by Mysterious Chrysler crossover: a first look at the brand’s future
Chrysler fans have been waiting for a new model for years. And now, thanks to a likely unintentional appearance in a Stellantis presentation, we may have finally seen the largest of the three new SUVs that are set to take the brand to the next level.
The mysterious SUV, first spotted by Mopar Insiders, appeared among Peugeot and Jeep models in a recent corporate video. Stellantis does not identify the vehicle, but its proportions, styling, and timing suggest it could be the production version of the Chrysler Airflow, which is expected to arrive later this decade.
More: Stellantis brings cheap cars worth up to $30,000 back to the US market
Radical design change
If this is indeed the Airflow, it has undergone drastic changes. Gone is the sleek, low-slung EV concept Chrysler introduced in 2022. Instead, we see something much more upright and practical: a tall roofline, massive rear pillars, a prominent rear spoiler, and a clearly defined, more squared-off profile.
In fact, the overall shape resembles a Hyundai Ioniq 5 in Cadillac-like design more than anything we associate with Chrysler. Particularly striking is the rear section, thanks to large segmented taillights that extend almost the full height of the body — from roof level to bumper. Black lower trim further accentuates the crossover’s massive appearance.
The front section, however, strongly resembles the updated Pacifica. A thin full-width LED strip runs across the front panel and houses the winged Chrysler badge in the center. Vertical lighting units are located at the edges, creating a more modern interpretation of the minivan’s design.
Powertrain and drivetrain flexibility
The biggest clue as to what lies under the hood is a cutaway shown in the presentation. It appears to display a transversely mounted internal combustion engine, suggesting a front-wheel-drive layout. This aligns with Chrysler’s recently announced strategy to offer customers multiple powertrain options rather than forcing everyone to switch to EVs.
It has been confirmed that the upcoming $40,000 Airflow will be based on the new Stellantis STLA One platform, which is designed to support a wide range of powertrains. This means hybrid, all-wheel-drive, and fully electric variants are possible. It will be joined by two smaller crossovers, with expected starting prices from $30,000.
We can’t be 100% sure that we are looking at the Airflow, which is expected to debut as a 2028 model, or that the SUV’s design in this video is final. But if this is the real vehicle, what do you think of its design?
The appearance of this mysterious crossover suggests that Chrysler is finally revitalizing its lineup, moving away from being perceived solely as a minivan manufacturer. The choice of a more practical and utilitarian design over the futuristic 2022 concept could be a strategic move aimed at attracting a wider audience looking for a versatile family vehicle. At the same time, supporting different powertrain types on the new platform will allow the brand to respond flexibly to market conditions and customer preferences, which is especially important in a period of uncertainty regarding the pace of the transition to electric vehicles.
