Launch of the Chrysler Aspen Hybrid, the first of its kind from Chrysler can be mistaken for a very bad practical joke.
The reason behind this is the hybrids like Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango run on a system of hybrid electric gas like the other hybrids do, but they miserably fail to compete with full-size luxury SUVs like the Lexus GX 470, Lincoln Navigator, and Cadillac Escalade, mainly on account of their smaller size, and use of inferior materials, and poor build quality.
Chrysler Aspen Hybrid = Enhanced Fuel Economy or Greater Cost?
For improved fuel economy, you can try the new 2009 Chrysler Aspen HEV hybrid, which comes with “two-mode” hybrid technology, and power-train featuring a de-powered version of the 5.7-liter V8 hemi engine.
Chrysler Aspen Hybrid
A trick transmission with variable gear ratios, along with a pair of electric motors help the Chrysler Aspen Hybrid in achieving fantastic fuel economy of 20MPG, which is about 5MPG more than the standard Aspen fuel economy without the hybrid hardware. But, you got to shell out about $3,000 extra for that!
The Bottom-Line
The proportion of the improvement in this large sized SUV’s fuel economy is definitely appreciable, but the lackluster interiors, mediocre handling, average drivability, and several other weak aspects of the Chrysler Aspen Hybrid prevent it from even getting anywhere closer to the top performing hybrid SUVs.
