Stellantis Turns Chrysler into Affordable Crossover Brand

Stellantis is repositioning Chrysler as its budget crossover marque, planning two entry-level crossovers around $25,000 and a larger flagship near $35,000 as the company shifts the brand away from its historic near-luxury identity.

Strategic shift and brand positioning

Stellantis is undertaking a fundamental change for Chrysler, moving the division toward volume, value-oriented products rather than luxury and near-luxury models. Chrysler is being developed as Stellantis' most affordable brand. Tim Kuniskis, head of Stellantis' American brands, said strengthening Chrysler's product range is essential and that winning buyers will require economical pricing.

New models, platform and powertrains

Chrysler has confirmed three new crossovers developed on Stellantis' STLA One flexible platform, which supports gasoline, hybrid and electric architectures. The three models and their estimated base prices are:

• Aro: a coupe fastback crossover, base price about $25,000.
• Aro Cross: a boxier, compact SUV-style crossover, base price about $25,000.
• Airflow: a larger mid-size family crossover and the range flagship, base price about $35,000.

Styling and packaging will differ across the trio: the Aro is described as a fastback crossover with a sweeping roofline, the Aro Cross adopts a more traditional compact SUV profile, and the Airflow is a larger family-oriented crossover. All three use the STLA One architecture to allow multiple powertrain offerings.

The Airflow will offer a base hybrid system that pairs a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with hybrid hardware shared with the new Jeep Cherokee. It will also be offered with optional stronger powertrains, including a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder Hurricane engine, and an electric version fitted with lower-cost lithium-iron-phosphate batteries is planned for later.

An optional all-wheel-drive system will be available on the Airflow lineup.

Timing and current Chrysler lineup

Chrysler plans to introduce the Airflow as a 2028 model arriving in fall 2027. The Aro and Aro Cross are slated to reach the market in 2028 as 2029 models. Until those launches, Chrysler's retail lineup will remain focused on minivans.

Since the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 family sedan production changes, Chrysler has been represented in the U.S. market only by the Pacifica minivan following the 300's exit from production in 2023. The Pacifica recently received minor exterior changes, a new logo and technology updates and continues to be offered with a naturally aspirated V6 and a plug-in hybrid option. The Voyager minivan, formerly sold only to fleets, has been made available to retail buyers to serve as the brand's lower-cost entry model.