Acceleration

Hybrid	Class Average
5	6.1

No 4.7-liter V8 models or new conventional gas-engine Hemis have been made available for testing. Hybrids can accelerate solely on electric power under gentle throttle up to about 25 mph. It takes a moment to kick on the gas engine after running on electric power, thus resulting in a sensation akin to low-speed throttle lag. Once the gas engine starts, acceleration is good but falls shy of being potent. Chrysler's Multi-Displacement System does not shift between four cylinders and eight as smoothly as GM's Active Fuel Management. The transmission works well in keeping the engine in its power band.

Fuel Economy

Hybrid	Class Average
5	3.8

No opportunity to measure. The Hybrid and 4.7-liter V8 use regular-grade gas. Chrysler recommends 89-octane for the 365-hp 5.7-liter Hemi.

Ride Quality

Hybrid	Class Average
5	5.9

The Hybrid has different suspension tuning than conventional Aspens, due to its extra weight. Its bump absorption is borderline sloppy, particularly when the front wheels traverse pavement cracks.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Hybrid	Class Average
3	5.4

The Hybrid's extra weight and unsophisticated suspension take a toll. It has electric power steering versus the hydraulic setup on other Aspens. Hybrids lack road feel.

Quietness

Hybrid	Class Average
6	6.8

Chrysler says Aspen has more sound insulation than Durango. Road noise is decently muted, but certain surfaces can induce audible tire roar. Highway-speed wind rush is evident from the outside mirrors. Engine noise from the hybrid Hemi V8 is well muffled in all but full-throttle acceleration.

Controls

Hybrid	Class Average
6	6.3

Big gauges are easy to locate at a glance, though small dial markings may frustrate some drivers. Controls are logically arranged and clearly marked. Hybrids have a power-flow display in the navigation system that also shows when the engine is in 4-cylinder mode, as well as a real-time fuel economy readout.

Details

Hybrid	Class Average
6	7

Aspen's cabin materials are notably upmarket of the similar Dodge Durango, however, they trail those of premium rivals from Acura and Cadillac.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Hybrid	Class Average
7	7.5

Ample legroom and headroom, even beneath the sunroof housing. Thick front roof pillars obstruct view around corners. Visibility is good otherwise, aided by large outside mirrors. Entry/exit requires a large step-up.

Room/Comfort (rear)

Hybrid	Class Average
7	6.5

The 2nd row has good headroom, legroom, and foot space. The seatback reclines within a modest range. The 2nd row flips and folds with one hand to allow access to the 3rd row, which can accommodate adults for short trips.

Cargo Room

Hybrid	Class Average
10	8.6

The 2nd- and 3rd-row seats fold to create a nearly flat floor. Single-piece 3rd-row bench seat can be folded only from inside the vehicle, and only after the cushion is moved forward. Available 3rd-row split folding seat can be folded in an easy one-step operation from outside the tailgate area. Hybrids lose no cargo space to conventional versions. Note that the automatic liftgate lacks a tailgate button for power close. Plenty of in-cabin storage, including a deep center console and large, useful console tray.

Value within Class

Hybrid	Class Average
5	6.3

Aspen may appear little more than a dressed-up Dodge Durango, but reduced noise levels and markedly upscale cabin trim make it a more enjoyable vehicle. Aspen's reasonable pricing means it doesn't cost much more than a comparably equipped Durango. The Hybrid gives up little towing capacity and no passenger space to its conventional sibling. However, it lacks smooth throttle response and suspension sophistication that one would expect in a premium-class vehicle. Shoppers who can use the towing and hauling utility of a traditional SUV, but don't covet the mass of a Cadillac Escalade or Lincoln Navigator would be best served by looking at a conventional Aspen.

Total Score

Hybrid	Class Average
65	70.2

Scores for all Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		63
Average Score		70
High Score		79