It isn't only hardware that makes it a Jeep. It's "Trail Rated" certification involves meeting criteria that will satisfy seasoned enthusiasts who represent the small portion of those who will use a 4x4 to its potential. It's a seal of approval, meaning that products wearing it have satisfactory approach angles, the ability to drive through bodies of water, and of course traction everywhere. There are even skid plates which protect vital organs from rocks and logs passing underneath, because Jeep drivers plan to tackle far worse off-road conditions than a slippery driveway or a torn up section of roadway.
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| (Photo: Justin Pritchard, Auto123.com) |
Despite whatever mayhem your tires and suspension may be contending with, occupants get to relax inside. My Sport CRD tester had power accessories and 6 Infinity speakers attached to a 6 CD changer. The 4x4 controls and shifter take up most of the center console, and the fabric seats are thin and hard though not uncomfortable. Headroom abounds, though rear quarters are laterally tight for five broad shouldered guys. Hard plastic panels are the material of choice for the interior assembly, though from a Jeep owner's point of view such materials are easy to clean and maintain. Storage in back is clever, aided by a cargo organizer to keep your muddy boots and groceries adequately separated. Storage up front is a different story. Unless you are willing to forfeit your cup holders, there is little more than a sliver of room to keep those objects you like to have in sight, like your cell phone, coffee change and a pen and paper. There is a pocket in each door and a gigantic center console storage compartment.
Every so often, someone decides to put the power window switches on the center console, though installing them on the doors would have left more space available for storage. Until you get used to their position, you'll lock the doors every time you approach the microphone box at your favorite drive thru. The stereo controls are a bit dated but the unit sounds great when fitted with the upgrade package, which is good because the only thing more fun than off-roading is off-roading with the music cranked.
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| (Photo: Justin Pritchard, Auto123.com) |
Jeeps have been known to be a less-than-plush mode of transportation, but with the Liberty, off road capability doesn't mean on road harshness. It offers steering feel and ride quality typical of most, (and even better than some) of its competition. In most city driving, it greets passengers with a ride that is quiet and collected. Engineering and technology have created a muck loving rock climber that offers a surprisingly comfortable and car like ride with minimal compromise. There is plenty of visibility for your daily chores like lane changing and parking lot maneuvers as well. The turning radius is great- meaning the Liberty is no problem to move about Crown Victoria's and LeSabres in the Shoppers Drug Mart parking lot on senior's day. On the trails or in the parking lot, the Liberty is really, really easy to move around.
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| (Photo: Justin Pritchard, Auto123.com) |
Doing all of this moving around in my tester was the optional Common Rail Diesel engine. To further help with your off-pavement recreational activities and save on fuel, the unit was introduced back in 2005. If you haven't driven a diesel engine lately, you'll likely have some misconceptions. Many people think that diesel engines are excessively noisy power-plants that are obnoxious, loud, and love to smoke. But unlike Rodney Dangerfield, the 2.8 liter CRD engine offers up relatively smooth refinement. It may be a bit noisier than a comparable gasoline powered engine, but it's a unique and charming sound that you'll quickly warm up to. It sounds like getting up early and going to work, like the big machines that take our kids to school, shape the land we build new houses on and haul goods across the country with. Such big, heavy duty machines use diesel engines for the powerful operation and generally lower long term maintenance costs. If you check off the CRD option on your Liberty's order sheet, you can put one of these heavy duty mills to work for you. It's smoother than you think- honestly, go try one.
