On top of that, Chrysler officials also kept reading annual market reports showing a quarter of their customers were buying large SUVs from competitors. That’s simply too many people to leave wandering around competitors’ showrooms.

Walkaround: SUVs of all sizes are little more than the station wagons of this generation; so truly unique styling is a seemingly unconquerable challenge. The Aspen doesn’t have the glitzy style of the Chrysler 300, and looks so mainstream, almost no one gave our Marine Blue Pearl test vehicle with its 20” chrome-clad aluminum wheels and color accented running boards, a second glance. However, the Aspen is easy on the eyes, with smooth lines, a short, ribbed hood, large chrome grill, and lots of glass.

Interior: I was impressed the first time I opened the door. The interior is tastefully done, with our substantially loaded test vehicle featuring light Graystone leather with light wood trim accents. The dual front seats are comfortable and supportive, and everyone sits up high, so views of traffic and scenery are terrific.

However, the 40/20/40 folding bench second-row seats don’t slide back and forth like some other SUVs to allow adjustable legroom for second- and third-row passengers. Also, the pivot point for the reclining front seats was too high for my personal comfort in the event I wanted to take a rest area nap.

Instrumentation is easy to read with the large white-faced speedometer and tach combo flanked by the usual four gauges, and illuminated in Chrysler’s signature green. All the expected power equipment was present and accounted for — front seats, mirrors, locks, windows, etc., including auto dimming interior and exterior mirrors; dual zone climate control; power adjustable pedals; a 368-watt, AM/FM, 6-CD in-dash stereo with MP3 capability, along with eight Alpine speakers and Sirius satellite radio. It also had the optional GPS navigation system as well as the rear-seat DVD entertainment option.

The interior of the Aspen also offers generous amounts of cargo room that can be configured in a myriad of ways to accommodate whatever needs hauling.

Under The Hood: The Aspen is the only SUV boasting a HEMI — Chrysler’s famous high-powered V8. The 5.7-liter HEMI, which is married to a 5-speed automatic, generates more horses — 335 — and more torque — 370 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm — than either the Chevy Tahoe or Toyota Sequoia. That power also gives the Aspen an impressive 8,950-pound towing capacity.

Fuel economy is about average for this class — 15/city and 20/highway for a two-wheel-drive Aspen, with the 4x4 version rated at 14 and 19.

Behind The Wheel: Built on the Dodge Durango platform, our Limited model test vehicle was the 4X4 version. I found the ride, on all manner of roads, but especially on long highway treks, to be smooth, comfortable and quiet, save for minimal outside wind noise, with little or no jarring or jolting on bad terrain.

The HEMI moved the 5,000+ pound Aspen down the road smoothly and easily, offering a strong, muscle car V8 exhaust note just for fun. The HEMI also features Chrysler’s fuel-saving multi-displacement technology that automatically puts the engine in four-cylinder mode when appropriate, such as when the Aspen is coasting — or cruising at highway speeds — to save gas.

The Aspen handled very well, and seemed to have much less of the top-heavy feel typical of large SUVs, taking the curves with composure. The power rack-and-pinion steering was responsive without being touchy.

Whines: Short people have a big step up to climb inside the Aspen — even with the running boards. Grab-handles would be a welcome addition. Third row passengers have to contend with a hump in the floor under the seat that keeps them from putting their feet close to the seat. I was surprised to see the Aspen’s column-mounted shifter, which is sort of old fashioned — especially since most other SUVs as well as some pickups have moved the shifter to the center console.

Bottom Line: Chrysler was way late to the party with its first large SUV, but it’s $33,685 starting price (our loaded 4X4 Limited version stickered at an appealing $43,230) for the 2-wheel version is lower than competitors like the 2007 Chevy Tahoe, GMC Yukon, Nissan Armada or Toyota Sequoia. And with a HEMI V8 and nearly 9,000 pound towing capacity, the Chrysler Aspen is one very nice, very powerful package that delivers great value. If I were personally in the market for an SUV to replace my Volvo XC90, the Chrysler Aspen would definitely be on my short list.