2009 Chrysler Aspen Hybrid By:  ALAN GELL www.CarColumns.Net   Like the rest of the automotive industry, Chrysler has obviously had their share of problems, undergone a change in ownership, and more.  With the current economic crisis, a gas-guzzling large SUV can hit the pocketbook fairly hard and raises the eyebrows of neighbors more inclined towards “being green” and saving the environment.  The Chrysler Aspen quietly solves some of those problems.

   The Aspen is a premium SUV that provides innovative engineering, elegant styling, and a wealth of premium amenities.  It has the capability and roominess of a large SUV.  The Aspen is actually larger than most of the full-size competitors.  The Chrysler Aspen and its cousin, the Dodge Durango, are the first Hybrid offerings from the Chrysler manufacturer.  The two-mode Hybrid system uses a combination developed in cooperation with General Motors and BMW. 
I had first become acquainted with the Aspen and Durango Hybrids during a press preview in early summer 2008.  The automotive journalists at that event drove the vehicles between Boston, Massachusetts and Portland, Maine, hugging the Atlantic coastline through New Hampshire along the way.  That one day drive merely whetted my appetite to get to know this car better.  So, a full week of test driving was a pleasure.

The Aspen does not have a little squirrel cage engine under the hood for emergencies. It does not run on batteries the rest of the time or plug into the electrical socket in your garage.   Instead, it features a big HEMI V-8 engine.  The combination saves hundreds of gallons of gas a year, providing the power when it is wanted or needed.  It may not appease all the clean-air advocates that would want much more in a scaled-back engine, however.  The two mode hybrid engine seamlessly switches between a four cylinder mode and the V-8 mode.  In hybrid mode, the HEMI engine allows the four cylinder mode to be there for assistance with the electric motor.  This works great for slow speeds and light loads.  But when fast is desired or towing is necessary,  the engine kicks-in the full power when it is needed.  The V-8 Hemi is a 5.7 liter that produces 345 horsepower when it is needed. The Aspen is an All-Wheel-Drive utilizing an electrically variable four speed automatic transmission. 

The Aspen looks like an elegant vehicle.  It has angular front and rear fenders that blend into a seamless profile.  The moldings, door handles, and side mirrors all feature chromed accents.  Inside, the elegance continues, although this is not a luxury vehicle.  There are wood-accented door panels that blend with the premium leather bucket seats.  These are standard equipment.  There is a second bench seat that expands seating for eight people.  The Aspen offers many luxury-style benefits as well as comfort.

The Chrysler Aspen Hybrid is not a made-over vehicle.  It was introduced as a brand-new model for 2009.  List prices MSRP are in the $45,000 range, but good deals can be found.  The mileage is rated as 22 highway and 20 city, although most testers average 22 mpg or better all the time.  This is not a small car.  It is a large SUV that provides a lot of comfort and a lot of room, yet saves on fuel consumption by use of that two-mode hybrid system.

If you are in the market for a large, premium vehicle that can carry loads and tow large trailers, but you want fuel savings as well, this Chrysler Aspen Hybrid might be your answer.  Check it out at a Chrysler dealership yourself.