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2007 Chrysler Aspen Limited Road Test

A 300C for SUV Lovers?

Talk about late to the party. This SUV didnt even show up in the right decade let alone in time for cocktails and hors-doeuvres. Truly, it seems to be last call in the full-size SUV segment, with most buyers in this class looking to car-like crossovers instead of traditional, body-on-frame four-by-fours.

So, is there a place for Chryslers new Aspen amongst the likes of GMCs Yukon and Fords Expedition? Thats a tough call, being that buyers of large SUVs tend to be a loyal bunch, but considering the Aspen targets Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator buyers with an interior thats about as upscale as domestic sport utilities come, and does it for entry-level brand prices, well, there might be room after all.

Timing is everything, though, and while the Aspen might have seemed like a good idea four years ago when the Chrysler

The Aspen isnt just late for the party, its last call. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

designers, engineers and product planners put the wheels in motion, they couldnt have imagined todays high fuel prices and the resultant decline in interest in this class.

On the other hand, it wasnt like they had to start from scratch. Underneath the heavily chromed Chrysler body work is a Dodge Durango, easy to see from its familiar side profile. And come to think of it, the very fact that the Aspen is based off of the popular Dodge just might be what gives it an edge up on its competition. After all, the Durango is smaller than

Can you see the Durango in the Aspens greenhouse? (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

its main rivals, the Tahoe/Yukon twins and the Expedition, not to mention the Toyota Sequoia and Nissan Armada, yet it can do most anything these larger, more cumbersome and thirstier alternatives can with greater efficiency. Maybe Chryslers on to something here.

With regards to its donor vehicle, theres certainly much thats different when putting it side by side with Chryslers latest. Pretty well every body panel, from its big chrome grille to its large, slightly rounded headlamps and unique front fenders is new. Its rear end design is different too, with more than just a big, wide Chrysler

The Crossfire-inspired hood-strakes are truly unique in the SUV segment. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

logo fixed to the liftgate. Most noticeable are the taillights, not featuring the Jeep Liberty-like lenses that the Durango adopted, but rather more classically designed, rectangular lamps.

While Chrysler dubs it the "300 of SUVs", the Aspen doesnt quite measure up to that cars daring road presence, and therefore probably wont be snatched up as quickly by the rap stars and sports personalities for tuning purposes. No, the SUV of choice for this crowd is Cadillacs Escalade. The Aspen is more likely to become a conveyance for the trailer pulling retiree or mature professional with older children, its classy styling fitting

I didnt expect the blue LED overhead spot lights... very nice. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

into the clique that has already gravitated towards the Pacifica crossover. Still, those Crossfire inspired strakes that run the length of the hood are pretty radical, and give the Aspen some unique presence all its own.
Likewise, my testers optional 20-inch chrome plated alloy wheels were pretty bling, matching the grille, of course, the thick swab of chrome that runs down the side and meets up with more chrome at the back, plus the chrome mirror caps, chrome bumper trim, and... well... theres chrome almost everywhere, and more inside.

When I first stepped up and into this particular vehicle it was at night, and I was greeted by soft blue-toned LED lights unlike any other

What an interior! Chrysler didnt hold back on leather, satin-finish metallic trim or faux wood, plus the plastics quality is very good. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

SUV Ive experienced this side of Land Rovers six-figure Range Rover. On that note, the Aspens interior quality might not be as top-grade as the British-brands top-line model, but then again few luxury cars can match that as it is, still the Chryslers environmentally friendly woodgrain is gorgeous, satin finished metallic surfaces divine and interior plastics almost entirely of the soft-touch variety... very, very nice. Items like this analog clock suit the dinner club atmosphere to a T, and theres more features than most people will ever use.

While this top-of-the-line model is covered in soft leather with suede-like inserts on the seats, you can actually get it with two-tone mid-grade leather as

Volume and station preset controls are behind the steering wheel spokes, for intuitive action. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

well, or a base model with an easy-care, soil resistant anti-microbial fabric called YES Essentials.

At first glance the Aspens dash design doesnt look all that different from the Durangos, but there are some significant variances. For instance, the similarly shaped instrument binnacle only caps the gauge package with the new Chrysler, while arcing all the way across the center stack in the Dodge. This allows for a modified center stack, the Aspens alternatively reaching up and over the top of the dash. Is it more elegant than the Durangos? Not necessarily, at least if you were to strip away the wood and metal trim. But such features come standard with the Aspen, giving it a more upscale appearance than Dodges large SUV.

While checking out the second row seats I noticed a

Ideal for two-prong appliances... but not my laptop. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

few upscale features that will be sure to delight backseat drivers as well, like second-row seat heaters to complement a separate temperature controller for rear passengers, attached to the rear of the center console, that actuate heat or the air conditioning through vents in the roof.

As expected in this class are steering wheel-mounted audio controls, but like with all Chryslers these are among the best in the industry due to being situated on the rear sides of each upper steering wheel spoke, leaving the front sides less cluttered and thus allowing for easier, more natural actuation while the hands are properly positioned at 9 and 3 oclock on the wheel. Cruise control buttons, which are normally used less often, neatly fit into the front of each top spoke.

Those buttons connect through to what is an easy to use infotainment interface boasting an AM/FM

Analog clock adds a touch of class. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

radio plus an integrated six-disc CD changer that pumps sound through an eight-channel, 368-watt amplifier with two channels driving an eight-inch separately enclosed sub through eight Alpine speakers, featuring theater-style surround-sound if hooked up to the optional DVD entertainment system. The roof-mounted swing down screen is smaller than some in this segment, but the system is well designed with a remote control nestled above the screen when closed, RCA plugs for external devices and all the controls any kid could want to play around with at the rear of the unit. Speaking of plugs, there isnt one for an external audio device, such as an iPod, although SIRIUS Satellite radio is available. While Chrysler should get kudos for taking satellite seriously (ouch, that was a pun of the lowest order), theres really no possible excuse leaving out the auxiliary jack. At worst Auburn Hills could have rigged something makeshift like Dearborn

No excuses HEMI is cleaner than most five-year old economy cars and better on fuel than you might think. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

did with its new Expedition, an ugly but functional add-on positioned on the lower half of the center console. Instead, were left to burn CDs of MP3s or use store-bought CDs... who does that anymore? On the positive, Chrysler did think to include a 115-volt two-prong power outlet at the backside of the center console. Id need to buy an adaptor or drill out a hole for my three-prong laptop, but its the thought that counts, right? Better yet, Chrysler scores a homerun thanks to including voice-activated UConnect for Bluetooth-equipped cell phones and PDAs.

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