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2009 Chrysler Aspen Review

April 17, 2009

STYLING | 6 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Aspen Hybrid doesn't look noticeably different from a regular Aspen
Cars.com

Strikes a traditional SUV profile, with beefy, squared-shoulder styling
Kelley Blue Book

Controls are logically arranged and clearly marked
ConsumerGuide

The Chrysler Aspen is Chrysler's first attempt at a mid- to full-size SUV, and while it is similar to its sister vehicle, the Dodge Durango, reviews read by TheCarConnection.com feel that it is suitably distinguished in terms of styling.

New for 2009 is an Aspen Chrysler Hybrid, but unlike some hybrid variants from other automakers, Cars.com says the Chrysler "Aspen Hybrid doesn't look noticeably different from a regular Aspen [Chrysler]."

The 2009 Chrysler Aspen comes in just one trim level, Limited—which also describes its exterior options. In fact, the only way to distinguish your 2009 Chrysler SUV from others that you'll see on the road is through the addition of 20-inch, 10-spoke wheels and running boards. Otherwise, all 2009 Chrysler Aspens feature somewhat subdued styling. Kelley Blue Book comments that the Aspen Chrysler's "face comes off as conservative—which isn't necessarily a bad thing." Edmunds reviewers say that this 2009 Chrysler offers "an upscale appearance," which Kelley Blue Book reports comes in the form of "a traditional SUV profile, with beefy, squared-shoulder styling." Identifying a 2009 Chrysler Aspen Hybrid from the exterior might prove to be a difficult task, as Cars.com finds that the Aspen Chrysler Hybrid's "styling falls more in line with the Toyota Highlander and Ford Escape hybrids, which look similar to their non-hybrid counterparts."

Most reviewers agree with the editors at TheCarConnection.com, who feel that the interior is where this 2009 Chrysler really shines. Cars.com loves the "sharp navigation display" and "plenty of wood-like trim" that brightens up the interior ambiance. ConsumerGuide reviewers rave about the interior layout, finding that the "big gauges are easy to locate at a glance" and the "controls are logically arranged and clearly marked." However, they add that "small dial markings may frustrate some drivers." Edmunds also chips in by claiming that the 2009 Chrysler Aspen's "ergonomics and storage capacity are first-rate." Car and Driver reports that the Aspen Chrysler's "visual flair comes from two-tone leather treatments on the steering wheel and seats."

Conclusion

The 2009 Chrysler Aspen is a traditional truck-based SUV, and it looks the part; the 2009 Chrysler Aspen Hybrid ranks as one of the stealthiest green vehicles.

STYLING | 6 out of 10Expert Quotes:Aspen Hybrid doesn't look noticeably different from a regular AspenCars.comStrikes a traditional SUV profile, with beefy, squared-shoulder stylingKelley Blue BookControls are logically arranged and clearly markedConsumerGuide The Chrysler Aspen is Chrysler's first attempt at a mid- to full-size SUV, and while it is similar to its sister vehicle, the Dodge Durango, reviews read by TheCarConnection.com feel that it is suitably distinguished in terms of styling. New for 2009 is an Aspen Chrysler Hybrid, but unlike some hybrid variants from other automakers, Cars.com says the Chrysler "Aspen Hybrid doesn't look noticeably different from a regular Aspen [Chrysler]." The 2009 Chrysler Aspen comes in just one trim level, Limited—which also describes its exterior options. In fact, the only way to distinguish your 2009 Chrysler SUV from others that you'll see on the road is through the addition of 20-inch, 10-spoke wheels and running boards. Otherwise, all 2009 Chrysler Aspens feature somewhat subdued styling. Kelley Blue Book comments that the Aspen Chrysler's "face comes off as conservative—which isn't necessarily a bad thing." Edmunds reviewers say that this 2009 Chrysler offers "an upscale appearance," which Kelley Blue Book reports comes in the form of "a traditional SUV profile, with beefy, squared-shoulder styling." Identifying a 2009 Chrysler Aspen Hybrid from the exterior might prove to be a difficult task, as Cars.com finds that the Aspen Chrysler Hybrid's "styling falls more in line with the Toyota Highlander and Ford Escape hybrids, which look similar to their non-hybrid counterparts." Most reviewers agree with the editors at TheCarConnection.com, who feel that the interior is where this 2009 Chrysler really shines. Cars.com loves the "sharp navigation display" and "plenty of wood-like trim" that brightens up the interior ambiance. ConsumerGuide reviewers rave about the interior layout, finding that the "big gauges are easy to locate at a glance" and the "controls are logically arranged and clearly marked." However, they add that "small dial markings may frustrate some drivers." Edmunds also chips in by claiming that the 2009 Chrysler Aspen's "ergonomics and storage capacity are first-rate." Car and Driver reports that the Aspen Chrysler's "visual flair comes from two-tone leather treatments on the steering wheel and seats." ConclusionThe 2009 Chrysler Aspen is a traditional truck-based SUV, and it looks the part; the 2009 Chrysler Aspen Hybrid ranks as one of the stealthiest green vehicles. 2009 CHRYSLER ASPEN STYLING | [6 out of 10] Cars.com: "Aspen Hybrid doesn't look noticeably different from a regular Aspen" Kelley Blue Book: "Strikes a traditional SUV profile, with beefy, squared-shoulder styling" ConsumerGuide: "Controls are logically arranged and clearly marked" ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

Interior appointments and features are the Aspen's strengths in the market; it's a little glitzier inside, with more features and a look that's similar to top-of-the-line competitors like the Yukon Denali or Expedition Limited, for less money. But there are a lot of drawbacks; the Aspen just isn’t as roomy inside as true full-size competitors like the Ford Expedition and GM's big Tahoe/Yukon SUVs—which both handle very well and have more usable space in back for passengers or cargo. Compared to mid-size, truck-based SUVs like the Chevrolet Trailblazer or Ford Explorer—possibly due to its height—the Aspen is much more cumbersome to maneuver, while its fuel efficiency isn't any better than the biggest utes. The Ford and GM full-size SUVs also boast top crash-test results. Meanwhile, the Sequoia was just redesigned last year and has a noteworthy interior and impressive refinement.

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See the Chrysler Aspen in Other Years:

2009 | 2008 | 2007

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