2009 Chrysler Aspen Hybrid San Diego CA

November 18, 2009   By Alison Lakin, Associate Editor



2009 Chrysler Aspen
DriverSide Overview
Using a two-mode hybrid system developed by GM, Chrysler , Mercedes-Benz and the BMW Group, the 2009 Chrysler Aspen is cashing in on all of the hybrid hype garnered over the last few years. By taking the Aspen design, one that is familiar to those who have already invested in the Chrysler name, and adding a hybrid motor to its HEMI V-8, this SUV is better - and more current - than ever. A 25 percent improvement in overall fuel economy seems to magnify other strong points like its three rows of seats and a 6,000-pound towing capability. It may still drive like a heavy SUV, but if there's no escaping your need for a big vehicle, this may be the one for you.








What's to Like
Its hybrid system is the best in the market for managing power output through various driving conditions as well. Upscale interior and exterior design set it apart from its sibling, the Dodge Durango Hybrid.

What's Not to Like
The drive quality is still very SUV-like, no matter how good the gas mileage gets. We would have preferred that the rear seats fold down more easily than they do.

The Drive:
DriverSide Driving Impressions
The Aspen's ride feels very much like the SUV it is. Cornering can be unwieldy, and the weight of the car – increased by the hybrid batteries – results in slight body roll. However, the Aspen’s suspension smoothes out bumps better than its competition. The two-mode hybrid can power the Aspen to 25 mph without needing to use the gas engine. Having as much mass as it does means the engine is eager to fire up, and unless you feather the peddle from a stop, you’re going to feel and hear it helping the electric motor much sooner than 25 mph. The absence of the fuel engine kicking in at first makes the vehicle so quiet that they’ve added a “Ready” light below the speedometer so you don’t keep turning the key.

Engine and Drivetrain
The numbers are only estimated - when a vehicle has both a gas engine and electric motors, it is difficult to put the power output into horsepower and torque terms. Regardless, a 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine and electric motor that deliver roughly 345 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque sounds pretty good to us. The Aspen has standard four-wheel drive.

Interesting Vehicle Features and Options
The Aspen can tow up to 6,000 pounds; compare that to the V-6-powered Highlander’s 3,500-pound max. The uconnect system has replaced the previous MyGIG infotainment system and is simple to use. The hybrid energy usage display on the center screen highlights the engine and electric motor components to show you which system is powering the SUV at any given time. It also shows you realtime fuel economy stats or a backup camera if you're reversing.

Key Technology Evaluation
Two-mode hybrids are named as such because they use two electrically variable ...

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