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2009 Chrysler Aspen Full Review
Date Published: 4/18/08
Also in the 2009 Chrysler Aspen Review:
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Chrysler Aspen Full Review
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2009 Chrysler Aspen
Sneak Peek
The 2009 Chrysler Aspen gets a gas/electric hybrid option. Otherwise this premium midsize SUV is unchanged. Aspen is basically a retrimmed Dodge Durango. The two share traditional gas V8 and hybrid powertrains, as well as seating for up to eight. Aspen comes in a single Limited trim level. It has a 4.7-liter V8 engine that produces 303 hp as standard. Optional is a 335-hp 5.7-liter Hemi V8. Hybrids have a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 that pairs with a battery-powered electric motor for 385 hp. The hybrid is a "two-mode" system, which means it can run on either gas or electric power or both, depending on driving needs. No plug-in charging is needed. Both Hemi V8s have Chrysler's Multi-Displacement System, which shuts down four cylinders when cruising in order to save fuel. A 5-speed automatic is the only transmission in gasoline models, while the hybrid gets a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Aspen is available with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. A low-range gear for off-roading is an AWD option. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. Options include leather upholstery, DVD entertainment, power liftgate, navigation system, and rear obstacle detection. Standard seating is for eight with a 2nd-row bench; optional buckets reduce it to seven.
News
Aspen is just out, and should thus stand pat for a while. The basic SUV design, however, should persist at least through decade's end.
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2009 Chrysler Aspen Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Passenger and cargo room | Fuel economy |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
We have not yet tested an Aspen with the 4.7-liter V8 or a Hybrid. The conventional Hemi V8 delivers plenty of power at all speeds, though 5.7 Aspens feel no faster than a V6-powered Acura MDX. Maximum towing capacity is 8900 lb.
| AWD Limited, 5.7 V8 | Class Average |
| 5 | 6.1 |
We have not yet tested an Aspen with the 4.7-liter V8 or a Hybrid. The conventional Hemi V8 delivers plenty of power at all speeds, though 5.7 Aspens feel no faster than a V6-powered Acura MDX. Maximum towing capacity is 8900 lb.
Fuel Economy
No opportunity to measure, but we're skeptical of Chrysler's claim that the 303-hp 4.7 V8 is more efficient than the 235-hp version from 2007. 4.7-liter V8 uses regular-grade gas. Chrysler recommends 89-octane for both 5.7 V8s.
| AWD Limited, 5.7 V8 | Class Average |
| 2 | 3.8 |
No opportunity to measure, but we're skeptical of Chrysler's claim that the 303-hp 4.7 V8 is more efficient than the 235-hp version from 2007. 4.7-liter V8 uses regular-grade gas. Chrysler recommends 89-octane for both 5.7 V8s.
Ride Quality
Generally comfortable and controlled for an SUV with a traditional, truck-type design. Aspen is mostly devoid of sloppy motions.
| AWD Limited, 5.7 V8 | Class Average |
| 6 | 5.9 |
Generally comfortable and controlled for an SUV with a traditional, truck-type design. Aspen is mostly devoid of sloppy motions.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Aspen has good grip and modest lean in corners--impressive for a vehicle this large and heavy. Steering, however, would benefit from less power assist and more road feel.
| AWD Limited, 5.7 V8 | Class Average |
| 4 | 5.6 |
Aspen has good grip and modest lean in corners--impressive for a vehicle this large and heavy. Steering, however, would benefit from less power assist and more road feel.
Quietness
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 Hemi V8 is well muffled in all but full-throttle acceleration.
| AWD Limited, 5.7 V8 | Class Average |
| 6 | 6.7 |
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 Hemi V8 is well muffled in all but full-throttle acceleration.
Controls
Big gauges are easy to locate at a glance, though small dial markings may frustrate some drivers. Controls are logically arranged and clearly marked.
| AWD Limited, 5.7 V8 | Class Average |
| 6 | 6.5 |
Big gauges are easy to locate at a glance, though small dial markings may frustrate some drivers. Controls are logically arranged and clearly marked.
Details
Aspen's cabin materials are notably upmarket of the similar Dodge Durango, however, they trail those of premium rivals from Acura and Cadillac.
| AWD Limited, 5.7 V8 | Class Average |
| 6 | 7.1 |
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)
Ample leg- and headroom, even beneath the sunroof housing. Thick front roof pillars obstruct view around corners. Good rear visibility, aided by large outside mirrors. Entry/exit requires a large step-up.
| AWD Limited, 5.7 V8 | Class Average |
| 7 | 7.5 |
Ample leg- and headroom, even beneath the sunroof housing. Thick front roof pillars obstruct view around corners. Good rear visibility, aided by large outside mirrors. Entry/exit requires a large step-up.
Room/Comfort (rear)
The 2nd row has good head-, leg-, and toe room, and 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.
| AWD Limited, 5.7 V8 | Class Average |
| 7 | 6.4 |
The 2nd row has good head-, leg-, and toe room, and 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
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. 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.
| AWD Limited, 5.7 V8 | 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. 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
Aspen may appear little more than a dressed-up Dodge Durango, but a smoother ride, reduced noise levels, and markedly upscale cabin trim make it a more enjoyable vehicle. Aspen's reasonable pricing means it costs only about $1000 more than a comparably equipped Durango as well. Aspen is worth a look for luxury 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.
| AWD Limited, 5.7 V8 | Class Average |
| 6 | 6.6 |
Aspen may appear little more than a dressed-up Dodge Durango, but a smoother ride, reduced noise levels, and markedly upscale cabin trim make it a more enjoyable vehicle. Aspen's reasonable pricing means it costs only about $1000 more than a comparably equipped Durango as well. Aspen is worth a look for luxury 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.
Total Score
| AWD Limited, 5.7 V8 | Class Average |
| 65 | 70.8 |
Scores for all Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 65 | |
| Average Score | 70 | |
| High Score | 80 |
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2009 Chrysler Aspen Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 11/12/2007
Coming soon.
Please check back for more information and Consumer Guide's full review.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Optional Equipment
No factory options.
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2009 Chrysler Aspen Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Chrysler Aspen 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 119.2 |
| Overall Length, in. | 200.8 |
| Overall Width, in. | 76.0 |
| Overall Height, in. | 74.3 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 5082 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 102.4 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 27.0 |
| Seating Capacity | 8 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 40.8 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.4 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 39.3 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 37.4 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| sohc V8 | ohv V8 | ohv V8/electric | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 4.7 /287 | 5.7 /345 | 5.7 /345 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 303 @ 5650 | 335 @ 5200 | 385 @ 5400 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 330 @ 3950 | 370 @ 4200 | @ |
| Availability | Standard | Optional | Optional |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|||
| 5-speed automatic | 13/18 | 13/18 | --/-- |
| CVT automatic | --/-- | --/-- | 18/19 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Chrysler Aspen 4-door wagon |
Coming soon.
Please check back for more information and Consumer Guide's full review.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Built in:
USA
Drivewheels:
all-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive
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Also in the 2009 Chrysler Aspen Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Chrysler Aspen Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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