Check out our New Chrysler Aspen Inventory!!!

Summary

For the 2009 model year the Chrysler Aspen gets a much needed upgrade by introducing a Hybrid model boosting the overall fuel economy to 19/20 city highway respectively. It has a massive towing ability due to its design being based on the Dodge Durango. The Aspen is a great choice for the consumer who wishes to get into a vehicle that has great towing capability and family hauling ability with excellent interior space, especially on the Hybrid which gets upgraded interior styling and added Sirius backseat TV. The Aspen is definitely worth a look if you want an SUV that gets excellent mileage(in the hybrid) and comfortable styling overall.

Full Review

The 2009 Chrysler Aspen is a big, traditional sport utility vehicle capable of towing substantial loads. For 2009, a new hybrid gas-electric model joins the lineup for improved fuel economy and reduced emissions.

Chrysler Aspen is based on the Dodge Durango and shares its size and mechanical components. The Aspen offers the ability to tow trailers up to 8,900 pounds. Boasting a cavernous interior, the Aspen accommodates seven or eight passengers, depending on the seating configuration. Three rows of seats are standard, starting with front buckets, a second-row bench and a third-row bench. Two V8 engines are available, plus the Hybrid. Buyers can choose between rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive (AWD or 4WD) with either standard engine. The Hybrid is offered only with all-wheel drive. The 5.7-liter Hemi V8 gains 30 horsepower for 2009.

Hybrid Model Options

The Hybrid boosts city fuel economy by 40 percent and overall fuel economy by more than 25 percent compared with the standard Aspen, says Chrysler. Fuel economy is EPA-rated at 19 miles per gallon City and 20 mpg Highway compared to 13/18 mpg City/Highway for the regular Aspen V8 4WD. Developed with BMW, GM, and Mercedes-Benz, the Chrysler's two-mode hybrid system pairs its 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine with two electric motors, along with a lot of fancy gearing and electronics. The second mode is meant for highway speeds and always uses engine power. The standard Aspen models rewards the driver with hearty mechanical sounds from the engine compartment, prompt throttle response, solid gear shifts, and thoroughly competent brakes. The Aspen is tall, heavy and narrow. The standard upholstery is Chrysler's stain-resistant fabric. For 2009, the Aspen gets available Sirius Backseat TV for the rear DVD entertainment system.

Trims and Styling

The 2009 Chrysler Aspen is offered in Limited and Hybrid models. Chrysler's 5.7-liter Hemi V8 is optional with 2WD ($795) or 4WD ($990). The all-wheel drive system has a two-speed transfer case with low-range gearing. Standard features on the Aspen Limited include cloth upholstery, stain-resistant; front and rear air conditioning; wood and leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel with audio controls; cruise control; front bucket seats; eight-way power driver's seat with manual lumbar adjustment; second-row 40/20/40 split folding seat; third-row 60/40 split folding seat; heated power-folding mirrors; power windows and locks; remote keyless entry; 276-watt eight-speaker Alpine AM/FM/CD stereo with auxiliary input jack; Sirius satellite radio; UConnect Tunes radio with 30-gigabyte hard drive; rear backup camera; electronic vehicle information center; universal garage door opener; automatic headlights; theft-deterrent system; power rear liftgate; fog lights; roof rails; and P265/60R18 on-/off-road tires on chromed alloy wheels.

The Hybrid is upgraded, in addition to its powertrain, with leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, premium audio, navigation system, running boards, eight-way driver seat with memory, and a host of other features.

Leather upholstery is available on all models with the Limited 28J Package ($3,800) or 28J 4WD ($3,995), which includes dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery first and second rows, heated front seats, eight-way power driver seat, four-way power passenger seat, power-adjustable pedals, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, pedals), Chrysler's UConnect GPS with navigation system and hard-drive radio, 368-watt premium audio system with subwoofer, auto-dimming rearview mirror, laminated door glass, running boards.

Options Abound

Other options available separately include rear-seat DVD entertainment system ($1,400) adds Sirius Backseat TV. The Popular Equipment group ($600) adds power-adjustable pedals, remote engine start, and running boards.

Also available separately are leather upholstery ($780), heated front seats ($250), heated second-row bucket seats ($950), and a sunroof ($850).

The second-row seats have child safety seat anchors and tethers (LATCH), but the third row doesn't. Traction control, which limits tire spinning in slick conditions, is standard. Rear obstacle detection and a rear backup camera are also standard.

Chrysler styling cues set the Aspen apart from the Dodge Durango. Unlike the hybrid SUVs from General Motors that share the Durango's two-mode hybrid system, the Aspen Hybrid does not have any exterior modifications. Interior Features

1UConnect GPS (optional) adds a navigation system to UConnect Tunes. The front seats are supportive, with adequate bottom and side bolsters for the Aspen's intended use. The tinted rear glass limits the driver's view rearward, though it enhances the image on the rear-seat video screen. When deployed, the rear-seat video screen further reduces visibility through the rearview mirror. Knee room for back-seat riders is cramped when the front seat is comfortably positioned for a 6-foot driver. The third-row seats compare well with those of the competition. The flop-and-flip second-row seats make access to the third row easy. In headroom, the Aspen's back row tops all but the Sequoia. With the third row folded, the Aspen's 68.4 cu. ft. of cargo tops the competition. The front doors have fixed, hard plastic map pockets. The front center console lid is hinged on the right-hand side, making access difficult for the front seat passenger.

First Drive 2009

The Chrysler Aspen rewards the driver with hearty mechanical sounds from the engine compartment, prompt throttle response, solid gear shifts and thoroughly competent brakes.

The Aspen is tall, heavy and narrow. Chrysler's 4.7-liter V8 produces 303 hp at 5650 rpm and 330 pound-feet of torque at 3950 rpm. With the 4.7-liter V8, the Aspen can pull up to 5900 pounds. With the 5.7-liter Hemi, the Aspen can pull up to 8900 pounds. The 5.7-liter engine benefits from Chrysler's Multi-Displacement System, which shuts down four cylinders when they're not needed for better fuel economy. The Aspen Hybrid is considerably more frugal. It shares its two-mode hybrid system with the Dodge Durango Hybrid. It's similar to the hybrid systems used on the new full-size SUV and pickup hybrid models from General Motors. Chrysler's system uses an electrically continuously variable transmission (ECVT) paired with Chrysler's 5.7-liter Hemi V8. The second mode is meant for highway speeds and always uses engine power. In the Hybrid, the Hemi V8 also has the multi-displacement system, and Chrysler says the hybrid system allows the Aspen to use just four of the eight cylinders more often for even better fuel economy.

Fuel economy for the Aspen Hybrid is estimated at 19/20 mpg City/Highway. That compares to 13/19 mpg for an Aspen AWD model. (The Hybrid comes with all-wheel drive.) Chrysler says the hybrid system boosts city fuel economy by 40 percent and overall fuel economy by more than 25 percent. Total power output for the Hybrid is 385 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. The Hybrid is rated to tow 6000 pounds. We found the hybrid system worked well, but not seamlessly. Any additional power the hybrid system provides at low speeds is offset by the sometimes tardy operation of the ECVT.

Towing with the Aspen is eased by a feature Chrysler calls Trailer Sway Control. The 2009 Chrysler Aspen is a competent full-size SUV that offers the hauling and towing capability of a truck. The Hybrid model gives the Aspen a fuel economy advantage. If you need a large SUV for towing, the Aspen is a fine choice.

2009 First Drive Conclusions

The 2009 Chrysler Aspen is a competent full-size SUV that offers the hauling and towing capability of a truck. The Hybrid model gives the Aspen a fuel economy advantage. The Sacramento Bee praises the Aspen "If you truly need and like a full-size SUV that can hold up to eight passengers and has many of the latest, must-have amenities, this new Aspen will likely be a pleaser." (read the article here) Edmunds.com loves the standard safety features included in the 2009 Aspen. (read the article here) Drivers who need a large SUV that can tow can get that with the Aspen, and the Hybrid makes it competitive with some of the newer carlike crossover SUVs in terms of fuel economy with comparable cargo utility. If you need a large SUV for towing, the Aspen is a fine choice.