Vehicle Overview
Not content to let Dodge have all the fun, Chrysler adopted its own version of the Dodge Durango full-size sport utility vehicle for 2007. For 2008, a more powerful standard V-8 sits under the hood, and there are minor tweaks to option packages and features. The Aspen is an upscale version of Dodge’s Durango and competes with similar SUVs such as the GMC Yukon and Ford Expedition.
The platform isn’t the only component Dodge donated: The vehicle’s nameplate, Aspen, was Dodge’s replacement for the Dart in 1976. Chrysler presumably hopes this Aspen, its first SUV, will surpass the original car’s five-year run.
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 5.7-liter Hemi. Two different four-wheel-drive systems are available.
The Aspen is built alongside the Durango in Newark, Del.
Exterior
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 — so the ride is unlikely to be dramatically different.
Interior
Though similar to the Durango’s, the Aspen’s dashboard gains plenty of wood-like trim. Upscale touches 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 Aspen seats seven occupants in three rows, although an available third-row bench seat bumps 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. Folding both rows provides the maximum 102.4 cubic feet of cargo volume — a bit less than the Ford Expedition and Chevy Tahoe, which both have around 110 cubic feet.
Under the Hood
Two V-8 engines are available: last year’s 4.7 liter gets a bump in power and now generates 303 horsepower and 330 pounds-feet of torque, up from 235 hp and 300 pounds-feet of torque. A 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 with 335 hp and 370 pounds-feet of torque is available. 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 8,900 pounds.
Safety
Standard safety equipment includes an electronic stability system with Chrysler’s 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 airbags that cover all three rows of seats.
