2007 Chrysler Aspen Limited 4WD

2007 Chrysler Aspen Limited 4WD - Chrysler makes much of this rebadged Dodge Durango’s ambitions to move among the big luxury SUVs. As well it might, given that this is the only SUV in Chrysler showrooms. But the real story here is about Chrysler putting out a big body-on-frame SUV with three rows of seating, four-wheel drive, and an optional 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 capable of serious trailer-tugging duties—all for way less than 40 grand.

Our Aspen Limited (they’re all Limiteds) came with almost every option and stickered for $44,435. You can’t get a Cadillac Escalade for that, or a Lexus LX470. Or even a GX470. And the 800-pound gorilla in the room here is the $1190 Hemi included in that price.

Okay, fuel economy is not this engine’s strong suit, despite a system that deactivates half of its cylinders while cruising and provides notably free downhill coasting abilities when you get off the throttle. No, it’s the effortless torque that wafts this 5325-pound behemoth off the line, even at relatively small throttle openings, and tows it up long hills at 80 mph without a fuss.

We didn’t have a trailer on hand to tow, but there’s no doubt the Hemi handles that equally well, and the Aspen has special anti-trailer-sway software in its vehicle dynamics system for that very purpose. Equipped with 50-series tires on 20-inch rims, our test Aspen steered fairly accurately for a big SUV, but its suspension is so soft that the vehicle trampolines over undulations in a way that would send us scuttling back to sedans.

Our final beef is a second-row seat that doesn’t adjust for legroom. Why not? The rear row doesn’t get regular use, and the second-row space is too short.