The Chrysler Aspen 4X2 ($30,745) and 4X4 ($33,520) come standard with the 4.7-liter V8. Standard features include Yes anti-stain and odor-resistant fabric upholstery; air conditioning, cruise control, AM/FM/CD stereo with four speakers and steering wheel-mounted audio controls; power windows, heated-and-fold-away outside mirrors and keyless-remote central locking; tilt steering wheel; eight-way power driver's seat (with manual lumbar); 40/20/40 second-row seats; third-row seat; Vehicle Information Center with compass heading, ambient temperature, trip computer readouts, tire pressure warning and driver personalization settings; programmable, universal garage/gate remote; 115-volt auxiliary power outlet; Interior Convenience Group with overhead console, illuminated visor mirrors, automatic headlamps, rear seat courtesy/reading lamps and front center console floodlamp; fog lamps; and P265/60R18 on-/off-road tires on aluminum wheels.

Options start with the 5.7-liter V8 ($995). When the 5.7-liter engine is ordered with the 4X4 ($1,190), the single-speed transfer case is standard (accounting for the price difference), the two-speed transfer case is optional ($195). The stereo can be upgraded with eight Alpine speakers accompanied by a 276-watt amplifier ($395) and an in-dash, six-disc CD/MP3 changer ($300). Other audio-electronic options consist of a DVD-based, GPS navigation system with a six-disc changer ($1,595); a rear-seat entertainment system with wireless headphones ($1,200); Sirius satellite radio ($195), including a one-year subscription; and Chrysler's UConnect Hands-Free Communication system, with Bluetooth capability and auto-dim rearview mirror ($360).

Other options include leather-trimmed front bucket and second-row, folding bench seats ($905); leather-trimmed, second-row bucket seats ($700); heated front seats ($250); heated second-row seats ($250); three-passenger, 60/40 split, third-row seat ($300); power adjustable pedals ($120); a Power Convenience Group comprising rear park assist and power liftgate ($655); power sunroof ($850); laminated front and rear door glass ($300); and front and rear floor mats ($30). On the hardware side are a trailer-tow group, with seven and four pin pre-wiring, transmission cooler, heavy duty engine cooling, power steering cooler, Class IV hitch, 160-amp alternator and 750 cold cranking amp battery ($455); engine block heater ($35); a low, 3.92 rear axle ratio ($40); accent-color running boards ($445); remote start ($185); and on the 4X4 a skid plate group, with tow hooks and plates for the fuel tank and transfer case ($170).

Limited 4X2 ($37,190) and 4X4 ($38,510) come standard with the 5.7-liter V8. The single-speed transfer case is standard on the 4x4, the two-speed case not offered. Other upgrades include dual-zone, automatic climate control; the leather-trimmed front bucket and second-row, reclining bench seats; the heated front seats; two memory settings for the outside mirrors, power adjustable pedals, eight-way power driver's seat, audio and climate control; a four-way power front passenger seat; the 60/40-split, third-row seat; the Alpine speakers with amp; the in-dash CD/MP3 changer; the one-year Sirius service; the Power Convenience Group; the accent-color running boards; the floor mats; the laminated door glass; and P265/50R20 BSW all-season tires on chrome-clad aluminum wheels with locking lug nuts. Beyond these upgrades, the same options are offered as on the base model, including the navigation system ($1,295).

Safety features include roof-mounted, full-coverage (all three rows of seats) side-curtain airbags that protect the head from injury in side impact and roll-over crashes, along with the mandatory dual, multi-stage frontal airbags. All seating positions are fitted with three-point belts and adjustable head restraints. Missing, however, are front seat-mounted side airbags that protect the upper body in side crashes, a feature increasingly common on cars and SUVs. The second-row seats have child safety seat anchors and tethers (LATCH), the third row doesn't. The electronic stability program, which attempts to keep the vehicle from spinning out, is augmented with a rollover-sensitive algorithm, which extends deployment duration, and all-speed traction control, which limits tire spinning in slick conditions. Electronic brake-force distribution, which optimizes front-to-rear brake application in emergencies, and brake assist, which quickens braking response during panic stops, add effectiveness to the four-wheel, antilock brakes, which allow drivers to steer around obstacles under heavy braking. A tire pressure monitoring system signals when tires are low on air. And rear park assist warns of obstacles not visible to a driver when backing up.