2005 Jeep Liberty Preview

While just about everyone can agree on the Liberty's off-road prowess, most people don't give the SUV credit for on-pavement agility. While it's no BMW X3 the Liberty

Considering that the Liberty isn't based on a car platform, its on-pavement agility is impressive. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

outshines many opponents, even those that derive their underpinnings from cars. Jeep's compact offering is no car-based ute, however, despite its coil sprung independent front suspension system. The rear setup is a traditional solid axle, suspended by a link-coil system that delivers a surprisingly decent ride. The Liberty's rigid body structure and powerful engine choices give it a top-of-class trailer towing capacity of up to (5000 lbs).

In this league the Liberty has very few challengers. Land Rover's Freelander has to be mentioned, but despite the heritage of its nameplate the compact luxury SUV is nowhere near as nicely put together as the Liberty, doesn't offer the same level of off-road capability and doesn't deliver any benefits on pavement either. To make matters worse it's priced about $10,000 higher with similar options. The completely revised 2005 Nissan Xterra will no doubt give the Liberty a run for its money for 4x4 agility and styling when it arrives shortly, but the jury is out on whether Nissan can deliver an interior anywhere near as

Jeep doesn't need to update its Liberty just yet, but that hasn't stopped the brand from improving on an already great SUV. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

high in tactile quality as the Jeep. Suzuki's Grand Vitara will soon be phased out, to be replaced by a car-based model, leaving Kia's very capable Sorento as one of the Liberty's most dangerous foes.

But as good as the Sorento is it doesn't feature that legendary Jeep nameplate, nor its familiar grille and circular headlight design. It also can't be had with a class-leading diesel powerplant. It seems that such virtues, along with a strong value proposition upheld by Chrysler Group's aggressive marketing strategies, have boosted Jeep sales as of late, with 2004 year-to-date gains rising 17 percent in the U.S. over the same period in 2003. While Wrangler (TJ in Canada) sales are up an amazing 52 percent after experiencing the storied model's best April in history, the Liberty isn't doing too badly with a 13 percent surge over last year's sales figures.