2007 Chrysler Aspen Review

The Chrysler Aspen is brand new for 2007 and is Chrysler's first attempt at an SUV.  The 2007 Chrysler Aspen is a big, traditional sport utility.  The Aspen offers the advantages of a cavernous interior and the ability to tow moderate trailer loads. It's in the same class as the Chevy Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Ford Expedition.  The platform originates from the Dodge Durango, and the Aspen is essentially a well-equipped Durango; the seven- or eight-seat Aspen sports Chrysler-signature side markings and grille elements. Under the hood is a choice of two V-8 engines, the latter being Chrysler's venerable 5.7-liter Hemi. Two different four-wheel-drive systems are available.

Powering the Aspen

Two V-8 engines are available: a 4.7-liter that generates 235 horsepower and 300 pounds-feet of torque, or a 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 with 335 hp and 370 pounds-feet of torque. The latter engine features a cylinder-deactivation system that shuts off four cylinders under light load situations for increased fuel economy. Both engines use a five-speed-automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard, and two four-wheel-drive systems are available. One matches to the 4.7-liter engine and features a single-speed transfer case incorporating a four-wheel-drive "high" mode; best for road and off-pavement use. The other works with the Hemi V-8 and has a two-speed case with both four-wheel-drive "high" and "low" modes for more challenging offroad situations.  When properly equipped, the Aspen can tow up to 8,950 pounds.

Aspen Drive

The Aspen is tall, heavy, and narrow, so its handling is mediocre.  The ride tends to the springy end of the scale, and the Aspen loses composure around curves. The up-level Aspen's 20-inch wheels with fatter tires stick better than the base model's taller tires and 18-inch wheels at the price of a slightly harsher, but no less bouncy ride.  Towing trailers long distances should be eased by a promising new feature Chrysler calls Trailer Sway Control. This system senses trailer sway and employs the electronic stability control to apply tiny amounts of brake pressure selectively to individual wheels and to reduce engine torque to counter trailer-induced yaw.

Safety

Standard safety equipment includes an electronic stability system with Chrysler's new rollover mitigation technology, which can apply brakes in short bursts to avert impending rollovers. Also standard are four-wheel-disc, antilock brakes, and side curtain-type airbags that cover all three rows of seats.  Also are the mandatory dual, multi-stage frontal airbags. All seating positions are fitted with three-point belts and adjustable head restraints.

Cabin Features for the '07 Aspen

The Aspen seats seven occupants in three rows, although an available third-row bench seat brings capacity to eight. Middle-row seats can be ordered with two captain's chairs or a three-seat bench, both of which recline up to 11 degrees. They also fold flat, the latter in a 40/20/40 split. The third row is split 60/40.  The Aspen tops most competition in headroom and legroom.  Hiproom and foot room in the third row is relatively tight, however, especially in the center position. Though similar to the Durango's, the Aspen's dashboard gains plenty of wood-like trim. Upscale features include an available navigation system and available heated seats in the first two rows. Standard cloth upholstery can be upgraded to two-tone leather or a leather and suede combination.  The cargo space is large.  With the third row folded, the Aspen's 68.4 cu. ft. of cargo tops the competition. Fold and flip everything behind the front seat and the Aspen's 102.4 cu. ft. is average when compared with the other full-size SUVs. The third-row seats compare well with the competition. The flop-and-flip second-row seats make access to the third row easy.  The low roofline limits visibility from the inside. The tinted rear glass enhances the image on the rear-seat entertainment system's drop-down video screen, but limits the driver's view somewhat. When deployed, the rear-seat video screen reduces visibility through the rearview mirror.  Front seats are supportive, with adequate bottom and side bolsters for the Aspen's intended use.

Chrysler Aspen Design

In silhouette the Aspen is almost identical to the Dodge Durango. Chrysler's version adds a chrome grille that the company says is inspired by that of its 300 sedan. The grille, with bold crossbars and classic Chrysler medallion, attempts to stake a claim for the Aspen at the top of the brand's pyramid. Additional chrome follows on lower moldings, door handles, side mirrors and roof-rack rails. Options include 20-inch wheels and a powered liftgate. The ladder-frame platform sits on the same suspension as the Durango; an independent, double-wishbone front design and a non-independent solid-axle rear.  The swept-back windshield looks sleek and aerodynamic. The optional running boards do not serve as truly functional steps. A chrome-topped, overstated molding strip pulls double duty, breaking up the expanse of metal between the front and rear wheel wells while insulating the doors against parking lot dings.  A strong rear bumper with a deep, non-skid clad step cups the one-piece liftgate. Chrome-like trim on the bumper's end caps tie into the side molding strip.

Summary

The 2007 Chrysler Aspen is a competent full-size SUV that offers the hauling and towing capability of a truck.  Aspen is an attractive package with a competitive line of engines, including a 235-horsepower, flex-fuel V8 that runs on either regular gasoline or E85 (a blend of 15 percent gasoline and 85 percent ethanol) and a 335-hp, 5.7-liter V8 with a system that conserves fuel by shutting off half the cylinders when the engine is running under a light load. Read a First Drive by myride.com for further research. The Aspen receives consistent marks on the technology front. Both powertrains earn decent fuel economy ratings by the federal government, either matching the competition or at worst giving up no more than one or two miles per gallon, even in the new, revised system the EPA will use for the 2008 model year. And the Aspen's standard electronic stability control system incorporates a new and so far exclusive feature that controls the dreaded and eerily destabilizing trailer sway. Buyers can choose between rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive with either engine. For more specifications on the Aspen, check out Edmunds.com review.  Styling is pure Chrysler, but genetically related Durango.  Fuel economy range for the 2007 Chrysler Aspen is 19 mpg Hwy, and 14 mpg City.