--- title: "This Is the Sub-$40,000 SUV That’s Supposed to Save Chrysler" description: "The [Chrysler]() Pacifica has been propping up what remains of the once-proud American brand [for too long now](), but Stellantis has repeatedly reminded us that it wouldn't be alone for long. Of course, we're still waiting on that second model,…" date: "2026-06-04" modified: "2026-06-04" authors: - name: "Adam Ismail" job_title: "Senior Editor" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/adam-ismail" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/this-is-the-sub-40000-suv-thats-supposed-to-save-chrysler" categories: - "Chrysler News" - "News" - "News by Brand" tags: - "Chrysler" - "suv/crossover" --- # This Is the Sub-$40,000 SUV That’s Supposed to Save Chrysler ![Chrysler Airflow render profile view from video]() *\Stellantis\* The [Chrysler]() Pacifica has been propping up what remains of the once-proud American brand [for too long now](), but Stellantis has repeatedly reminded us that it wouldn't be alone for long. Of course, we're still waiting on that second model, but we now at least have a decent idea of what it should look like, thanks to a short and strangely silent video Stellantis [shared on YouTube]() hyping up the company's powertrain mix. The first SUV we see on the left driving in formation is the upcoming Airflow SUV. It's expected to start at under $40,000, and while Stellantis' official line is that it'll hit dealers by 2030, our money is on a 2028 launch. The video doesn't identify the boxy SUV rendered as "Airflow," but models shown during Stellantis' recent investor day, seen by media including *The Drive*, confirm that they're the same car. The automaker's Head of American Brands, Tim Kuniskis, [said on *The Drivecast*]() that the Airflow will utilize a gas-powered inline-four, though it's possible that hybrid and battery-electric versions will be offered as well. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpVnwGXXCxk This Airflow is quite different than the one you may remember [Chrysler first showed off years ago](). That concept carved a much smoother profile—one that was more crossover coupe than SUV—and was slated to be an EV only. The revised version looks like a mashup of cues that call to mind Polestar's products, as well as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Cadillac Lyriq. I'd argue it looks sharper than the first attempt shown below, yet still pretty bland and definitely not slender or slippery enough to invoke the name "Airflow." But what business do we have expecting car names to make sense anymore? ![The Chrysler Airflow Graphite Concept, unveiled at the 2022 New York International Auto Show, features Cyprus Copper accents both inside and out to imprint the latest Airflow iteration with its own refined, sophisticated design.]() *The 2022 Chrysler Airflow Graphite Concept. *Stellantis** Beyond the Airflow, Chrysler is also launching two smaller SUVs by the end of the decade: the Arrow and Arrow Cross. The Arrow will be the Pentastar's version of the upcoming Fiat Grizzly Fastback, while the Cross will be a tweak on the high-roof Grizzly. Ideally, these three upcoming models will rebuild and reinvigorate the brand enough to make [the Halcyon]() a thing for real, but based on Chrysler's last two decades, we wouldn't let ourselves get too carried away with that fantasy. ![]() *The Fiat Grizzly, left, will be sold as the Chrysler Arrow Cross. The Grizzly Fastback at right will become the Arrow. *Stellantis** *Got a tip? Reach out to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Adam is a Senior Editor at The Drive, concentrating on curating and developing the site's slate of daily journalism, from initial pitch to final copy edit. When he's not at his desk researching leads and working with writers, he's testing vehicles or reviewing racing games, new and old. He joined The Drive in 2023, following seven years of covering consumer technology and cars. A car lover and gamer since his earliest memories, Adam came to know the automotive world through video games. First it was Daytona USA, Sega Rally, and Ridge Racer; then came Need For Speed, which inspired an encyclopedic knowledge of '90s supercars, and, of course, Gran Turismo. If not for them, he'd assuredly be doing something else right now. Adam is based in the suburbs outside Philly, where there are ample roads for his hot hatch to stretch its legs. In his car, he's probably listening to indie rock, drum and bass, or Yankees baseball. ### Author social links [Bluesky]() [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()