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2005 Jeep Liberty Compact Sport Utility Vehicle
…Continued
Jeep Liberty Renegade takes the high road
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On the downside, the Renegade can get pricey as the options add up. Our test vehicle -- a well-equipped Renegade model with the navigation system, automatic transmission and premium package -- rang up around $28,500. That's awfully steep for a small SUV that starts under $20 grand.
Purists, though, will tell you that's a whole lot cheaper than vehicles with a similar off-road pedigree, like the Land Rover LR3. Like the Land Rover, the Renegade offers a great deal of comfort and style to go along with its penchant for climbing trails.
In terms of comfort, the only big problem we found with the Liberty was its quirky navigation system, which had a screen mounted ridiculously low on the dash and a bunch of itty-bitty buttons that made it hard to operate. Chrysler-group vehicles still have one of the worst, hardest-to-operate navigation systems on the market.
In addition to the heavily revamped Renegade, all Liberty models will see some changes for 2005. They have a new grille, new fender flares and new side moldings, along with relocated power window switches, new gauge faces, and more comfortable seats.
Another major change is the addition of a diesel engine to the lineup. An available 2.7-liter powerplant makes the Liberty the first mid-size SUV available in America with a diesel, and a new five-speed automatic transmission transfers the diesel's power to the road. Other engines include a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder, and a 3.7-liter V6.
The Sport model continues to be the entry-level Liberty, starting a $19,190 for two-wheel drive and $20,700 for 4WD. Limited models come with better cloth seats and more interior amenities, starting around $25,000.
All in all, the Liberty continues to be a great compromise between off-road ability and on-road comfort. If you want an affordable vehicle that can take you to the campsite on weekends and take you to work on the weekdays -- all in a pretty comfortable cabin -- it's hard to beat this Jeep.
Pros: It's a great combination of off-road ability and on-road comfort. It can drive just about anywhere, yet it's not too uncomfortable for the morning commute and trips to the mall.
Cons: If you don't do much off-road driving, you'd probably be better off with an SUV that's designed to be more comfortable than this. Compared to the new "crossover" SUVs, the Liberty has an awfully bouncy, rough-riding suspension.
Ratings (1-10)
- Style: 9
- Performance: 9
- Price: 6
- Handling: 3
- Ride: 3
- Comfort: 5
- Quality: 8
- Overall: 7
More Data
Where Built: USA
Major Options: Leather upholstery, 6-way power passenger seat, Heated power mirrors, Mini overhead console, Limited-slip rear differential, Heavy-duty engine cooling, Tow hooks (Sport), Skid plates, 2.8-liter turbodiesel 4-cylinder engine, Curtain side airbags, Tire-pressure monitor, Power sunroof, Fog lights, Alloy wheels, Chrome alloy wheels, All-terrain white-letter tires.
Seating: 5.
Number of Rows: 2.
Length in Inches: 174.4
Warrantees: 3 years/36,000 miles Bumper to bumper, 7/70,000 miles Extended powertrain, 5 years/50,000 miles Corrosion protection, 3 years/36,000 miles Roadside assistance.
Weight in Pounds: 3851 lbs.
Cargo Capacity in Pounds: 1150 lbs.
Gross Maximum Vehicle Weight in Pounds: Not available.
Towing Capacity in Pounds: 2000 lbs. â€' 5000 lbs.
Gas Tank Capacity in Gallons: 20.5
Destination Charge: $660
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