2005 Jeep Liberty Review

Specifications

Revised Styling and Optional Diesel Set Liberty Apart from Mere 4×4 Pretenders

Why fix something that isnt broken? Such is the way of the car biz, and needed or not Jeeps popular Liberty will get mid-cycle upgrades in order to put a fresh face forward in its heavily contested compact sport utility market segment.

The new 2005 model came barreling around, up and over a makeshift dirt trail within a temporary tent the brand set up just outside of Manhattans Jacob Javits conference center, the home of the New York International Auto Show, to demonstrate its various models legendary Trail Rated off-road capability.

One look at the changes will tell you nothing drastic was needed, with the most obvious modifications being minor adjustments to the Libertys front fascia, grille surround, front fender treatment, and body side-moldings. The grille surround is flatter, taller and wider, more akin to classic Willys Jeeps than anything seen since. It now integrates the fog lamps next to its traditional seven slats, while the fenders incorporate wrap-around turn signals at front and much beefier flares all round.

I like the new design, especially in top-line Renegade form. Its even tougher looking than the standard Liberty, with a distinctive “diamond plate-inspired” seat fabric, larger externally mounted fog lamps, a new flatter hood that adds to its WWII Willys styling cues, plus utilitarian looking taillamp guards, functional skidplates, rock rails, and rugged P235/70R16 all-terrain tires with a more aggressive tread pattern. Its roof rack mounted light bar is especially rugged in appearance, with only GMs Hummer division offering an off-the-rack off-road lighting solution as bold and daring. While most people will never use this feature for its true purpose, it sure looks cool.

The 2005 Liberty sports minor interior upgrades too, including relocated power window switches, now in a more convenient position on the center console between the two front seats, new instrument panel cluster graphics and more stylish trim bezels, plus improvements in seat comfort. On the technology front, for the first time ever the Liberty will offer a GPS DVD-based navigation radio.

I took the opportunity after the introduction to climb in and around the upgraded truck, and while the changes definitely improve on an already best-in-class interior, current Liberty owners shouldnt have too much trouble finding their way around next years version. The seats are better for sure, allowing the back and buttocks to sit into the cushions rather than riding on top, as is the case in the current truck. This gives more lateral support, and over long trips will be much more comfortable.

The biggest news is under the hood of both Sport and Limited Libertys, with an all-new Italian-built 2.8-liter CRD (common-rail diesel) rated at an estimated 160 horsepower at 3,800 rpm and 295 lb-ft of torque at an extremely low 1,800 rpm, good enough for class-leading torque and towing capability, Jeep says, as well as boosted fuel economy and reduced tailpipe emissions.

“The availability of a diesel engine on the Jeep Liberty reinforces the Jeep brands leadership position in the sport utility market, underscores our commitment to alternative fuels and technology and gives customers an optional power plant that no other competitor can offer,” commented Jeff Bell, Chrysler Group Vice President - Jeep.

And the diesel makes perfect sense in todays market. With fuel costs escalating to the point that most consumers are feeling a significant pinch in their budgets, buying patterns are starting to show a small but significant move away from larger SUVs. But the Liberty isnt a large SUV so whats the problem? Although its compact in size, its robust design and potent 4WD powertrain make for a fairly heavy machine. Therefore, with regards to the V6 model in particular, its not exactly a fuel miser at 21 mpg city and 28 highway, making the recent extortion at the pump a tough pill to swallow. The diesel should save about 25 percent across the board, while making it a better off-road performer.

OK, the fuel economy benefits are obvious but how does an oil burner reduce emissions first of all, and then what makes it better for serious 4×4 expeditions? To answer the former, the additional pollutants excreted by diesel engines are compensated by the engine not using as much fuel in the first place. The benefits do not follow an exact science, but overall there is usually about a 17 percent reduction in emissions. Depending on the diesel fuel itself, however, particulates can actually go up. By 2006 diesel fuel has to be refined to a new, much higher tolerance, which will dramatically reduce particulate pollutants, meaning diesel technology will become a lot cleaner here at home.

And why does a diesel-powered SUV make a better off-roader? Well, once again the word “better” needs to be defined. Conventional diesels wont make the 1,400 horsepower necessary to jump Dennis Andersons “Gravedigger” monster truck over a stack of cars and a school bus, but most outdoor adventurers adhere to the tread lightly philosophy as it is, so this wont be an issue. Diesel power not only delivers greater torque at lower revs than gasoline, the ideal scenario for crawling over rocky crags and fallen logs, but the improved fuel economy will allow adventurers to make treks farther into the wilderness, out of proximity of refueling stations, before needing to turn back. A quick glance at the resale value of diesel powered Land Rover Defenders and Toyota Land Cruisers in your local classified ad section will show that they are the popular choice among 4×4 enthusiasts, meaning the new Liberty CRD should hold its value better than its gas-powered siblings.

To alleviate any concerns you might have regarding smelly, smoking, noisy diesel engines, those days are in the past. Europeans purchase diesels more often than gasoline engines now, with even luxury cars like the BMW 7-Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class featuring oil burners. Ive driven a variety of cars so equipped, from the aforementioned BMW, to a more recent drive through Spain in a new Volvo V50 turbodiesel, and can attest to their respective levels of refinement. Common-rail technology has helped to reduce interior and exterior noise, and no smoking tailpipe has ever been seen in any of the modern diesels tested, even under full acceleration. Really, theres no negative compromise when opting for diesel power. On the other hand, off-the-line acceleration should improve dramatically over the current range of gasoline engines due to the diesels 295 lb-ft of torque arriving at only 1,800 rpm. The 3.7-liter V6 needs 4,000 rpm to arrive at its peak torque which is only 235 lb-ft. You do the math.

Just the same there will still be city slickers who will prefer the perceived refinement and convenience of a gasoline-powered Liberty, diesel cant be found at every refueling station. The current 4- and 6-cylinder engines, the first being a 2.4-liter making 150-hp at 5,200 rpm and 165 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm, and the second a 3.7-liter V6 making 210-hp at 5,200 rpm and, as mentioned previously, 235 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm, will carry forward unchanged. So also will the Libertys standard 5-speed manual, optional 4-speed automatic transmissions, and part-time four-wheel drivetrain.

“True to its Jeep heritage, the 2005 Jeep Liberty continues to give enthusiasts a sense of personal capability and freedom by offering the best four-wheel-drive lineup in the segment,” said Bell. “The Jeep Liberty distinguishes itself from less capable 4×4s.”

While just about everyone can agree on the Libertys off-road prowess, most people dont give the SUV credit for on-pavement agility. While its no BMW X3 the Liberty outshines many opponents, even those that derive their underpinnings from cars. Jeeps compact offering is no car-based ute, however, despite its coil sprung independent front suspension system. The rear setup is a traditional solid axle, suspended by a link-coil system that delivers a surprisingly decent ride. The Libertys rigid body structure and powerful engine choices give it a top-of-class trailer towing capacity of up to 5000 lbs.

In this league the Liberty has very few challengers. Land Rovers Freelander has to be mentioned, but despite the heritage of its nameplate the compact luxury SUV is nowhere near as nicely put together as the Liberty, doesnt offer the same level of off-road capability and doesnt deliver any benefits on pavement either. To make matters worse its priced dramatically higher with similar options. The completely revised 2005 Nissan Xterra will no doubt give the Liberty a run for its money for 4×4 agility and styling when it arrives shortly, but the jury is out on whether Nissan can deliver an interior anywhere near as high in tactile quality as the Jeep. Suzukis Grand Vitara will soon be phased out, to be replaced by a car-based model, leaving Kias very capable Sorento as one of the Libertys most dangerous foes.

But as good as the Sorento is it doesnt feature that legendary Jeep nameplate, nor its familiar grille and circular headlight design. It also cant be had with a class-leading diesel powerplant. It seems that such virtues, along with a strong value proposition upheld by Chrysler Groups aggressive marketing strategies, have boosted Jeep sales as of late, with 2004 year-to-date gains rising 17 percent over the same period in 2003. While Wrangler sales are up an amazing 52 percent after experiencing the storied models best April in history, the Liberty isnt doing too badly with a 13 percent surge over last years sales figures.

Like I mentioned at the beginning of this preview, Jeep doesnt need to update its Liberty just yet. The sales numbers validate this claim. Its design is modeled after a timeless classic, after all. But the new 2005 model, with yet greater homage paid to the decorated Willys is even more enticing. Bring it on.