The two gasoline engines, if you really must, are the base 150 horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder with 165 lb-ft of torque, and
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| Another benefit the diesel brings to the table is much better off-road capability. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
the optional 210 horsepower, 3.7-liter V6 with 235 lb-ft of torque. While the gasoline-powered V6 makes more horsepower than the diesel, torque is what matters when trying to move a loaded down SUV, and that it has in spades. For this reason, the Liberty 2.8 CDI is now the class leader for towing. Another benefit the diesel brings to the table is much better off-road capability. The ability to turn the wheels slowly at takeoff, not needing to build up engine speed to gain power and torque (the 3.7-liter V6 needs 4,000 rpm to arrive at its peak torque which is only 235 lb-ft), makes it so the SUV can walk away from situations that it might find critical if fitted with a gasoline-powered engine. What's more, with 25 to 30 percent fuel savings, it can go a lot further into the bush without the need to turn back. No doubt, the Liberty diesel will be popular with 4x4 enthusiasts.
The Liberty comes standard with a 6-speed manual transmission, which I unfortunately didn't get a chance to test during
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| Unfortunately the new 6-speed manual can't be had with the new diesel, but this engine gets an exclusive 5-speed automatic that's smoother shifting than most of its peers. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
this outing. Jeep says it's a big improvement over both outgoing 5-speed units, and I'd believe the difference should be quite noticeable for the automaker to sink in the significant investment. The first and second gears feature triple-cone synchronization for extra smooth actuation, while third and forth get double, and fifth and sixth single-cone synchronizers. The new manual can be had with the V6 engine as well, which is just another thing that sets the Liberty apart from most of its autobox-only rivals. Unfortunately the manual can't be had with the new diesel, but this engine gets an exclusive 5-speed automatic that's smoother shifting than most of its peers. There's no manual-mode with either the 4- or 5-speed gearboxes, however, but this is also true for all of its compact competitors except the pricey Freelander.
