A 5.7-liter V8 HEMI-powered full-size SUV doesn’t break the 14 mpg barrier in city driving. But Durango Limited Hybrid 4x4’s performance is considerably different than the non-hybrid Durango. Instead of 14 mpg in city driving, it’s 20 mpg. Durango Hybrid is also quiet—very, very quiet. An unaccustomed driver (and passengers) will swear the vehicle is not running after the ignition is engaged. The silence is amazing, so the only sure way to be convinced that the Durango Hybrid is ready to roll after turning the key is to watch the gauge lights illuminate. The new 5.7-liter HEMI V8 produces 376 horsepower and 401 pounds-feet of torque. (The 2008 non-hybrid Durango’s 5.7-liter HEMI V8 provided an estimated 330 horsepower and 375 pounds-feet of torque.) Durango’s two-mode full hybrid system was developed in partnership with General Motors, Mercedes-Benz and The BMW Group. Durango Limited Hybrid—like its counterpart—is a very comfortable riding vehicle. The three seating rows provide abundant space for passengers. The second row’s bench seatbacks fold flat—via a seat-handle—to assist with entry-exit to the third row (which can also fold-flat). Tug on the strap of the center spot on the standard, reclining 40/20/40 second row bench seat, and the seatback drops forward to expose two, molded-in-place cupholders. The third row has two cupholders, but both are located on the driver’s side. Durango designers/engineers deserve an appreciative nod for the clever packaging of the tire jack. Stowed below the cargo floor, the access point is both unobtrusive and easy to use. Durango Limited Hybrid 4x4, carrying an MSRP of $45,040, collects mpg fuel estimates of 20 city/22 highway.