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Summary
The 2009 Chrysler Aspen is a competent full-size SUV that offers the hauling and towing capability of a truck. The Hybrid model gives the Aspen a fuel economy advantage. Drivers who need a large SUV that can tow can get that with the Aspen, and the Hybrid makes it competitive with some of the newer carlike crossover SUVs in terms of fuel economy with comparable cargo utility. If you need a large SUV for towing, the Aspen is a fine choice. If not, a crossover SUV will provide a more carlike driving experience and fuel economy that is just as good, if not better.NewCarTestDrive.com correspondent Tom Lankard reported from Palm Springs, with correspondent Kirk Bell in Chicago, and Mitch McCullough in Los Angeles.
(Source: New Cars Test Drive)
Model Line Overview
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Model Lineup:
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Chrysler Aspen Limited 2WD ($34,230); Limited 4WD ($36,615); Hybrid ($44,825) |
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Engines:
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5.7-liter V8 with two electric motors |
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Transmissions:
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continuously variable transmission |
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Saftey Equipment (standard):
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multi-stage frontal airbags; full-coverage, side-curtain airbags; front seatbelt pretensioners and force limiters; second-row seat child safety seat anchors and tethers (LATCH); ABS with EBD and brake assist; tire pressure monitor; traction control; electronic stability control with trailer sway control and rollover mitigation; rear obstacle detection; rearview camera |
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Saftey Equipment (optional):
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none |
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Basic Warranty:
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3 years/36,000 miles |
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Assembled In:
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Newark, Delaware |
Specifications As Tested
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Model Tested (MSRP):
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Chrysler Aspen Hybrid ($44,825) |
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Standard Equipment:
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dual-zone automatic climate control; wood and leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel with audio controls; cruise control; leather upholstery; heated front bucket seats; 8-way power driver's seat with manual lumbar adjustment; 4-way power passenger seat; second-row 40/20/40 split folding seat; third-row 60/40 split folding seat; heated power-folding mirrors; power windows and locks; remote keyless entry; power-adjustable pedals; memory system (driver seat, mirrors, pedals); 368-watt 8-speaker Alpine AM/FM/CD stereo with auxiliary input jack; Sirius satellite radio; UConnect GPS with navigation system and hard-drive radio; rear backup camera; electronic vehicle information center; universal garage door opener; auto-dimming rearview mirror; laminated door glass; running boards; automatic headlights; theft-deterrent system; power rear liftgate; fog lights; roof rails; P265/60R18 on-/off-road tires on chromed alloy wheels |
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Options As Tested (MSRP):
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none |
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Destination Charge:
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745 |
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Gas Guzzler Tax:
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Price As Tested (MSRP):
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45570 |
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Layout:
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all-wheel drive |
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Horsepower (hp @ rpm):
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385 |
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Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm):
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380 |
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Transmission:
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continuously variable transmission |
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EPA fuel economy, city/hwy:
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19/20 |
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Wheelbase:
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119.2 |
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Length/width/height:
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202.1/76.0/73.6 |
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Track, f/r:
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64.4/64.4 |
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Turning circle:
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39.9 |
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Seating capacity:
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8 |
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Head/hip/leg room, f:
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40.8/58.8/41.4 |
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Head/hip/leg room, m:
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39.3/57.2/37.4 |
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Head/hip/leg room, r:
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39.2/48.0/34.5 |
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Cargo volume:
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102.4 |
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Payload:
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1500 |
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Towing capacity:
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6000 |
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Suspension, f:
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independent, upper and lower A-arm, torsion bar, gas-charged monotube shock, stabilizer bar |
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Suspension, r:
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solid axle, coil springs with Watt linkage, gas-charged monotube shock, stabilizer bar |
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Ground clearance:
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6.9 |
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Curb weight:
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5553 |
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Tires:
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P265/60R18 |
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Brakes, f/r:
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vented disc/solid disc with ABS, EBD, Brake Assist |
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Fuel capacity:
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27 |
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