Jeep Liberty strikes a balance between off-road capability and on-road sophistication. It's a good choice for drivers who like to venture into the backcountry, but need comfort and practicality in a daily driver. A higher degree of off-highway capability separates the Liberty from other small SUVs. Though less agile on the road than the so-called cute-utes, the Liberty is superior once you leave the pavement.
New Car Test Drive editor Mitch McCullough filed this report from Charlottesville, Virginia; John Stewart contributed to this report.
Model Line Overview
Model lineup:
Jeep Liberty Sport 2WD ($19,190); Renegade 2WD ($21,975); Limited 2WD ($23,525); Sport 4WD ($20,700); Renegade 4WD ($23,485); Limited 4WD ($25,035); Limited CRD Sport 4x4 ($24,515); Liberty CRD Limited 4x4 ($26,745)
front airbags, driver''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''s seat-belt pre-tensioner, LATCH child-seat anchor system
Safety equipment (optional):
ABS; side-curtain airbags
Basic warranty:
3 years/36,000 miles
Assembled in:
Toledo, Ohio
Specifications As Tested
Model tested (MSRP):
Jeep Liberty Limited Edition 4WD ($25,035)
Standard equipment:
V6, automatic transmission, Command-Trac part-time 4WD, air conditioning, 12-volt accessory outlets, AM/FM/CD w six speakers, power speed-sensitive door locks, headlamps w time-delay off, , illuminated entry, remote keyless entry, map/dome reading lamps, courtesy and cargo lamps, dual power mirrors, tachometer, rear window defroster, variable intermittent wipers, folding rear seat split 65/35, cargo tie-down loops, matching spare wheel; 136-amp alternator, cargo area cover, cargo area trim panel w storage net, cloth low-back reclining front bucket seats, skid plates for front suspension, fuel tank and transfer case, P235/70R16 tires, 16-inch aluminum wheels, body-color fascias, premium body-colored fender flares, front and rear floor mats, fog lamps, body-color side molding
Options as tested (MSRP):
side curtain airbags ($490); ABS ($600); Quick Order Package 28F (-$500)
Destination charge:
($610)
Gas guzzler tax:
N/A
Price as tested (MSRP):
$26,235
Layout:
four-wheel drive
Engine:
3.7-liter sohc 12-valve V6
Horsepower (hp @ rpm):
210 @ 5200
Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm):
235 @ 4000
Transmission:
4-speed automatic
EPA fuel economy, city/hwy:
17/21 mpg
Wheelbase:
104.3 in.
Length/width/height:
174.4/71.6/71.9 in.
Track, f/r:
60.0/59.7 in.
Turning circle:
35.9 ft.
Seating capacity:
5
Head/hip/leg room, f:
40.7/57.0/40.8 in.
Head/hip/leg room, m:
N/A
Head/hip/leg room, r:
42.1/47.4/37.2 in.
Cargo volume:
69.0 cu. ft.
Payload:
N/A
Towing capacity:
5000 Lbs.
Suspension, f:
independent, upper and lower A-arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Suspension, r:
live axle, dual lower trailing links, single upper trailing A-link, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Ground clearance:
9.4 in.
Curb weight:
4115 lbs.
Tires:
P235/70R16
Brakes, f/r:
disc/disc with ABS
Fuel capacity:
19.5 gal.
Unless otherwise indicated, specifications refer to test vehicle.
All prices are manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) effective as of September 03, 2004.
Prices do not include manufacturer's destination and delivery charges.
N/A: Information not available or not applicable.
Manufacturer Info Sources:
1-800-925-5337 -
www.jeep.com
