What is the Dodge version of the Chrysler Aspen?
The Dodge Durango is the Dodge counterpart to Chrysler's Aspen. The Chrysler Aspen was a short‑lived three‑row SUV sold from 2007 to 2009, and it shared its platform and many components with the Dodge Durango, making them sibling models in Chrysler’s SUV lineup.
Chrysler Aspen: a quick context
The Chrysler Aspen arrived for the 2007 model year as a large, family‑oriented SUV aimed at competing in the three‑row crossover segment. It rode on the same underlying structure as the Dodge Durango and offered similar powertrains, including V8 options such as the 4.7‑liter and, in some trims, the 5.7‑liter Hemi. For 2007–2009, the Aspen carried distinctive Chrysler styling cues and branding while sharing most of its mechanicals with its Dodge sibling.
Key similarities between the Aspen and the Durango
These points highlight the core engineering and practical parallels that tied the two models together.
- Platform and chassis: Shared underpinnings and general suspension/drivetrain layouts with the Durango.
- Powertrains: Availability of V8 options, including the 4.7L V8 and the 5.7L Hemi in various trims.
- Body and seating: Both offered three rows of seating suitable for families and larger cargo capability.
- Drivetrain options: All‑wheel drive was available on both models, enhancing traction in varied conditions.
In short, the Aspen and Durango were badge‑engineered siblings, built from the same mechanical DNA but branded differently to appeal to distinct buyer preferences within the Chrysler family.
Branding and market positioning
The Aspen represented Chrysler’s attempt to uplift a three‑row SUV with a more premium image, while the Durango served as Dodge’s more mainstream, broadly marketed three‑row SUV. The Aspen’s sales were modest, and Chrysler discontinued it after the 2009 model year. The Durango, by contrast, continued in production and evolution, ultimately becoming the longer‑running Dodge option in this segment.
Current status and legacy
Today, the Chrysler Aspen is a rare used‑car find and a footnote in Chrysler’s history, while the Dodge Durango remains the active, current‑generation three‑row SUV for the Dodge brand. The Durango has continued to evolve through later generations, reinforcing the practical takeaway: if you’re looking for the Dodge equivalent of the Chrysler Aspen, the answer is the Dodge Durango.
Summary
The Dodge Durango is the Dodge version of the Chrysler Aspen. The Aspen (2007–2009) and Durango shared platforms and most mechanicals, with the Aspen positioned as a Chrysler badge for a brief period and the Durango continuing as Dodge’s broader, longer‑running three‑row SUV. This relationship illustrates how badge engineering can yield two nearly identical vehicles under different brand names, each aimed at a slightly different audience.
Why was the Chrysler Aspen discontinued?
The Chrysler Aspen was discontinued due to a combination of low sales, a failure to appeal to luxury buyers, and the economic downturn of 2008. It was essentially a rebadged Dodge Durango, which meant it didn't stand out enough from its Dodge counterpart or provide enough luxury to justify its price, leading to poor sales numbers. The 2008 recession further depressed sales, and the closure of the plant that manufactured both the Aspen and Durango sealed its fate.
- Low Sales: The Aspen was not a commercial success, with total sales figures being much lower than expected, making its continued production unsustainable.
- Lack of Differentiation: As a rebadged Dodge Durango, the Aspen was perceived as a less luxurious version of the Durango, failing to attract buyers who were looking for a more upscale SUV.
- Economic Downturn: The 2008 financial crisis led to a sharp decline in sales for large SUVs, and the Aspen was caught in the downturn.
- Production Facility Closure: The plant where both the Aspen and the Durango were built, the Newark Assembly facility in Delaware, was closed in late 2008, which directly contributed to the discontinuation of the Aspen.
- Uncertain Market Position: The Aspen occupied an awkward middle ground, failing to satisfy either buyers seeking a rugged, traditional SUV or those desiring a refined luxury vehicle.
What replaced the Dodge Aspen?
The Volaré/Aspen were discontinued following the 1980 model year prior to the introduction of the front-wheel-drive Plymouth Reliant and Dodge Aries, known collectively as K-cars.
What is a Dodge Aspen?
Dodge Aspen The Dodge Aspen, and the nearly-identical Plymouth Volaré, are compact cars that were produced from 1976 until 1980. The Volaré/Aspen model line offered a four-door sedan, a two-door coupe, and a four-door wagon.
Is the Durango discontinued?
No, Dodge is not discontinuing the Durango, and production is confirmed to continue through at least 2028. While there were reports and speculation about its discontinuation, the current generation's production was extended due to strong sales. It will continue to be sold as a new model, including a 2026 version that will be HEMI-only in some trims and will also feature a revived V6 option.
- Production extension: The current-generation Durango will remain in production through at least 2028, contradicting earlier reports of an earlier discontinuation.
- 2026 model year: A new 2026 Durango is available, and it will feature HEMI-only options, along with the return of a V6 option.
- Replacement: The original plan was to replace the Durango with a new, unnamed 3-row SUV called the "Stealth". However, the extension of the current generation suggests this may have been delayed or canceled.
- Future uncertain: While the current generation's future is extended, the long-term future of the Durango is still uncertain.
