2005 Jeep Liberty Review

Specifications

What an SUV is Supposed to Be

I remember a time when I wouldnt have even considered a domestic car. My mother owned nothing but, yet my dad, who originated from Austria, almost always had something European or Japanese in the driveway, except for that customized van stage in the mid-70s.

Moms big Chevys and Pontiacs had the power a young kid with a lead foot could never get enough of, but after spinning both a 75 Malibu coupe and a 78 Caprice Classic station wagon (faux wood paneled no less) in embarrassing 180 degree circles while attempting to corner at what I deemed to be “reasonable” speeds, I started to lean towards the nimble handling of my dads cars.

He taught me to drive at a young age behind the wheel of a 76 VW Scirocco, which not only looked way cooler than moms wagon but was more comparable to the go-kart he welded together for me during our time together on weekends. My first car was an Audi, followed up by a bunch of VWs, BMWs, Toyotas, Hondas, and the odd slant-six Plymouth, a mid-60s Biscayne and the same era Merc Montcalm coupe, most of the domestics only because they were incredibly cheap transportation, at least initially, then I bought more BMWs, a Jag and on and on, somewhere over 40 in total.

But now Im looking longingly at a few domestics, not because theyre particularly cheap, but more so because theyre particularly alluring. Why the newfound appreciation for homegrown vehicles? Let me be completely clear in saying that Im not partial to all domestic cars, trucks and SUVs, just some of them. Those that I like have raised their nameplates to new levels of respectability, and in so doing deserve to be lauded and then hopefully purchased by new car buyers, in order to show their manufacturers that building quality-made, comfortable and well-appointed vehicles pays off.

The Jeep Liberty is one such vehicle. Its arguably among the best in its compact SUV class, which has become rather crowded in the last few years. Its stylish, solid, nicely appointed and a decent performer, but what I like best about it is its non-pretender persona. I mean, why build a vehicle that sits taller, holds less and performs worse than a station wagon, unless it can do something much better than any road car can? What Im referring to is the 4×4-equipped Libertys mountain goat-like ability to trek far from any paved surfaces - its available in 2WD too so make sure youve got a Trail Rated version before you attempt anything drastic. On the other hand, try to break trail in even an AWD-equipped Honda CR-V or a Toyota RAV4, for instance. I have, and while each offers decent grip in light snow or slightly muddy terrain, attempt to power one through a deep rut, wade through a three-foot stream or straddle over an 8-inch stump, protruding rock or even a small fallen sapling and it is game over. And just to be fair to Honda and Toyota, Fords Escape, Chevys Equinox and most of their rivals are equally useless when the wild green yonder beckons. Only the Kia Sorento and Nissan X-terra offer the same level of off-road prowess in the compact SUV category - sad really.

Whats sadder is that the once vaunted Land Rover brand, known throughout the world for producing the most rugged, capable 4×4s available, now puts out an entry-level compact SUV that doesnt even offer a low-range. Sure, the company touts the Freelanders off-road capability, but during a recent test drive I managed to get it stuck on a foot-high lump of sand while taking a photo - pretty pathetic. No self-respecting 4×4-equipped Jeep would have trouble with such a menial task.

But for the time being Im going to bite my tongue when it comes to Freelander bashing, just suffice it to say that it isnt worth the high price being asked at Land Rover dealerships, especially when compared with the Liberty. If you want a more detailed comparison, take a gander back at the new vehicle review archives available in this website. Either look up the 2003 Jeep Liberty Road Test or 2003 Land Rover Freelander Road Test, both cars are mentioned and full comparisons are detailed for your perusal. Just one more thing about the Freelander before I drop the subject, it was updated for 2004 and features a much improved interior than the 2003 model I previously tested, albeit not any better than that in the Liberty. Ill write something on it in the near future.

Of course, it should be mentioned that Jeep has recently updated the Liberty as well. While improvements on the first-generation were made with each new model year, 2005 brings about the most changes since the SUV debuted in 2001 as a 2002 model, and in so doing replaced the much-loved Cherokee.

The first thing Jeep enthusiasts will notice is a revised front grille, fascia and fender treatment, which incidentally differs substantially between regular and Renegade trim levels. In the former the grille surround is flatter, taller and wider than the previous version, while the Renegade sports an even taller 7-slat façade complete with a unique hood. The updated base model now sports circular fog lamps beside the grille, while both models fenders integrate wrap-around turn signals at front and much meatier flares at each corner.

As I mentioned in a preview article (see new vehicle archives Jan 16, 2004: 2005 Jeep Liberty Preview), I really like the Libertys new lines, especially in top-line Renegade form. Its meaner looking than the standard Liberty as well as its predecessor. Whats more, the Renegade features larger externally mounted fog lamps, 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 robust looking. 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. The Renegade adds an attractive “diamond plate-inspired” seat fabric to the mix, a good reason to step up to the off-road specialist. Of course, leather seating surfaces and trim is still available, which is a nice addition, especially useful if climbing aboard while covered in dirt or mud or if children are part of your life - dirt, grime and food washes right off the protected leather seats much easier than cloth. Also
important, for the first time ever the Liberty will offer a GPS DVD-based navigation radio.

While my test Liberty didnt feature the nav system, the seats were covered in light-gray leather, as was the steering wheel, while authentic feeling aluminum-like trim and really attractive chronograph-inspired primary gauges rounded out the upscale cabin. The car made me feel much richer than any compact SUV Ive tested recently, a list that includes the top-line Ford Escape Limited, Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, as well as the $25,330+ Land Rover Freelander (and more with leather). All were leather-clad, but none delivered the upscale ambience of the Liberty. Still, I would appreciate someone in this segment offering higher quality interior plastics. On most surfaces, the Liberty fails in this regard too. While the nicely textured dash plastic features a unique dimpled effect, it would only take a hundred or so more per vehicle for the well executed layout to include premium levels of tactile quality.

Comparing feature for feature, however, including interior quality, vaults the Liberty above most of its rivals. I first noticed how the new seats feel better than last years SUV. Maybe it was my imagination, but Im sure that last years drivers seat had me sitting on top of, rather than snuggly within its side bolsters. The front seats are now more comfortable, while also providing greater support.

That support came in handy while tackling some of the twists and turns amid the mountains above Santa Barbara, California, where the new 2005 version was introduced to the media. While hardly sports car-like, the Libertys tall stance doesnt hinder quick cornering. I actually found it quite fun, and a little more agile than I remembered the last one being.

The SUV also felt a lot quicker off the line, and power came on much stronger when passing on the highway. This sensation had little to do with either of the carryover gasoline engines, mind you, but rather the all-new 2.8-liter CRD (common-rail diesel) that makes 160 horsepower at 3,800 rpm and 295 lb-ft of torque at a contra bass (translated to mean extremely low) 1,800 rpm. The diesel is available when Sport or Limited trim levels are purchased, my tester being the latter of the two.

If youre not up on modern diesels, do yourself a favor and take one out for a drive. Theyre quiet, smooth and amazingly powerful. Personally, cost aside, I dont know why anyone would consider an SUV without a diesel. The technology will use about 25 to 30 percent less fuel on average, has much longer maintenance intervals and delivers surprising power. Its the ideal engine for the less than lightweight Liberty.

The two gasoline engines, if you really must, are the base 150 horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder with 165 lb-ft of torque, and the optional 210 horsepower, 3.7-liter V6 with 235 lb-ft of torque. While the gasoline-powered V6 makes more horsepower than the diesel, torque is what matters when trying to move a loaded down SUV, and that it has in spades. For this reason, the Liberty 2.8 CDI is now the class leader for towing.

Another benefit the diesel brings to the table is much better off-road capability. The ability to turn the wheels slowly at takeoff, not needing to build up engine speed to gain power and torque (the 3.7-liter V6 needs 4,000 rpm to arrive at its peak torque which is only 235 lb-ft), makes it so the SUV can walk away from situations that it might find critical if fitted with a gasoline-powered engine. Whats more, with 25 to 30 percent fuel savings, it can go a lot further into the bush without the need to turn back. No doubt, the Liberty diesel will be popular with 4×4 enthusiasts.

The Liberty comes standard with a 6-speed manual transmission, which I unfortunately didnt get a chance to test during this outing. Jeep says its a big improvement over both outgoing 5-speed units, and Id believe the difference should be quite noticeable for the automaker to sink in the significant investment. The first and second gears feature triple-cone synchronization for extra smooth actuation, while third and forth get double, and fifth and sixth single-cone synchronizers. The new manual can be had with the V6 engine as well, which is just another thing that sets the Liberty apart from most of its autobox-only rivals. Unfortunately the manual cant be had with the new diesel, but this engine gets an exclusive 5-speed automatic thats smoother shifting than most of its peers. Theres no manual-mode with either the 4- or 5-speed gearboxes, however, but this is also true for all of its compact competitors except the pricey Freelander.

The Liberty stops well too, thanks to a large disc at each wheel, and in the case of my tester, antilock brakes. They look great framed in the standard 16-inch wheels, or optional 17-inchers, the extra rubber doing pulling its weight for stopping duties too, or when needed to avoid an accident.

Something that became apparent on my test drive was just how much quieter the 2005 Liberty was compared to the outgoing model, even when powered by the diesel. Jeep has reportedly worked hard to debugging the compact SUV, reducing noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels in the engine bay and throughout the body.

For doing what most people buy SUVs for, hauling people and stuff, the Liberty is quite good. The second row of seats folds almost completely flat, opening up an especially large cargo area. Its not necessarily longer or wider than its rivals, but its quite a bit taller, making it handy for doing guy things like hauling the gas barbecue to the beach or transporting that big screen TV home from the electronics shop. Access to the rear is enhanced by an intelligently designed swinging door, that not only pops up the rear glass automatically when opened, but is hinged on the drivers side, meaning that if youre loading something from the sidewalk when parallel parked, you dont have to get out on a busy street and risk death to load the vehicle. While it sounds amazing that any automaker would force their customers to endure such danger, all those that feature side swinging doors that hale from Britain or Japan, do just that, Land Rover and Lexus included. The most bizarre thing is that GMC made the same mistake with its new Envoy XUV, a vehicle that will never be sold in right-hand drive markets. What were they thinking?

Of course, the Liberty isnt only ideal for manly men, but its sophisticated enough for white collar business types too, as well as women of all persuasions. If youve got a family of five, it might be a bit of a squeeze to get everyone inside, especially if some are still in child safety seats, at least thats what I found while testing the older version for longer periods at home.

Despite the tight fit, Id like to take the 2.8 CDI home for a longer test. It does exactly what I think an SUV should do. It packs loads of people and cargo as comfortably on the road as through the deep woods and looks great doing it. And with the diesel its also economical to run. Yeah, its got my vote.