What’s New?
The Aspen is Chrysler’s new mid-size sport utility vehicle (SUV) entry for 2007. It features two V-8 engine choices; the choice of two- or four-wheel drive; three rows of seats sheathed in stain-repellant material; a one-touch lane-change feature (that allows the driver to quickly activate a three-blink turn signal when changing lanes); interior LED lighting; and express-up-and-down windows.

Overview
According to the Chrysler Group, the Aspen promises to be more fuel efficient than the competition, especially when fitted with the optional 5.7L, 335-hp HEMI V-8 with fuel-saving Multiple Displacement System. This technology reduces power to four of the V-8’s cylinders when cruising. Standard motivation comes from a 4.7L V-8 developing 235 hp. A 5-speed automatic transmission comes mated to either engine. For models equipped with the 4.7L engine and four-wheel drive, a single-speed transfer case provides all-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive “high” operating modes. A two-speed transfer case is standard with the available 5.7L HEMI V-8 engine that features an all-wheel-drive mode and four-wheel-drive “high” and “low” modes.

Available safety features include an advanced multi-stage air bag system with side-curtain air bags, ABS brakes with Brake Assist, electronic stability control, Electronic Roll Mitigation, rear back-up monitor, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Available amenities include leather seating surfaces, heated front- and second-row seats, second-row reclining bucket seats, power lift gate, a full-screen navigation radio, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system with surround sound, a remote engine start feature, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, a DVD-based navigation system, and a 115-volt power inverter.

The Competition
The Chrysler Aspen competes in the Midsize Utility segment, which consists of 16 models. Buyers in this segment look for performance, reliability, and comfort, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2006 Avoider Study^SM and the Escaped Shopper Study.^SM

The top sellers in the segment during calendar year 2006, according to the J.D. Power and Associates Sales Report,^SM were the Honda Pilot (152,154 units sold), Jeep Grand Cherokee (139,148), and Ford Explorer (131,759). The Chrysler Aspen sold 7,656 units in 2006 in its first year on the market. Other models offered in the Midsize Utility segment include the Chevrolet TrailBlazer, Toyota 4Runner, Jeep Commander, Nissan Pathfinder, and Dodge Durango.