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2028 Chrysler Airflow: Can Chrysler Challenge the CR-V and RAV4?

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The all-new Chrysler Airflow is finally coming out. It will be available next year as a 2028 model.

The original Chrysler Airflow was produced from 1934 to 1939. It was a very futuristic car for its time. And was the first US car to use a wind tunnel in its design process. As you can see from the new images above, the new Airflow does not look like some aerodynamic wonder. However, many very aerodynamic cars don’t necessarily “look” aerodynamic. But I have to admit, I do have a hard time pairing the name Airflow and the word Aerodynamic with the images above. I guess Chrysler had used that name for a concept a few years ago, and it was a  case of  “why look for something else”…

The images above are based on a Stellantis video that shows the Airflow next to some future models from other brands. The Airflow will be based on the new STLA One platform from Stellantis. The new platform will start production next year and will eventually be used for over 30 different models throughout most of the Stellantis brands. It can also support regular ICE or Hybrid powertrains, as well as pure EV. From what we know so far, it seems the new STLA One platform could replace most of the current platforms used by Stellantis. 

Stellantis has already mentioned an EV version of the new Airflow. And showed an image of an ICE 4-cylinder powertrain as well. You  just know a hybrid will be offered as well. 

The Airflow will be competing in a very crowded market. It will have to do battle against some of the most popular vehicles in the country. Like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson, and so many others. Chrysler already claims the Airflow will start at under $40,000. Which is not such an achievement. Since a new RAV-4 (with a standard hybrid) starts at just $32,000. The Honda CR-V starts at $31,000. An Airflow starting at “under $40,000” isn’t such a great deal or achievement. Unless we are talking about an EV.

The sub-$30,000 Chrysler will be the smaller new Chrysler Arrow. Which again, which again doesn’t sound like the best deal in the world, where a Honda HR-V starts at under $27,000. Unless the new Arrow comes with a standard hybrid powertrain…

As for the Airflow design, I have been getting used to it. On this site, some comments mentioned it looks more like a Volvo or a Cadillac. Which isn’t a bad thing. Especially for under $40,000. It might not look that original, but I think it might look fine in the flesh. And unlike the Arrow, it doesn’t look like anything from Fiat. Or even Opel or Peugeot. At least so far. 

I personally think that the more we see about the new Airflow, the more most of us will like it…

Conversation 5 comments

  1. Yes, the all-new Chrysler Airflow will definitely be introduced to the Chinese market!

  2. Not horrible, aesthetically speaking. Glad to see Stellantis doing something positive for Chrysler at a time when most people thought it was going the way of Oldsmobile and Pontiac. I hope they build a new generation luxury sedan as a replacement for the old 300. I still love the design of the old one (2005-till discontinuation. Apparently the market does too if you are looking at book values and sales prices for the pre-owned 300. Just my opinion!

  3. They are the new kid on the block. They have to prove they belong. Price is one way. I believe most people will go with the known vehicles. You have to start somewhere even if somewhere is from zero, but you can’t compete with that kind of price difference. You have to earn it. They don’t have a lot goodwill in the bank. Competitors just have to say, “Same company as Jeep, have you seen consumer ratings for Jeep?”.

  4. Chrysler needs to seriously reconsider the model name before launching this vehicle. I totally agree that absolutely nothing about the exterior design aligns with the perception of the “Airflow” name.

    Overall, the design is conservatively handsome. I do like the vertical taillights (full width horizontal LED light strips are much too common now). The one complaint that I have at this point is that it appears that the lower black plastic cladding is too prominent on the back of the vehicle; it shouldn’t meet the bottom of the vertical taillights. There should be more painted area on the lower part of the rear of the vehicle.

    It is great to see Chrysler get some attention from Stellantis, even if it isn’t with our choice of vehicles or market position. I hope their efforts secure the future of the brand.

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