Chrysler is a dying brand on the US market. The economy crisis nearly shut down the company. Now, there are only a few models available in the US market. This carmaker used to be one of the leaders on the market. The current lineup looks like this: minivan Pacifica and luxury car Chrysler 300. Soon, we could see one comeback. Rumors about the 2021 Chrysler Aspen are indications that nameplate could revive and the company is on its way back to the old glory. However, there is no official word by the FCA.
The Chrysler brand is owned by the FCA. Dodge as well, and its flagship SUV Durango. Well, it is heading to the new generation based on the body-on-frame platform. A quick reminder – Aspen used to be the premium version of Durango. This nameplate had a short run between 2007 and 2009. Economy crisis and slow sales killed the SUV. Now, the 2021 Chrysler Aspen is ready to take the same position. FCA is not into the luxury market and the new arrival could be a challenge to Lincoln and Cadillac brands. Well, there are German and Japanese premium brands, but this is the battle of US carmakers in the first place.
2021 Chrysler Aspen vs Dodge Durango
Last time it didn’t work. Durango somehow survived, while the last Aspen came in 2009. Now it is time for a new shot. The 2021 Chrysler Aspen will use the same platform as the upcoming 2021 Durango. The FCA is moving its production to Warren plants where BoF trucks are built. Well, the Aspen SUV is not going to take too much space, since the company is not after the massive production right from the start. Also, the sales are not so high for this class, so the FCA will step into the market pretty carefully.
The good thing about the relation between 2021 Aspen and Durango is that the Dodge’s SUV is one of the most versatile on the market, with numerous options, especially under the hood. Well, Chrysler’s vehicle will definitely take some advantage of this and take V6 or V8 engine. Another possibility is hybrid. What is certain is that the upcoming SUV will use more premium materials for the interior. What is optional to Durango, it will be standard on Aspen.
Specs
So, the relationship with Durango also results with the same drivetrains coming for both SUVs. Well, it is not hard to predict that the mid-size luxury model is going to use either a 3.6-liter V6 or a 5.7-l V8. This is going to be the base setup, while the upper trims are going to exploit a 6.4-liter V8. Well, the company could opt for a hybrid drivetrain as well, which powers Pacifica MPV.
Let’s see what each of these can offer to 2021 Chrysler Aspen. A 3.6-l displacement, also called Pentastar, is capable to deliver 290 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Being a premium vehicle requires more advanced features. So, a V6 could be only an entry-level engine. This unit is the base for the hybrid setup. Dual-electric motors can boost fuel economy, but these are downgrading the power output to 260 hp. Aspen will need more, so the gas mileage could suffer to improve hp rating. The system is capable to run by using only the electric power as well.
V8 options are 5.7 and 6.4, delivering 360 or 475 hp. At the craziest dreams, the 2021 Chrysler Aspen could get the supercharged Hellcat engine. This is not so likely to happen, but we keep the fingers crossed for the 6.2-l V8 unit with 707 hp, also available on the Dodge Challenger and Jeep Grand Cherokee.
2021 Chrysler Aspen Styling
It is not easy to predict what to expect from the design of the upcoming vehicle. The last edition was based on the Durango, but again, it had its own chassis and equipment. Now, the big updates are on the way for the entire SUV lineup. Jeep Grand Cherokee will suffer some changes, while Durango is moving to the body-on-frame platform. The 2021 Chrysler Aspen will also sit on the same concept. Better off-road capabilities and improved handling are advantages, while safety might be the major downside. All in all, an exciting season is waiting for all the fans of FCA vehicles.
2021 Chrysler Aspen Release Date, Price
The premium model will cost more than the Durango, priced around $33,000. Other mid-size luxury vehicles have an MSRP above $40,000, depending on the level of equipment offered. We believe the FCA will aim $50k to start with a business. We will know more during next year. The Aspen could come alongside the new Durango. Release dates are not set yet, but the new generation of the flagship SUV is already confirmed. Main rivals for the new Aspen will be Lincoln Aviator and Cadillac XT6. Lexus RX is the best-selling premium SUV in the three-row category.
