Chrysler Corporation’s 2008 Aspen Limited 4WD is one a fleet of cars that look as though they can do everything that’s asked of them. From towing, to transporting a team of fledgling little leaguers to a stop at the local supermarket, the Aspen can deliver. But timing being everything, it may not be the right vehicle for the current times.

What Is It?

The Aspen is the new sister-ship of the Dodge Durango. It’s good looking enough to be a contender for those in the market for a seven-passenger SUV that’s at home hauling a family, as it is hauling butt.

What’s It Up Against?

The Chrysler runs up against its own sibling the Dodge Durango, as well as Chevy’s Tahoe, Ford’s Expedition, the Jeep Commander, and the Nissan Armada among others. It’s clearly a case of badge engineering all over again. Chrysler claims its own competitive set includes the Lexus GX470, Cadillac Escalade, and Lincoln Navigator. At this point, with all of this competitive set doing essentially the same thing, it comes down to a matter of taste: Do you like the Aspen’s styling over the looks of the competition? What incentives are in place right now that would make me buy this vehicle over the others?

Currently, Chrysler is offering $2.99 a gallon fuel for the first 12,000 miles of the first three years of ownership. The others have no such offerings in place. Essentially, you connect a Visa or MasterCard to Chrysler’s Let’s Refuel America card, which you run as you normally would at the gas station of your choosing. Chrysler’s formula takes the average fuel economy of the Aspen, and divides it by 12,000 annual miles for an annual allocation of fuel at $2.99 a gallon. (15 mpg average divided by 12,000 miles = 800 gallons per year x 3 years for a total of 2,400 gallons of fuel at $2.99 per gallon.) Chrysler will pay the difference over the $2.99 price.

Or, you could decide you want a cash-back incentive, or lower APR financing instead. Take your pick, but you can only choose one.

Any Big Breakthroughs?

Other than being Chrysler’s first SUV? No.

Although normally equipped with the standard 4.7-liter 303-horsepower V8 engine, our test Aspen was packing the 5.7-liter V8 Hemi (335-horsepower/370 lb-ft of torque) with Chrysler’s Multi-Displacement System (MDS) which shuts down 4 cylinders once cruising speed has been achieved. Although not new, it is still innovative in this age of wallet crippling fuel prices.

How Does It Look?

Like an upmarket Durango! Actually it is better looking than the Durango but more like a dressy Jeep Commander. Chrome accents all around set if off from the also-rans. Hood strakes rise from the winged Chrysler logo, which anchors the grille and flow upward toward the windshield, adding more visual interest. The use of chrome continues on the topside of the front bumper.

The profile is one of the better looking ones in its segment, although as equipped with the 18-inch all-season Goodyear Wranglers on aluminum alloy wheels, the vehicle appears to be riding rather high. The 18-inchers just leave too much space between the top of the tire and the wheel well. Optional 20-inchers may help, but we think the Aspen could do well to shake some of its off-road cred, instead opting to be lowered for improved ride stability.

But looking at each detail individually, as if with a magnifying glass, doesn’t tell the whole story. First impressions are important, and what was our first impression of the Aspen? Well, it looks kind of like a crossover… or a van.

How is that possible for a vehicle so large? Simple, really. It has a short front end that really throws off the proportions, and it has a fairly short greenhouse. To us, this diminishes the only aesthetic appeal of a large SUV. At least the Chevy Tahoe or Ford Expedition look the part!

And Inside?

We have mixed feelings about the interior. While Chrysler Group’s own press releases slot the Aspen up against the Cadillac Escalade, and Lincoln Navigator, the Aspen’s interior doesn’t hold up its end of the bargain. It appears that the Town & Country interior design team was responsible for the front-half, while those penning the rear portion looked like they were previously assigned to the Dodge Ram pickup truck group.

Additionally, for all the chrome setting the style outside, there are only a few bits of brushed aluminum to carry onward, inside. Curly-maple wood trim sets off the steering wheel, center console and door panels. Redundant controls are on the front and backside of the steering wheel to operate the cruise control and the radio. Other vehicles in this segment are also showing air conditioning controls on their wheels.

From the driver’s seat, optional moveable pedals allow for great driving positions regardless of driver size. An extra that we like is the backup camera that enables you to spot children behind or to hitch a boat or trailer without having to constantly get out to see how to correct for the tow hitch. And we love the extra wide swinging rear passenger doors which allow for easy third row access.

Also on the extras side, a drop-down DVD monitor keeps up to six rear area passengers occupied during long trips. We think the seat in the “way back” is a better fit for two rather than the three that Chrysler designed it for.
But Does it Go?

The previously mentioned 5.7-liter MDS Hemi mated to a five-speed automatic transmission displays impressive technology which disables four cylinders once cruising speed has been achieved. Order the trailer-towing package with auxiliary transmission and power steering oil coolers to avoid any premature meltdowns on the highway. The two-speed transfer case on our AWD model came with skid plates and tow hooks in case you did try to take it off-road.

Ride was surprisingly good at speed, but the shape could not dispel the fact that you were trying to force a 6700-lb (gross) vehicle to punch a hole through the wind. Strong crosswind gusts would be cause for minor adjustments while driving, as it would with any vehicle possessing this type of mass. Care should be exercised when negotiating twisties; with such a high center of gravity, drivers must remember this is no Mazda Miata.

Why You Would Buy It

The Chrysler Aspen would be your choice if you wanted a competent vehicle that was on par with the Chevrolet Tahoe, Nissan Armada, and others but was not as plentiful. Or, if you aspired to a Cadillac Escalade or Lincoln Navigator, but wanted to pay thousands less.

Finally, it might just make sense with Chrysler Group’s current Let’s Refuel America campaign with subsidized gas pricing.

Why You Wouldn’t?

It doesn’t sip the gas; it gulps it. It doesn’t look like a big SUV, if you’re into that type of thing.

Price As Tested?

Customer Preferred package 28E, 5.7-liter Hemi, 4WD two-speed transfer case and delivery: $41,150.

Words and photos by Mark Elias.