The Chrysler Aspen looks like a lot of other full-size SUVs, but we found it attracted admiring looks and inquiries. Chrysler styling cues set the Aspen apart from its sibling, the Dodge Durango.

The grille, with bold crossbars and classic Chrysler medallion, attempts to stake a claim for the Aspen at the top of the brand's pyramid. Strangely un-prepossessing, low-key headlamp units diminish the claim, which isn't helped either by the bland bumper and generic fog lamps. Embossed strakes in the hood running back to the windshield carry on the newest Chrysler-brand styling motif, seemingly inspired by the jewel-like cap on the famous Chrysler Building in New York City and appearing first on the Crossfire then on the new Sebring.

The side view is an uninspired take on standard SUV proportions and features. This isn't to bad mouth the Aspen's styling, only to recognize the difficulty in finding a new, fresh presentation of a look that's been around for, well, more than half a century. After all, what is an SUV but a closed-in, short-bed pickup with four doors? Full-round door handles make for ease of use in bad weather and are kind to fingernails. The swept-back windshield looks sleek and shows homage to aerodynamics. The optional running boards do a better job of dirtying the backsides of trouser legs and long skirts than serving as truly functional steps. Mildly creased, visually pleasant blisters circle the wheel wells. A chrome-topped, overstated molding strip pulls double duty, breaking up the expanse of metal between the front and rear wheel wells while insulating the doors against parking lot dings. Side mirrors proudly perch on brackets extending from the base of the A-pillars (the side frames of the windshield). A slight ridge defining the beltline (where the side windows meet the lower body panels) extends beyond the base of the D-pillar, accenting the graceful outline of the rear quarter window. A short front overhang and tucked-up lower hindquarters invite thoughts of venturing off the highway to explore an unpaved track on the occasional weekend outing.

It's the rear aspect of the Aspen that has the most presence, the view most will have of it in traffic. A strong rear bumper with a deep, non-skid clad step cups the one-piece liftgate. Chrome-like trim on the bumper's end caps tie into the side molding strip. The medallion-and-wing treatment from the grille repeats above the stylized license plate recess. Gently bowed sides and rounded top give the back end a smaller, less massive look than the rest of the vehicle. A conservatively sized notch centered in the bumper's lower edge makes room for the optional hitch receiver and junction box.