2009 Chrysler Aspen

It's able to operate at speeds up to 30 mph on battery power alone and has regenerative brakes and a stop/start system. The 300-volt battery pack is stored under the back seat. The gasoline engine is the 5.7 multidisplacement V-8, which can shut down cylinders when demand is light. The two technologies together yield an EPA rating of 20 city and 22 highway, a significant improvement over the 13/18 mpg the standard 2009 Chrysler Aspen model is rated. Because of that, the Aspen / Durango hybrid can qualify for a federal tax credit of up to $2200. Towing capacity is reduced to 6000 pounds, compared to 8600 for a "properly equipped" standard Aspen, but the power is there when you need it. The 5.7-liter V-8's total output, when combined with the two-mode hybrid system, is 400 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. Like a lot of hybrids these days, the 2009 Chrysler Aspen has a display in the dash that teaches the driver how to operate in the most economical mode. On the move, the Aspen seems especially quiet--nearly silent when operating on battery. The regenerative brakes have a different pedal feel than standard four-wheel discs, but on the whole the Aspen hybrid is a very driveable, comfortable large SUV that retains the capabilities SUV owners need.

The AWD-only 2009 Aspen / Durango hybrids average 19 mpg city/20 mpg highway, just short of the 6.0L hybrid, 4WD Chevrolet Tahoe/GMC Yukon's 20/20 (RWD versions get 21/20 mpg). Chrysler undercut GM on sticker prices; the Durango hybrid is $7055 less than the 4WD Tahoe hybrid and the 2009 Chrysler Aspen is $7285 less than the 4WD Yukon hybrid, about 1720 and 1776 gallons of regular unleaded, respectively.

Unlike the GMs, the Mopar hybrids don't make you give up ground clearance or roof racks for efficiency, and their tow rating remains 6000 lb. They benefit from a freshened Hemi, including variable valve timing and redesigned intake and exhaust. The hybrid-electric transmission has two variable modes, four fixed gears and regenerative braking, and the 300-volt battery is under the second-row seat. A trailer-towing package, sunroof and a rear-seat DVD player are the only options on either the Chrysler (which fetches $230 more sticker thanks to a slightly fancier interior), or the Dodge.

The Hemi is a 345-horsepower, 380-pound-foot version of the 2009 V-8 with cam-in-cam variable timing but without the two-tract intake. It's mated to the two-mode transmission, which contains a pair of AC synchronous 65-kilowatt (87-horsepower/235 pound-feet) electric motors, but total system power output is kept to 385 and 380 (340 pound-feet available from 2000 rpm). A 152-pound NiMH 300-volt battery pack resides under the center-row seat, and it's all run by processing power (equivalent to three Mac G4s) that also tells the 2009 Chrysler Aspen Hemi controller what it wants. The four fixed-ratio gears are used because they can't be beaten for power transmission efficiency in certain heavy-load situations.

The 2009 Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen Hemi Hybrids will start at $45,340 and $45,570, respectively, an average of $8k less than the General's counterparts. Both feature a dual-mode hybrid system hooked up to the famed 5.7-liter Hemi V-8, which also uses Chrysler's MDS technology to run on just four-cylinders when less power is needed. Altogether the system makes 385 horsepower and 380 lb-ft. of torque and has a 6000 pound towing capacity, yet manages 25 percent better fuel economy than its non-hybrid cousins (up to 20 mpg city/20 highway).

"The new 2009 Chrysler Aspen Hybrid and Dodge Durango Hybrid deliver fuel economy up to 20 miles per gallon - a 40 percent improvement in the city and 25 percent overall - best-in-class cargo room, and are priced nearly $8,000 below the competition," said Deborah Meyer, Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer - Chrysler LLC.

The new 2009 Chrysler Aspen HEMI Hybrid is a hybrid-electric vehicle that combine fuel-efficient advanced-hybrid technology with full-size sport-utility vehicle (SUV) performance and capability. Capable of towing 6,000 lbs., the 2009 Chrysler Aspen delivers 385 horsepower. The new 5.7-liter HEMI Hybrid is expected to deliver an overall fuel economy improvement of more than 25 percent, including an improvement of nearly 40 percent in the city. For customers who desire the performance and capability of a large SUV, the Chrysler Aspen Hybrid will reduce fuel consumption by several hundreds of gallons of gas per year.

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 2009 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.