Chrysler Aspen reviews

2009 Chrysler Aspen Interior Features

On first impression, the Aspen interior looks classy in its materials selection, presentation and packaging. On closer examination, some of that initial luster fades.

The satin-finish metal accents and wood-like trim give the interior an elegant touch, as does the silver-ringed, old-fashioned style clock tucked into a recess in the top-center of the dash. The woodgrain looks better than it feels, however, as do the expanses of textured plastic panels, which are hard to the touch and replete with seams that pose threats of squeaks and buzzes as the miles rack up. Where there's padding, it's noticeably thin. The symmetry of shapes and simplicity of features and controls for the stereo, air conditioning and navigation systems are pluses that partially counter some of the questionable elements.

Chrysler's UConnect Tunes (standard) comes with a 6.5-inch touch screen and a 30-gigabyte hard drive to hold music and picture files. UConnect GPS (optional) adds a navigation system to UConnect Tunes. The navigation system has voice activation and real-time traffic, and voice commands can be used to input navigation destination information when the vehicle is in motion, a great feature once you learn how to use it.

The rear-seat DVD entertainment system is available with Sirius Backseat TV, which has three children's channels: Nickelodeon, Disney Channel, and Cartoon Network. DVDs and TV can be played on the front navigation screen when the vehicle is in Park.

The Hybrid's gauge cluster replaces the tachometer with a power gauge that shows when the electric motors are aiding power or being charged. This gauge has a green Economy zone that drivers can use to aim for the best possible fuel economy.

The front seats are supportive, with adequate bottom and side bolsters for the Aspen's intended use. We found the fabric upholstery more comfortable than the somewhat stiff leather. The pivot point for the front seatbacks' recline is positioned above the seat bottom, much like the seats on those regional commuter jets; reclining in the seat requires sliding one's posterior forward on the bottom cushion, effectively shortening the seat bottom and reducing thigh support. In short, the seats are okay but we don't love them.

The laid-back windshield pushes the dash, and with it the steering wheel, close enough to the driver that the adjustable pedals are strongly recommended. The adjustable pedals will permit short-stature drivers to sit far enough from the steering wheel to maintain the recommended safe distance from the steering wheel airbag. The steering column tilts but does not telescope. And the dead pedal against which drivers might want to brace their left foot while navigating sharp turns is somewhere up near the front bumper and useless for anybody not as tall as, say, Lebron James.

Visibility outward is limited by the low roofline. The tinted rear glass limits the driver's view rearward, though it enhances the image on the rear-seat video screen. When deployed, the rear-seat video screen further reduces visibility through the rearview mirror. Fortunately, the rearview camera helps with this.

Second-row legroom trails the competition (Ford Expedition, Chevy Tahoe, GMC Yukon, Nissan Armada, Toyota Sequoia) by one to four inches. Knee room for back-seat riders is cramped when the front seat is comfortably positioned for a 6-foot driver. Getting in and out of the second row is easy. The back doors swing open a welcoming 84 degrees and leave space enough in their lower reaches for all but NBA-size shoes.

The third-row seats compare well with those of the competition. The flop-and-flip second-row seats make access to the third row easy. In headroom, the Aspen's back row tops all but the Sequoia. Its legroom handily bests all but the Expedition. Hip room and foot room in the third row is relatively tight, however, especially in the center position, the automotive equivalent to the center seat in the back of a plane.

Cargo space is plentiful. With the third row folded, the Aspen's 68.4 cu. ft. of cargo tops the competition. Fold and flip everything behind the front seat and the Aspen's 102.4 cu. ft. is average when compared with the other full-size SUVs.

Cubby storage is about par for the class. Each row of seats gets at least two cupholders. The front doors have fixed, hard plastic map pockets. The backside of the driver's seat has a pouch for magazines. The glove box is adequate, but the undamped door can crack the shins of an unwary front passenger. The front center console lid is hinged on the right-hand side, making access difficult for the front seat passenger.

Aspen has features that came from Chrysler's relationship with Mercedes-Benz. One is tip start, which requires only a twist and release of the key to start the engine. Another is a one-touch lane-change function on the turn signals, where touching and releasing the lever produces three blinks of the turn light. The third is an option in the driver's personalization settings that turns on the headlights whenever the windshield wipers are on, a useful feature for drivers living in states where that's mandated and a good idea in other places. Auto On/Off headlights are standard.