Chrysler says that the Aspen can offer more interior room than other large-SUV models. With three rows of seating, the Aspen can accommodate up to eight, or the third row folds forward easily to expand the cargo area to a class-leading 68.4 cubic feet. The second row is available either with a 40/20/40-split folding bench seat or with separate bucket seats. Both have reclining seatbacks and can also fold flat.
The Aspen comes with a standard 4.7L V8 that makes 235 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque. There's also an available 335-horsepower, 5.7L Hemi V8 engine, which makes 335 horsepower and 370 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides better fuel economy than the competition thanks to the multi-displacement system, which runs only four of the cylinders when less power is needed, transitioning quickly and seamlessly back and forth to V8 power. Both models have a five-speed automatic transmission.
Rear-wheel drive is standard on the Aspen, with a four-wheel drive system optional. On models with the 4.7L engine, the four-wheel drive system has a single-speed transfer case, while on 5.7L models it has separate four-wheel drive "high" and "low" modes. Both feature an all-wheel drive mode that sends 52 percent of engine torque to the rear wheels.
The Aspen can tow up to 8,950 pounds, and the transmission comes with a special tow/haul mode that holds gears longer and downshifts to preserve braking ability with heavy loads.
The Aspen includes a significant roster of standard safety features, such as ESP stability control, electronic roll mitigation, anti-lock brakes, and side-curtain air bags for all three rows. The ParkSense parking aid is standard on four-wheel drive models.
The Aspen is only offered in a single trim level, called Limited, which comes with most popular equipment standard, such as air conditioning with rear-seat settings, cruise control, keyless entry, a CD sound system with steering wheel-mounted controls, power adjustable pedals, and power windows, locks, and mirrors. A single, $3,800 package adds popular luxury appearance and convenience equipment including chrome wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, and heated seats, while other significant options include a DVD entertainment system, eight-speaker Infinity sound system with surround sound, and a power-operated liftgate.