2009 Chrysler Aspen Hybrid Review

With the 2009 Chrysler Aspen Hybrid, Chrysler finally jumps on the hybrid bandwagon. The Aspen has been around since the 2007 model year and its cousin, the Dodge Durango (also going hybrid this year), since 1998. So the platform is well tested. It is not the first SUV to go hybrid, but should be a welcome addition.

The Aspen Hybrid has many of the same features available as any other Aspen. These include power liftgate with LED lamps, heated fold-away power mirrors, eight-way power driver seat, 40/20/40 reclining second row seat, 60/40 split third row seat, Sentry Key theft deterrent system, full length console, one-touch up and down power front windows, power door locks with keyless entry, universal garage door opener, rear park assist with camera and CD/DVD/MP3/Satellite radio with 276 watt amp and eight alpine speakers.

Safety features include five-star frontal crash test ratings from NHTSA, with four-star rollover ratings (no side impact rating yet). Added features include tire pressure monitor, four-wheel antilock disc brakes, electronic stability program, dual note horn and airbags everywhere, including multi-stage front airbags.

What really sets the Aspen Hybrid apart, of course, is the drive train. The Aspen Hybrid comes with either a 4.7 liter V8 or Dodge's famous 5.7 liter Hemi V8, the latter pushing 345 horsepower. Either motor is paired with by a five-speed automatic transmission. The Aspen Hybrid tows almost nine thousand pounds. Specific numbers aren't in yet but the Aspen Hybrid should get about eighteen miles per gallon in the city and twenty-two or twenty-three miles per gallon on the highway.

The Aspen Hybrid uses a two-mode system. In addition to the gasoline engine, it has two electric motors. At low speeds the Aspen Hybrid can run on the electric motors, the gasoline engine or both. If the gasoline engine is off, it will restart immediately when needed. At higher speed or if the load is heavier the gasoline engine stays on, but either or both of the electric engines may go off.

The Aspen Hybrid transmission uses two sets of gears. One set is for the gasoline engine, the other for the electric motors. It changes configurations with the various engine/motor configurations, giving what is essentially a continuously variable transmission. A continuously variable transmission does not have gears, as such, but operates at the ratio most effective for the given circumstances.

Hybrid technology is still new, of course. But it offers the prospect of extending the life of our fossil fuels and supports cleaner air. That makes it a safe bet that Hybrids are around to stay for the near future. With a base price of $45,570, the 2009 Chrysler Aspen Hybrid may not be for everyone, yet. However, it is for some, and that group is likely to increase in size in the future.