Driving: Ride and Handling

It’s a big SUV, so it handles like a fat, friendly drunk at a wedding: a little sloppy, but with good intentions all the way around. Unlike the drunk, however, it’s pretty quiet and comfortable, a near-luxury ride with loads of fake wood grain. Hit a corner hard and there’s body lean, but it’s expected, and in fact the Aspen trims out nicely, regaining its stride quickly. On the highway, it’s got the confidence of 5,000 pounds in motion, and the upgraded chassis elements make for a composed ride and handling experience. Lowlights include a brake pedal that’s soft and hard to get a feel for, along with stopping distances that are long and ponderous.