The Chrysler Aspen, the company's first full-size SUV, offers enough power and room to tow a boat and haul a boatload of people to the launch site. And there is enough chrome to draw attention along the way.

Photo by DaimlerChrysler (ENLARGE)

Chrysler Aspen

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ABOUT THE CHRYSLER ASPEN:

Body style: Four-door, SUV

Price: Base MSRP is $31,490

Drive: Rear wheel, four-wheel optional

Seating: Two in front, two in back, three in third row. Eight-seat configuration is available

Engine: 4.7-liter V-8; optional 5.7-liter Hemi V-8

Transmission: Five-speed automatic

Miles per gallon of fuel: EPA estimate 15 city/20 highway

WHAT'S SPECIAL: There is pulling power aplenty, thanks to an optional 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 that delivers 335 horsepower and 370 pounds-feet of trailer-pulling torque. The big engine, mated with a five-speed automatic transmission, allows you to tow 8,950 pounds. That is best-in-class capability.

WHAT WE LIKE: If you can't fit all your stuff in this rig, you simply have too much stuff. The large front center console can hold enough for an overnight stay. A rear center console is nearly as commodious. There are door panel pockets all about.

WHAT ISN'T THERE: Rear legroom. The rear captain seats recline and are first-class-cabin comfortable, but there isn't much space between your knees and the back of the front seats. Third-row-seat legroom is fine for children, not so much for adults.

YOU OUGHTA KNOW: A multi-displacement system shifts between firing all eight cylinders or just four, depending on power demands. The seamless shift is designed to improve fuel economy. But don't expect miracles -- it's a V-8, after all. The test vehicle got 15 mpg in a mix of city/highway driving typical of the average suburban commuting parent with kids who play sports. And you know who you are.

EXTRAS: Light wood trim, brushed aluminum accents, LED interior lighting and two-tone leather seats give the cabin an elegant air. Outside, 20-inch chrome wheels add a dash of attitude. There is plenty of power under the hood and under the roof. There are three 12-volt power plugs and a 115-volt plug scattered from front to rear. Entertainment options include Sirius satellite radio and a rear-seat DVD system.

AND ANOTHER THING: Baby, it's cold outside, but the Aspen is available with heated front and second-row seats.