More than just a dressed-up Dodge Durango, the 2009 Chrysler Aspen appeals to families looking for an affordable-yet-upscale SUV that will deliver a smoother, more refined ride. With a pricetag lower than the comparably equipped Acura MDX's, the Aspen offers a spacious interior, quiet drive, and V8 power. Oh yes, and for 2009 it has the distinction of offering Chrysler's first-ever hybrid powertrain.

The 2009 Aspen comes in one Limited trim, with a standard 303-hp, 4.7-liter V8 engine that's also E85-compatible. An optional 335-hp, 5.7-liter Hemi V8 features cylinder deactivation, which shuts off half the cylinders when they're not needed (such as at cruising speed). This improves fuel economy to a meager 13 mpg. Both engines are paired with a 5-speed automatic and provide confident acceleration power on highways. This year, Chrysler introduces a hybrid Aspen that utilizes the 5.7 V8 in conjunction with two electric motors. This dual-mode hybrid can run on either electric power at light throttle or the gas engine at heavier throttles, or a combination of the two for a total of 385 hp. The hybrid's eCVT (electronic continuously variable transmission) has four fixed gears for more seamless transitions, though Chrysler is still working out the noisy and jolting behavior drivers have noticed when the gas engine kicks in.

The hybrid system features regenerative braking and engine cutoff while idling or stopped, and it uses a 300-volt battery to power the climate control and audio system. While it gets more horsepower, it can tow only 6,000 pounds, compared to 8,700 with the non-hybrid Aspen. Chrysler boasts the Hybrid achieves 40% better city fuel economy ratings, which is a terrific number, until you consider that 40% of 13 mpg is only five extra miles per gallon, for a total of 18 mpg. So although we can applaud Chrysler's efforts at finally joining the hybrid age, the Aspen will not have much of an impact at the gas pump.

Reviewers are impressed with the handling of the 2009 Aspen, which exhibits minimal body lean and a surprisingly small turning radius. However, the brakes seem too small for this large SUV, and the steering feels disconnected. The Aspen comes in both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive, with the latter offering low-range gearing for capable performance both on and off the road. Standard ABS brakes, traction and stability control, parking sensors, and dual front-side and side curtain airbags for all rows add extra safety. The Hybrid adds a rearview camera and a MyGIG hard drive with its standard navigation system.

The 2009 Aspen seats up to eight in three rows, with ample head and legroom for the first two rows, leaving the third row for children. Both rear rows split-fold nearly flat, expanding the cargo area from 20 to 102 cubic feet. Access to the cargo space is via a power liftgate, and a roof rack adds more capacity, along with plenty of interior storage compartments. Controls are well laid out and the interior feels more luxurious than the Durango's, with wood and leather trim. Power front seats, heated seats, a CD/MP3 player, satellite radio, and remote start are all standard, and the Hybrid adds leather upholstery.

The Chrysler Aspen is a spacious, versatile family SUV with solid handling and performance credentials, and its higher-end interior distinguishes it from the more utilitarian Durango. Although the hybrid is a small step forward, those looking to the Aspen to assuage any environmental guilt or ease pressure on the wallet will likely be disappointed.