a steep grade.

A sophisticated controller determines when the vehicle should operate in the first or second mode. Input from the controller determines the necessary torque for driving conditions and sends a corresponding command to the engine and electric motors. The engine and electric motors transfer torque to a series of gears in the transmission, which multiply torque similar to a conventional automatic transmission in order to propel the vehicle. Unlike conventional continuously variable transmissions, however, the two-mode full hybrid’s electrically controlled system uses no mechanical belts or bands. Shifts between the two modes do not require engine speed changes, resulting in seamless accelerations.

A 300-volt battery pack provides electric power for the system, and is designed to fit in the vehicle without compromising passenger space. A rectifier located under the Durango’s hood converts AC to DC in order to power conventional 12-volt accessories including interior lighting, climate control and the audio system. The Durango Hybrid’s 5.7-liter HEMI engine efficiently maintains the battery pack. The Dodge Durango Hybrid’s powertrain produces a total of 385 horsepower (287 kW) and 380 lb.-ft. (515 N•m) of torque.

The 2009 Dodge Durango’s standard engine is the 3.7-liter Magnum® V-6 that produces 210 horsepower (157 kW) and 235 lb.-ft. (319 N•m) of torque. It is equipped with a four-speed automatic transmission.

Standard on all four-wheel-drive Dodge Durango models, and available on two-wheel-drive models, is a 4.7-liter V-8 engine producing 303 horsepower (226 kW) and 330 lb.-ft. (447 N•m) of torque, offering improved fuel economy as well as more power and torque, plus more refinement than previous 4.7-liter V-8s. It is equipped with a five-speed automatic transmission. The new engine is also capable of operating on E85 ethanol fuel, making the Dodge Durango equipped with this engine a Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV), providing customers with the ability to operate their Durango on ethanol, gasoline or a mixture of the two. The engine also comes with Electronic Throttle Control, which provides engine torque control while compensating for changes in engine load caused by the air conditioning compressor, alternator and power steering pump.

Also available in the 2009 Dodge Durango is the new 5.7-liter HEMI V-8, producing 376 horsepower (280 kW) and 401 lb.-ft. (544 N•m) of torque. The 5.7-liter HEMI engine is also mated to a five-speed automatic transmission and is available on the 2009 Dodge Durango SLT, Adventurer and Limited models.

Chrysler’s MDS – standard with the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine – seamlessly alternates between smooth, high-fuel-economy, four-cylinder mode when less power is needed and eight-cylinder mode when more power is in demand. The result is fuel economy that until now could only be expected from a smaller, less powerful engine.

Four-wheel-drive models of the 2009 Dodge Durango are equipped with a standard transfer case providing full-time four-wheel drive. An available two-speed transfer case features shift-on-the-fly capability for switching four-wheel drive between high-range locked or low-range modes.

The 2009 Dodge Durango is built with a torsionally stiff, fully hydroformed frame with independent front suspension and rack-and-pinion steering. Suspension and steering are finely tuned to deliver superior ride and precise steering. Dodge Durango’s rear suspension features coil springs and a solid rear axle secured with a Watt’s linkage system. The result is refined ride and handling with superior payload (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of 6,700 lbs.) and best-in-class towing capability (8,950 pounds).

The 2009 Dodge Durango offers a standard 40/20/40 split second-row seat for seating up to three adults, with ample leg, shoulder and hip room. Optional are second-row bucket seats with a center console, providing rear passengers with individual climate controls and an available DVD entertainment system with SIRIUS Backseat TV™, as well as reclining seat backs.

Third-row seating in the 2009 Dodge Durango includes a standard bench seat and an available 60/40 split bench – both with fold-flat capability. With third-row seats folded, the Durango boasts best-in-class cargo space of 68.4 cu. ft. With the second- and third-row seats folded, 102.4 cu. ft. of total cargo volume is accessible.


PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS

Powerful and efficient powertrains with fuel-saving technologies

  • HEMI® Hybrid provides more than 25 percent overall fuel economy improvement; nearly 40 percent in the city
  • With a standard 210-horsepower (157-kW) 3.7-liter V-6, available 303-horsepower (226-kW) 4.7-liter V-8, or the best-in-class, 5.7-liter, 376-horsepower (280-kW) HEMI Magnum V-8, the 2009 Dodge Durango offers a full range of powertrains that deliver versatility, power and capability
  • The new 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine features Chrysler’s fuel-saving MDS technology, providing up to 20 percent in fuel-economy savings
  • MDS seamlessly alternates between smooth, high-fuel-economy, four-cylinder mode when less power is needed and eight-cylinder mode when more power is in demand

Even more convenience

  • Available power rear liftgate, remote start, one-touch lane-change signal, Stain Repel Seat Fabric, express-up/-down windows and dual-zone automatic temperature control
  • Third-row 60/40 split seat boasts seating for three adults and improves flexibility without compromising capability
  • Available is a full-screen navigation system, a six-disc CD changer and 20-inch wheels
  • With its third seat folded and middle row up – the most common configuration of three-row-seat SUVs – Dodge Durango has more cargo room than Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Expedition and Toyota Sequoia

“Real SUV” capability yet refined

  • Superior versatility in a real SUV, with three rows of seating and room for eight, and a best-in-class towing capacity of 8,950 lbs.
  • Four-wheel-drive Durango models feature a standard full-time all-wheel-drive system and offer an available low range
  • The 2009 Dodge Durango features an independent front suspension and rack-and-pinion steering, providing a turning radius of 37.5 ft. – less than a Honda Pilot

Five Star® safety rating

  • Dodge Durango was awarded a Five Star® frontal-impact rating by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in 2005
  • Standard Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
  • Standard on the 2009 Dodge Durango is Chrysler Group’s Electronic Stability Program (ESP), which aids the driver in maintaining vehicle directional stability
  • Standard roll-sensing side-curtain air bag system uses sensors to keep side-curtain air bags deployed longer in rollovers
  •  Standard advanced air bag system includes dual-stage front air bags
  • Standard Sentry Key® Engine Immobilizer

MODEL LINEUP

2009 Dodge Durango SE
Standard Features

  • 3.7-liter Magnum® V-6 engine (two-wheel-drive models) with four-speed automatic transmission
  • 4.7-liter V-8 engine (full-time four-wheel-drive models) with five-speed automatic transmission
  • Transfer case (four-wheel-drive models)
  • 17-inch painted wheels
  • Body-color front and rear fascias
  • Fog lamps
  • Black roof-mounted side rails
  • P245/70R17 BSW on/off-road tires
  • Tip Start
  • Premium front and rear floor mats
  • Rear heat/air conditioning
  • Power exterior mirrors
  • AM/FM stereo with in-dash CD player
  • Air conditioning
  • Illuminated entry
  • Cargo tie-down loops
  • Front and rear power outlets
  • Rear-passenger overhead reading lamp
  • Interior rearview day/night mirror
  • Four-spoke steering wheel with tilt and integrated speed controls
  • Dual sun visors with vanity mirrors and slides
  • Low-back cloth bucket seats
  • Second-row, 40/20/40 fold-and-tumble seat
  • One-touch lane-change turn signal
  • Express-up/-down front window
  • Power windows and door locks
  • Sentry Key® Engine Immobilizer
  • Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
  • Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
  • Advanced air bag system with dual-stage front air bags
  •  Roll-sensing side-curtain air bags

Optional Equipment

  • 4.7-liter V-8 engine with five-speed automatic transmission (two-wheel-drive models)
  • Engine block heater
  • Heavy Duty Trailer Tow Package (Class IV receiver hitch, 4- and 7-pin wiring harness, 160-amp alternator, 750-amp maintenance-free battery)
  • Tech Group I (remote start, SIRIUS Satellite Radio)
  • Popular Equipment Group (18-inch aluminum wheels, third-row two-passenger bench seat, rear heating/air conditioning, Deep Gray running boards, third-row folding bench seat and manual rear air conditioning/heat)

2009 Dodge Durango SLT
Standard Features
In addition to standard features on the Dodge Durango SXT, the Durango SLT adds/replaces the following:

  • Power driver’s seat
  • Second-row reclining seats
  • Body-color bodyside moldings
  • Six-disc CD changer with MP3 capability and eight Alpine speakers
  • Leather-wrapped steering wheel with remote audio control
  • 18-inch cast aluminum wheels
  • P265/60R18 BSW on/off-road tires
  • 115-volt inverter
  • Stain Repel Seat Fabric
    •Security alarm
    • SIRIUS Satellite Radio
    • Interior Convenience Group (overhead console, illuminated visor mirrors, aimable front and rear LED lights, automatic headlamps, Electronic Vehicle Information Center, Tire Pressure Monitoring display system

Optional Equipment
In addition to optional features on the Dodge Durango SXT, the Durango SLT adds/replaces the following:

  • New 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engine with MDS and five-speed automatic transmission
  • Full-time, four-wheel-drive, shift-on-the-fly, two-speed electronic transfer case
  • Rear entertainment system with SIRIUS Backseat TV™
  • Power sun roof
  • Engine block heater
  • Heavy Duty Trailer Tow Package
  • Tech Group II (remote start, uconnect phone with Bluetooth wireless, power liftgate, third-row three-passenger 60/40 split bench seat, ParkSense® Rear Park Assist System and ParkView™ Rear Back-up Camera)
  • Leather Interior Group (first- and second-row leather seats [first row heated], laminated front and rear door glass, power adjustable pedals, Deep Gray running boards)

2009 Dodge Durango Limited
Standard Features
In addition to standard features on the Dodge Durango SLT, the Durango Limited adds/replaces the following:

  • New 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine with five-speed automatic transmission
  • Unique silver roof rails
  • Chromed insert on front fascia
  • Chromed door handles and license-plate brow
  • 20-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels
  • P265/50 R20 BSW tires
  • Power liftgate
  • Power outside mirrors with heat (auto-dimming feature on driver’s-side only)
  • Heated leather power bucket seats
  • Embroidered logo on front seat backs
  • Memory function for seats, outside mirrors, temperature controls, adjustable pedals and radio
  • Three-passenger 60/40 split third-row seat
  • Automatic day/night rearview mirror
  • Automatic temperature control
  • Adjustable pedals with memory
  • SIRIUS Satellite Radio
  • uconnect phone
  • ParkSense Rear Park Assist System
  • ParkView Rear Back-up Camera
  • Premium II audio system with subwoofer

Optional Equipment
In addition to optional features on the Dodge Durango SLT, the Durango Limited adds/replaces the following:

  • Full-time, four-wheel-drive, shift-on-the-fly, two-speed electronic transfer case
  • uconnect gps with navigation
  • Second-row bucket seats with heat
  • Sun roof
  • Rear-seat DVD entertainment system with SIRIUS Backseat TV™
  • Heavy Duty Trailer Tow Package
  • Tech Group III (body-color running boards, remote start, laminated front and rear door glass, engine block heater)

SAFETY AND SECURITY FEATURES

Please refer to the Safety and Security Glossary in the Safety and Technology section for descriptions of the following available features:

  • Advanced Multi-stage Air Bags
  • All-speed Traction Control
  • Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
  • Auto-reverse Sun Roof
  • Auto-reverse Windows
  • BeltAlert
  • Brake Assist
  • Brake/Park Interlock
  • Child Protection Rear Door Locks
  • Constant Force Retractors (CFR)
  • Crumple Zones
  • Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)
  • Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM)
  • Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
  • Energy-absorbing Steering Column
  • Enhanced Accident Response System (EARS)
  • Front Crush Sensors
  • Height-adjustable Seat Belts
  • HomeLink Universal Home Security System Transceiver
  • Interior Head-impact Protection
  • Knee Bolsters
  • Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) Child Seat Anchor System
  • Low-risk Deployment Air Bag
  • Octagonal Front Frame-rail Tips
  • ParkSense® Rear Park Assist System
  • Power-adjustable Pedals
  • Remote Keyless Entry
  • Roll Sensing
  • Seat Belt Pretensioners
  • Security Alarm
  • Sentry Key® Engine Immobilizer
  • Supplemental Side-curtain Air Bags
  • Three-point Lap-shoulder Belt
  • Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM)
  • Trailer Sway Control
  • uconnect phone

COLOR AVAILABILITY

  • Light Sandstone Metallic
  • Brilliant Black
  • Bright Silver Metallic
  • Bright White
  • Inferno Red
  • Mineral Gray Metallic
  • Steel Blue
  • City Teal Metallic Clear Coat

MANUFACTURING INFORMATION

  • 2009 model year production start: July 2008
  • Production location: Newark Assembly Plant in Newark, Del.
  • 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engine: Saltillo Engine Plant in Saltillo, Mexico
  • 4.7-liter V-8 engine: Mack Avenue Engine Plant I in Detroit
  • 3.7-liter Magnum® V-6 engine: Indianapolis Foundry in Indianapolis
  • Five-speed automatic transmission: Indiana Transmission I in Indianapolis
  • Four-speed automatic transmission: Kokomo Transmission Plant in Kokomo, Ind.

MARKET POSITION

The 2009 Dodge Durango offers the “Goldilocks effect” – not too big, not too small, but just right, for a distinctively Dodge sport-utility vehicle standing out among increasingly soft competitors. With spacious third-row seating and cargo room to spare (rare in the full-size SUV segment), the 2009 Dodge Durango offers a full range of top-end comfort and convenience features at a great value. Dodge Durango stands out with many best-in-class elements and offers Chrysler’s first production two-mode hybrid powertrain.


DEMOGRAPHICS

  • Gender: 45 percent male, 55 percent female
  • Median Age: 40-50 years old
  • Median Annual Household Income: $80,000
  • Education: 40 percent college graduate
  • Household: 85 percent married

MARKET ADVANTAGES

  • Full-size SUV performance, capability and utility combined with hybrid fuel efficiency (more than 25 percent overall and nearly 40 percent in the city)
  • Dodge Durango is the most powerful large SUV on the market, with the 5.7-liter HEMI® providing 376 horsepower (280 kW) and 401 lb.-ft. (544 N•m) of torque
  • Chrysler’s fuel-saving Multi-displacement System (MDS) is standard with the 2009 Dodge Durango’s 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine, providing customers with up to 20 percent better fuel economy without sacrificing power
  • Available 4.7-liter V-8 engine produces 303 horsepower (226 kW) and 330 lb.-ft. (447 N•m) of torque, E85 compatible; with improved fuel economy and more power and torque and more refinement than previous 4.7-liter V-8s
  • The 2009 Dodge Durango’s standard powertrain is the 3.7-liter Magnum® V-6 that generates 210 horsepower (157 kW) at 5,200 rpm and 235 lb.-ft. (319 N•m) of torque at 4,000 rpm
  • Standard on the 2009 Dodge Durango is Chrysler’s Electronic Stability Program (ESP), which aids the driver in maintaining vehicle directional stability by providing oversteer and understeer control
  • Dodge Durango boasts best-in-class cargo capacity, offering a best-in-class 68.4 cu. ft. of cargo room behind the second-row seats with the third-row seats folded. Dodge Durango’s flat-load floor provides 102.4 cu. ft. of total cargo volume
  • 60/40 split third-row seat boasts seating for three adults, improving flexibility while maintaining capability

PRODUCT CHRONOLOGY
2008 MODEL YEAR

  • New 4.7-liter V-8 engine producing 303 horsepower (226 kW) and 330 lb.-ft. (447 N•m) of torque, E85 compatible
  • Light Sandstone Metallic (replaces Light Khaki Metallic)
  • 18-inch aluminum wheels available on SXT
  • Limited model has standard chrome-capped mirrors, body color/chromed door handles, body color/bright roof rack rails
  • Second-row reclining seating standard on SLT and Adventurer
  • Cargo Management System
  • AM/FM radio with single-disc CD player and MP3 auxiliary input jack
  • AM/FM radio, DVD/HDD-compatible, with MP3 auxiliary input jack
  • Single-speed 4x4 transfer case
  • ParkView™ Rear Back-up Camera available
  • Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM) system packaged with Interior Convenience Group

2007 MODEL YEAR

  • New front and rear fascias are body mounted eliminating gaps seen on previous models
  • Updated front-end appearance is achieved with a new grille, front fenders, hood and headlamps
  • Limited model front fascia incorporates a bright insert
  • New liftgate light bar incorporates the Dodge brand logo
  • New bodyside moldings are standard on SXT, SLT, Adventurer and Limited models
  • New larger (6 x 9 inches) rearview mirrors are heated and folding
  • New exterior color offerings include Marine Blue, Steel Blue and Brilliant Black
  • New optional quad bucket seats (rear seats are heated when heated front seats are ordered) are available on SLT and Limited models
  • New seat materials and sew styles
  • Stain resistant, odor-resistant, anti-static seat fabric is standard on SLT cloth seats
  • 115-volt power inverter is standard on all vehicles equipped with rear HVAC
  • Express-up/-down driver and passenger windows
  • Standard side air bags
  • Electronic Vehicle Information Center is added to the overhead console
  • Leather-wrapped center console lid is standard on Limited
  • New SLT center stack bezel finish—Maple Pommele Woodgrain
  • One-touch, three-blink lane change feature
  • Dual-zone front Automatic Temperature Control
  • Available in 45 states, the optional 4.7-liter engine comes standard with flex-fuel capability (operates on E85 ethanol)
  • 18-inch aluminum wheels now standard on SLT models with either black sidewall or outline white letter tires
  • 18-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels now standard on Limited
  • 20-inch chrome-clad wheel added as optional equipment for both the SLT and the Limited
  • New 17-inch aluminum wheel is standard on SXT and Adventurer models
  • Electronic Stability Program (ESP) is standard equipment with standard trailer sway dampening
  • Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM) is standard on SLT and Limited models
  • Side air bags are now standard
  • Ultrasonic rear park assist is standard on Limited and optional on SLT

2006 MODEL YEAR

  •  Multi-displacement System (MDS) is added to the 5.7-liter HEMI engine resulting in improved fuel efficiency
  • Clean Fuel fleet option for 3.7-liter and 4.7-liter engines
  • Variable Line Pressure (VLP) feature added to four-speed automatic transmission (mated with 3.7-liter V-6 engine), resulting in improved fuel economy and smoother shifts
  • Two new 18-inch wheels are available in cast-aluminum and aluminum chrome-clad. Both wheels are available with either black sidewall or outline white letter tires
  • 17-inch aluminum wheels are standard on all models. 17-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels are now available on SLT models
  • Electronic Stability Program (ESP) is standard equipment on Limited, and optional on SXT and SLT models. As a result, traction control is no longer available
  • A power liftgate is added as standard equipment on the Limited model and optional on SLT models
  • Satin Silver accented roof rack is added to all Limited models, as well as embossed Ram’s-head logos on the front seatbacks
  • Inferno Red Crystal Pearl Coat replaces Deep Molten Red Pearl Coat
  • All optional running boards on Limited models are now painted Mineral Gray
  • A three-passenger 60/40 third-row seat replaces the two-passenger 50/50 third-row seat previously available
  • Remote start is available on SLT and Limited models
  • Roll-sensing technology is added to the side-curtain air bag system
  • Tip Start is standard on all models

2005 MODEL YEAR

  • All-new Durango Adventurer model debuts, featuring a standard Thule rack with choice of six-rack systems or an Adventurer Accessory kit, Satin Silver tubular side steps and roof rack side rails, reversible slush mats, rubberized and washable cargo liner with built-in rear cargo organizer, Mineral Gray side moldings with Satin Silver inserts and Mineral Gray painted front and rear fascias
  • Heated seats (with carbon-fiber seat heating elements) made available on SLT model with both cloth and leather seats
  • Automatic headlamps packaged with Interior Convenience Group and made available on SLT models
  • Leather-wrapped steering wheel with remote audio controls packaged with Premium I and Premium II audio systems and is available on SLT models
  • A 50/50 split third-row seat becomes available in cloth (no longer requires leather) and the leather third-row bench is replaced with a 50/50 split bench
  • SXT model adds standard roof side rails and molded-in-color bodyside molding; molded-in-color running boards; and six-disc CD radio becomes optional (’05 model year running change)
  • Leather-wrapped steering wheel added to the SLT Leather Package (late add in ’04 model year)
  • Full-screen navigation system with integrated control unit optional on Limited models
  • Exterior paint: Mineral Gray replaces Graphite Metallic

2004 MODEL YEAR

  • All-new “from the ground up” design
  • New exterior styling emphasizes Dodge identity
  • More spacious interior and more cargo room
  • New 210-horsepower 3.7-liter V-6 engine (two-wheel drive only)
  • New 335-horsepower 5.7-liter HEMI Magnum V-8 engine
  • Tow/haul transmission feature with V-8 engines
  • New standard four-wheel disc ABS
  • New traction control system available
  • New longer wheelbase, new wider track and new coil spring rear suspension for improved ride and handling
  • New fully hydroformed frame for increased stiffness and durability
  • Redesigned interior
  • Five- and seven-passenger seating
  • Dual-stage front air bags with passenger-seat occupant-sensing system
  • New UConnect® Hands-free Communication System with Bluetooth® wireless technology available
  • New nine-speaker 368-watt Infinity® sound system available
  • New Satellite digital audio radio available
  • New factory-installed DVD system available
  • New automatic temperature control air conditioning (standard on Limited)
  • New adjustable foot pedals available (standard on Limited)
  • Power sun roof available

2003 MODEL YEAR

  • Standard four-wheel disc brakes for increased stopping power
  • New 16-inch x 7-inch cast-aluminum wheels, standard on Sport models
  • P245/70R16 black sidewall on/off road tires, standard on Sport 4x4
  • 40/20/40 second-row seat is standard
  • Four-gauge cluster standard on Sport and SXT
  • Optional AM/FM stereo radio with six-disc in-dash CD
  • Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) child seat anchor system on outboard seating positions of the intermediate seat
  • Constant force retractors
  • Interior upper head impact protection—Front driver and passenger, meets 2003 federal standard
  • Available supplemental side air bags, front- and second-row seats(a)

2002 MODEL YEAR

  • Sport, SLT, SLT Plus and R/T price classes replace corresponding decor groups
  • New SXT model
  • 5-45RFE five-speed automatic transmission with 4.7-liter engine (January 2002 introduction)
  • Rear-wheel anti-lock brake system includes Electronic Brake Apportioning (EBA)
  • Curtain-type supplemental side air bags added for front- and second-row seats
  • Brake-shift interlock added

2001 MODEL YEAR

  • Next-generation 4.7-liter Magnum V-8 engine and four-speed 45RFE automatic transmission standard on two-wheel drive models
  • NV233HD and NV244 electronically shifted four-wheel drive transfer cases with rotary instrument panel control
  • All-new interior, including instrument panel, seat styles, floor console and trim panels

2000 MODEL YEAR

  • Sport model with unique exterior and interior appearance
  • Next-generation 4.7-liter Magnum V-8 engine and four-speed 45RFE automatic transmission available on four-wheel-drive models
  • Redesigned optional full-time transfer case eliminates two-wheel-drive mode
  • R/T Group (mid-year introduction), including 17-inch x 9-inch cast-aluminum wheels, P275/60R17 black sidewall tires, unique suspension calibration, R/T nameplates, sport-tuned exhaust with chrome tips and two-tone suede seat inserts
  • Rack-and-pinion steering system on four-wheel-drive models
  • Next-generation 4.7-liter Magnum V-8 engine meets Ultra Low Emission Vehicle requirements in California

1999 MODEL YEAR

  • Two-wheel drive available
  • Upgraded 4x4 steering gear
  • 5.2-liter and 5.9-liter V-8 LEV (Low Emission Vehicle) engines available
  • 60/40 split-folding second seat for increased leg room in two-seat configuration

1998 MODEL YEAR

  • Initial introduction
  • 5.2-liter OHV 16-valve SMPI V-8 engine standard
  • 5.9-liter OHV 16-valve SMPI V-8 engine optional
  • Four-speed overdrive automatic transmission
  • Four-wheel drive with part-time or full-time transfer case
  • Body-on-frame construction
  • Forward-facing third-seat option
  • Next-generation driver and passenger air bags (running change)(a)

(a) Certified to federal regulations that allow less forceful air bags. Always use seat belts.
Remember, a back seat is the safest place for children.


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