Chrysler Aspen Hybrid

Sandi Pedersen, www.car-data.com

The first Chrysler gas-electric vehicle is finally here. The 2009 Chrysler Aspen Hybridfull-sized sport utility vehicle has arrived. The Aspen delivers 7 passenger seating, upscalefeatures and some of the best MPG numbers in its class. After taking a weekend trip from Houston toAustin I was thoroughly impressed with what this Sport Utility Vehicle had to offer.

What impressed me the most? Well let’s start with the fuel economy that Chrysler estimated theAspen HEV can achieve; 19 miles per gallon city and 20 miles per gallon on the highway, which afterfirst looking at the size of the Aspen, I thought no way this SUV can even come close to thoseestimates. However, after driving more then 300 miles of both city and highway miles I averaged 22miles per gallon which said to me that the EPA estimates a bit too conservative!

The next feature that I liked was the standard navigation system which gives the driver all theinformation that they need at basically the touch of the screen and when on a road trip in the bigstate of Texas this feature was a must have. Of course when out on a long road trip the rear cargospace also is important and the Aspen has plenty of seating; enough for 3 adults in the second rowand 2 more in the third. It also has 100 cubic feet of cargo space once both rows are folded flat.This came in real handy for bringing basically my whole kitchen with us so we could cook athanksgiving dinner at my son’s apartment!

To quote my husband, ‘this Aspen was one of the best large SUV’S I have been in and I reallylike the fact that when I need it’s 385 combined horsepower it is ready to roar. Plus, we could buya boat as it can tow 6,000 lbs and look good doing it.’ I think he was fantasizing there for amoment.

And I would have to agree and hope that if United States car manufacturers can turn around therecurrent financial problems, they would incorporate more Hybrid designs into their lines.

I have come to the realization that when I get into a vehicle for the first time, I immediatelylook at the cup holder options. Call me shallow or just an avid coffee drinker, who is seldomwithout a cup, but I found in talking to other people, women in particular, that this is a veryimportant aspect of how we feel about the vehicle.

On a scale of 1-10

Cup holders ‘ 9′ LOTS and LOTS and LOTS!