As tested: $43,000
Engine and transmission: 5.7-liter 345-horsepower V8, 5-speed automatic transmission (4.7-liter, 235 horsepower engine is standard)
Fuel economy: 14 city, 19 highway, 16 overall with 5,7 liter engine, slightly lower with 4.7-liter engine. (EPA estimates)
Its interior is the Aspen's high point. The Aspen is supposed to be the Chrysler 300 of SUVs and the inside is where that really shows. The fake wood looks more lifelike than the dark real wood in the Navigator. A few indentations that would be impossible to make in real wood are the only give-aways that this is plastic. (A few points are deducted for the flimsy feeling air vents.)
At night, the Aspen's interior is bathed in cool electric-blue LED lighting. It's a really nice look.
The Aspen's third row seat is plenty roomy and easy to access. It also folds flat to the floor when not in use.
In all, the Aspen, given its far lower cost, actually presents a reasonable facsimile of the Navigator and Escalade without costing that kind of cash. It's ride and handling qualities are far from top-notch, but at least it has the looks and interior quality to get the job done.
But consider this: For about the same money as the Aspen - a few thousand more, really - you could get the Chevrolet Tahoe or the Ford Expedition, the non-luxury versions of those other two. Or you could get the Ford Explorer and spend even less for something that'd be much better to drive. For my money, I'd give up on my luxury dreams and just get something better.
