To brighten any damp day, the option of a power sunroof comes for the small price of $940. Sun visors, illuminated entry and vanity mirrors, and a host of non-light oriented features come standard in the Liberty. Just incase you want the light toned down at night, the Renegade offers optional auto-dimming front and rear mirrors for an extra $275. Furthermore, the deep tint sunscreen rear windows are standard. This rugged SUV really has some "flare"... OK I just can't help myself with the wordplay. The Renegade's all terrain P235/70R16 OWL wheels are mounted on 16-inch six-spoke aluminum rims, and then enveloped by larger-than-standard unique wheel flares that show off bright stainless steel bolt heads reinforcing the model's off-roading capabilities. The feature is a real head-turner. Also standard on the resilient road roamer are detachable silver tubular side steps with black step pads, designed to ease entry and exit while maximizing durability on off-road terrain.
The driving force in the Liberty is its 3.7-L Power Tech V6 engine. It has the same basic architecture as its highly acclaimed close relative, the 4.7-L V8 found in the Jeep Grand Cherokee - plus Dodge trucks and SUVs. The V6's 210-horsepower peeks at 5,200 rpm while its 235 lb-ft of maximum torque comes on at 4,000 rpm. The 3.7L engine works hand in hand with the optional 45RFE five-speed automatic transmission. When laced up to a trailer the Renegade, with the Trailer Tow package, provides a 2,268 kg (5,000 lb) towing capability. Now how heavy is that? I definitely appreciated the Jeep's multiple mode four-wheel drive system. When in Whistler I shifted into Full-Time 4WD, for ultimate traction. Otherwise I left it in Full-Time 2WD to save on fuel. The Liberty also offers Part-Time 4WD and 4-Low, that latter most useful when venturing into the great unknown.