There are fans that remember Aspen as a car from the 1970s, and there are younger drivers who recall memories of the SUV. The car was wearing a Dodge badge, while the other one was Chrysler. It is better known as the predecessor to the Dodge Durango. The famous SUV is not having a great time, and some experts believe the end of production could happen soon. That is where the rumors about the 2023 Chrysler Aspen are coming from.
In its two stints, the nameplate survived for about 8 years. First, the car was available between 1976 and 1980. Then, as an SUV under the Chrysler badge, the vehicle was out for three more seasons. Then, the Durango arrived and it seemed to be a good call. Now, when the sales are slowed down, the company needs something radical. Rebranding is one of the options. But, the 2023 Chrysler Aspen will see the same challenges. Jeep’s lineup is way more popular, so it will be hard for the new model to make a breakthrough.
Let’s analyze options for this vehicle.
Durango’s Replacement or a New Model
As said, the 2023 Chrysler Aspen might be a successor when the company discontinues Durango. Well, it all started with this nameplate and it won’t be strange to see another switch. FCA already did it with Jeep Cherokee – for two generations it was out as Jeep Liberty, between 2002 and 2013. So, most of the options will be carried over from Durango. Well, the SRT model is under the question mark, and the Hellcat engine is probably not in the lineup.
Another option is to see the Aspen as a mid-size two-row SUV. This class is not as popular as three-row versions, or the compact crossovers. So, it seems like the nameplate won’t last for too long after the 2023 Chrysler Aspen, like its predecessors. But, FCA is ready to try. There is a room in the lineup now when the Dodge Journey was discontinued. Plus, the question is what will happen to the Jeep Cherokee because of the American natives’ demand. It won’t be the first time a big franchise needs to back off. Washington Redskins are not in the NFL anymore. So, the Aspen can become a compact crossover as well.
Chrysler’s Future
This was one of the big carmakers of the past century. Now, the lineup is down to two nameplates. Pacifica minivan is still available. Interesting, there is also a hybrid version of the MPV. Another strange thing – Stellantis group is not using that configuration for SUVs, where they are more appreciated. Another one is the Chrysler 300 sedan. Also, the company introduced the Airflow concept. It is going to underpin the next SUV by this carmaker. Can the Aspen be one of them?
The introduction of the Airflow concept revives hopes in the future of Chrysler vehicles. More than 50 models are discontinued. Raising the number to three doesn’t seem to be big thing, but for the big company and its fans it is a light at the end of the tunnel.
2023 Chrysler Aspen Specs
The drivetrain of the 2023 Chrysler Aspen will depend on its size. We analyzed a few options. If the SUV succeeds the Durango, then a 3.6-liter V6 is a main choice. Pacifica minivan is already using it. Also, that opens the door for the 2023 Aspen Hybrid model with slightly improved specs and gas mileage. A V8 is also possible if the Durango is discontinued. But, it all depends on engineers.
Also, we said that Aspen can be a compact crossover, a replacement of the Jeep Cherokee, if the company has to rename it. A 2.4-liter engine then becomes the favorite to take the position under the hood. Also, such a vehicle will definitely need a hybrid to maximize the mileage.
Finally, the 2023 Chrysler Aspen might be based on the Airflow concept. But, in that case, the SUV will be an all-electric model and won’t be out before 2025. Again, this wouldn’t be a bad move, since the entire industry is moving towards EV world. Also, the Stellantis group is working on some other vehicles with an electric drivetrain. The most famous nameplate is the Jeep Wrangler Magneto.
2023 Chrysler Aspen Release Date
We are following news about other vehicles to determine the appearance of the 2023 Chrysler Aspen. Definitely, the carmaker needs to open up the space in the lineup for any other additions. Stay with us to find out all the updates about the Aspen and all other popular SUVs.