Comparing feature for feature, however, including interior quality, vaults the Liberty above most of its rivals. I first noticed
 |
| The optional leather seats give the Liberty a premium look and feel. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
how the new seats feel better than last year's SUV. Maybe it was my imagination, but I'm sure that last year's driver's seat had me sitting on top of, rather than snuggly within its side bolsters. The front seats are now more comfortable, while also providing greater support. That support came in handy while tackling some of the twists and turns amid the mountains above Santa Barbara, California, where the new 2005 version was introduced to the media. While hardly sports car-like, the Liberty's tall stance doesn't hinder quick cornering. I actually found it quite fun, and a little more agile than I remembered the last one being.
The SUV also felt a lot quicker off the line, and power came on much stronger when passing on the highway. This sensation had little
 |
| The all-new 2.8-liter CRD (common-rail diesel) that makes 160 horsepower at 3,800 rpm and 295 lb-ft of torque at a very low 1,800 rpm. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
to do with either of the carryover gasoline engines, mind you, but rather the all-new 2.8-liter CRD (common-rail diesel) that makes 160 horsepower at 3,800 rpm and 295 lb-ft of torque at a contra bass (translated to mean extremely low) 1,800 rpm. The diesel is available when Sport or Limited trim levels are purchased, my tester being the latter of the two. If you're not up on modern diesels, do yourself a favor and take one out for a drive. They're quiet, smooth and amazingly powerful. Personally, cost aside, I don't know why anyone would consider an SUV without a diesel. The technology will use about 25 to 30 percent less fuel on average, has much longer maintenance intervals and delivers surprising power. It's the ideal engine for the less than lightweight Liberty.
