2009 DODGE New SUV and Crossover Model Guide

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A minivan, two sport utility vehicles (SUV) and three crossover utility vehicles (CUV) carry the badge of Dodge for 2009. Dodge's best-selling Grand Caravan series of minivans acquire a slew of new safety features like Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path. Durango, the big SUV from Dodge, packs a huge new HEMI V8 engine but also offers a new two-mode hybrid propulsion system to trim fuel consumption. A mid-size SUV with off-road capabilities wears the tag of Nitro, and the compact-class Caliber CUV spins off a sporty performance variation badged as Caliber SRT4. Then there's Journey, Dodge's new mid-size CUV in wagon format, looking like the Avenger sedan.

Grand Caravan
Dodge's minivan for 2009 brings two trims (SE and SXT) and three three-row seat plans — a second-row bench with fold-in-the-floor third-row seat (and power-fold option), Stow 'n Go with second and third tier seats folding into below-deck stow bins, and Swivel 'n Go with second-row seats rotating to face the rear bench and a table in place between rows. Three powertrain choices cap at a 4.0-liter V6 worth 251 hp with a six-speed automatic shifter. New safety features include Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path, while a new entertainment option is Sirius Backseat TV.

Durango
Dodge's SUV measures almost as large as a full-size wagon with cabin space for seven on three banks of seats and choices for two-wheel-drive (2WD) or four-wheel-drive (4WD) traction. Durango 2009 lists engine options of a 3.7-liter V6 worth 210 hp, a flex-fuel (E85-compatible) 4.7-liter V8 pumping 303 hp or a new 356-hp 5.7-liter HEMI V8 with MDS (multi-displacement system) to conserve fuel. A new fuel-miser option emerges with Durango Hybrid. It has a two-mode hybrid propulsion system with the HEMI MDS V8 and two electric traction motors delivering 385 hp and fuel economy scores to 19 mpg.

Nitro
This mid-size SUV looks bold, seats five with a flexible seat design and adds three trims — entry Nitro SE, upscale Nitro SLT and sporty Nitro R/T. Stock powertrain is a 3.7-liter V6 with 210 hp through a four-speed automatic shifter. Nitro R/T totes a torque-heavy 4.0-liter V6 worth 260 hp with a five-speed automatic. An electronic stability program (ESP) and curtain-style air bags go into every Nitro, and a part-time 4WD system is optional for each trim. Chassis improvements for Nitro 2009 range from stiffer rear axle shafts to retuned springs, shocks and anti-roll bars.

Caliber
Dodge's five-door CUV for the compact class rides on a car's front-wheel-drive (FWD) chassis with fun-to-drive handling traits. The cabin holds seats for five with ample cargo space in the rear and safety features like curtain-style side air bags and the anti-skid ESP device. Trims build with equipment and engine strength as Caliber SE, SXT and R/T. Caliber's four-cylinder plants expand from 1.8 liters to 2.0 liters and 2.4 liters with zippy strength — achieving 148 hp, 158 hp and 172 hp, respectively. Deep Water Blue Pearl Coat is one of several new paint colors for the 2009 Caliber.

Caliber SRT4
The initials of SRT — meaning "Street and Racing Technology" — denote high-performance vehicles in the Dodge line. For 2009, the Caliber SRT4 CUV stocks a dual-cam 2.4-liter dual VVT (variable valve timing) four-cylinder engine with turbo-charging and inter-cooling. It produces 285 hp through a Getrag DMT-6 six-speed manual transmission. Tightly tuned suspension upgrades apply, plus 19-inch cast-aluminum wheels and Goodyear P225/45R19 W-rated tires. Bodywork ranges from front fascia with integrated inlets for brake cooling to a hood scoop with air extractors and a tail spoiler. The cabin stocks bolstered bucket seats and lots of instruments.

Journey
Dodge builds this new mid-size CUV with FWD traction or optional AWD in three versions — the price-leader Journey SE, upscale SXT and sport-tuned R/T. Rigged on a car's chassis with car-like independent suspension tuned for a smooth ride, Journey feels sure-footed and stable. The padded and insulated cabin installs stylish appointments and clever accessories like the Chill Zone cooler and Flip 'n Stow storage bin. Journey SE uses a 2.4-liter four-in-line plant with dual VVT and 173 hp. Journey SXT and R/T pack a 235-hp 3.5-liter V6 and a six-speed automatic with the AutoStick manual shift controller.

For more information, visit Dodge SUVs and wagons.