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2009 Chrysler Aspen Safety Review

April 17, 2009

SAFETY | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Five stars, frontal-impact; four stars, rollover resistance (4WD)
NHTSA

No test data
IIHS

Four-wheel-disc antilock brakes, traction control and an electronic stability system are standard
Cars.com

Although the 2009 Chrysler Aspen comes with a solid array of standard safety features, they're not enough to completely compensate for its top-heavy nature. The lack of complete crash-test data further muddies the picture, although research conducted by TheCarConnection.com fails to turn up any major safety flaws.

Crash-test results are where most consumers turn first when researching a vehicle's safety attributes, but prospective buyers will be disappointed to find that the crash-test profile is incomplete for the Aspen Chrysler and 2009 Chrysler Aspen Hybrid. NHTSA has not conducted any side-impact tests on the 2009 Chrysler Aspen, but in frontal impact tests, this 2009 Chrysler earned a perfect five-star rating. In rollover resistance, NHTSA awarded this 2009 Chrysler four out of five stars for the 4WD version, though the 2WD variant scored a mediocre three stars. The IIHS has not yet tested this 2009 Chrysler SUV.

If the crash-test ratings don't inspire confidence, then consumers can look to the Aspen Chrysler's safety features for comfort. J.D. Power reports that "standard safety features on the 2009 Chrysler Aspen Hybrid include dual-stage front airbags; head-protecting curtain side air bags that cover all three seating rows and have rollover sensors; [and a] tire-pressure monitor." Cars.com adds that the standard equipment "includes an electronic stability system with rollover mitigation technology, which can apply brakes in short bursts to avert impending rollovers," along with "four-wheel-disc, antilock brakes." Reviewers at Edmunds list the optional safety equipment as "power-adjustable pedals and ParkSense rear parking sensors."

One downside to most SUVs is that they offer poor driver visibility, and the 2009 Chrysler lineup of Aspen SUVs is no exception. ConsumerGuide says that the "thick front roof pillars obstruct view around corners," while Kelley Blue Book reports that "rearward visibility to the sides is hindered by wide C- and D-pillars." On the positive side, ConsumerGuide observes that visibility is "aided by large outside mirrors."

Conclusion

Although there’s not a lot of information to go on, the stout 2009 Chrysler Aspen promises safety and security.

SAFETY | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:Five stars, frontal-impact; four stars, rollover resistance (4WD)NHTSANo test dataIIHSFour-wheel-disc antilock brakes, traction control and an electronic stability system are standardCars.com Although the 2009 Chrysler Aspen comes with a solid array of standard safety features, they're not enough to completely compensate for its top-heavy nature. The lack of complete crash-test data further muddies the picture, although research conducted by TheCarConnection.com fails to turn up any major safety flaws. Crash-test results are where most consumers turn first when researching a vehicle's safety attributes, but prospective buyers will be disappointed to find that the crash-test profile is incomplete for the Aspen Chrysler and 2009 Chrysler Aspen Hybrid. NHTSA has not conducted any side-impact tests on the 2009 Chrysler Aspen, but in frontal impact tests, this 2009 Chrysler earned a perfect five-star rating. In rollover resistance, NHTSA awarded this 2009 Chrysler four out of five stars for the 4WD version, though the 2WD variant scored a mediocre three stars. The IIHS has not yet tested this 2009 Chrysler SUV. If the crash-test ratings don't inspire confidence, then consumers can look to the Aspen Chrysler's safety features for comfort. J.D. Power reports that "standard safety features on the 2009 Chrysler Aspen Hybrid include dual-stage front airbags; head-protecting curtain side air bags that cover all three seating rows and have rollover sensors; [and a] tire-pressure monitor." Cars.com adds that the standard equipment "includes an electronic stability system with rollover mitigation technology, which can apply brakes in short bursts to avert impending rollovers," along with "four-wheel-disc, antilock brakes." Reviewers at Edmunds list the optional safety equipment as "power-adjustable pedals and ParkSense rear parking sensors." One downside to most SUVs is that they offer poor driver visibility, and the 2009 Chrysler lineup of Aspen SUVs is no exception. ConsumerGuide says that the "thick front roof pillars obstruct view around corners," while Kelley Blue Book reports that "rearward visibility to the sides is hindered by wide C- and D-pillars." On the positive side, ConsumerGuide observes that visibility is "aided by large outside mirrors." ConclusionAlthough there’s not a lot of information to go on, the stout 2009 Chrysler Aspen promises safety and security. 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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