The large, truck-based SUVs will dominate the headlines for the 2021 model year because there will be several redesigned models such as the Chevy Tahoe and Suburban, GMC Yukon and Cadillac Escalade. The recently redesigned Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator have been received well and the body-on-frame SUVs with the seats for big families and massive cargo capacity should grow on the sales chart as the trends in the industry indicate.
The rumors are also spreading that several brands might introduce the new, truck-based SUVs and there are also familiar names mentioned in some reports. Chrysler appeared in the rumors about the possible reintroduction of the Aspen nameplate. The brand is currently limited to two models, the Chrysler 300 and Pacifica minivan and there is no fast-selling SUV model in the brand’s portfolio. That could change soon if the rumors about Chrysler’s new model prove accurate.
The rumors suggest that Chrysler might return in the SUV segment with the reintroduction of the truck-based Aspen SUV which was discontinued in 2009. The model survived just two years on the market from 2007 to 2009 and then Dodge Durango has continued to cover the mid-size segment.
The Durango then switched to the unibody Grand Cherokee platform in 2011 from the Dodge Dakota-based underpinning and it should also enter the new-generation soon alongside the all-new Grand Cherokee. But the Ram Dakota is also important here as it is also reported for the return in 2020. The rumored 2021 Chrysler Aspen should again be based on the Dakota model. FCA hasn’t, however, commented on the rumors about Aspen’s return and the prototype version hasn’t appeared on the roads to support the claims either.
2021 Chrysler Aspen: Design
The new, mid-size truck hasn’t been confirmed yet but FCA admitted that such a model is the blind spot in the brand’s range and Jeep Gladiator with its distinctive purpose can’t fill that gap. So, FCA indirectly hinted the arrival of the new mid-size truck which could be based on the recently, all-new, half-ton Ram 1500. There are also suggestions that the mid-size truck could be the unibody design shared with the next Grand Cherokee and Durango but in that case, it wouldn’t be the adequate rival to models like the Chevy Colorado, Ford Ranger, Toyota Tacoma, etc.
So, the new 2021 Chrysler Aspen should reportedly be based on the next Dakota truck and we believe it will adopt the body-on-frame design. The reports claim also that model should be larger than before to position itself as the alternative to the large, truck-based SUV like the Tahoe, Yukon, Expedition and others.
The rumors also indicate that model should adopt similar styling elements as seen on the Chrysler Pacifica minivan including the grille and headlights. It should be another blocky SUV on the road with the brand’s signature styling.
Interior, equipment:
The cabin of the model should offer the seats for up to eight and plenty of the cargo space. A similarly shaped dash like in the Pacifica minivan with the modern infotainment system and large center screen is expected to be adopted if the model reaches the production lines.
The model would provide high comfort for all passengers and employ quality materials. Chrysler might follow similar direction as the previous version which wasn’t quite a premium SUV like the Escalade and Navigator yet somewhere in the middle between the luxury and more affordable large SUVs.
The model should offer a power tailgate, power front seats, fog lights, parking sensors, cloth upholstery and other features as the standard equipment. A more expensive version should add leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats and other premium features. There will also be active safety equipment by default if the model arrives.
2021 Chrysler Aspen: Powertrains
As for the powertrain options, the 2021 Chrysler Aspen should offer the conventional powertrain and plug-in hybrid version as the reports suggest.
A 3.6-liter V-6 engine employed in many FCA models seems like a sure bet. This engine makes 287 hp and torque of 262 pound-feet paired with the 9-speed automatic transmission in the Chrysler Pacifica.
The plug-in hybrid setup from the Pacifica might also be the solution used in the new Aspen if it appears. This system combines a 3.6-liter engine with two electric motors and a 16-kWh battery pack. The model could also use the mild-hybrid system employed in the Ram and Jeep models.
The previous Aspen used a 303-hp 4.7-liter V-8 engine and familiar 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 good for 376 hp. The hybrid version combined the Hemi V-8 and two electric motors for a combined output of 385 hp and fuel efficiency 20 mpg city and 22 mpg highway.
2021 Chrysler Aspen: Release, Price
Everything about the 2021 Chrysler Aspen is speculative for now. The rumors suggest the arrival in late 2020 with the staring price in high-$40,000s.