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2005 Jeep Liberty Preview

Revised Styling and Optional Diesel Set Liberty Apart from Mere 4x4 Pretenders

Why fix something that isnt broken? Such is the way of the car biz, and needed or not Jeeps popular Liberty will get mid-cycle upgrades in order to put a fresh face forward in its heavily contested compact sport utility market segment.

The new 2005 model came barreling around, up and over a makeshift dirt trail within a temporary tent the brand set up just outside of Manhattans Jacob Javits conference center, the home of the New York International Auto Show, to demonstrate its various models legendary Trail Rated off-road capability.

One look at the changes will tell you nothing drastic was needed, with the most obvious modifications being minor adjustments to the Libertys front fascia, grille surround, front fender treatment, and body side-moldings. The grille surround is

Jeep had a host of compact SUV predecessors on hand, with this pristine 1984 Cherokee setting the stage for the new Libertys dramatic entrance. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

flatter, taller and wider, more akin to classic Willys Jeeps than anything seen since. It now integrates the fog lamps next to its traditional seven slats, while the fenders incorporate wrap-around turn signals at front and much beefier flares all round.

I like the new design, especially in top-line Renegade form. Its even tougher looking than the standard Liberty, with a distinctive "diamond plate-inspired" seat fabric, larger externally mounted fog lamps, a new flatter hood that adds to its WWII Willys styling

The new 2005 Jeep Liberty made a grand and fitting entrance at this years New York International Auto Show. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

cues, plus utilitarian looking taillamp guards, functional skidplates, rock rails, and rugged P235/70R16 all-terrain tires with a more aggressive tread pattern. Its roof rack mounted light bar is especially rugged in appearance, with only GMs Hummer division offering an off-the-rack off-road lighting solution as bold and daring. While most people will never use this feature for its true purpose, it sure looks cool.

The 2005 Liberty sports minor interior upgrades too, including relocated power window switches, now in a more convenient position on the center console between the two front seats, new instrument panel

Once again, only minor changes were made to the Libertys already best-in-class interior. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

cluster graphics and more stylish trim bezels, plus improvements in seat comfort. On the technology front, for the first time ever the Liberty will offer a GPS DVD-based navigation radio.

I took the opportunity after the introduction to climb in and around the upgraded truck, and while the changes definitely improve on an already best-in-class interior, current Liberty owners shouldnt have too much trouble finding their way around next years version. The seats are better for sure, allowing the back and buttocks to sit into the cushions rather than riding on top, as is the case in the current truck. This gives more lateral support, and over long trips will be much more comfortable.

The biggest

The biggest change is under the hood of the Sport and Limited models, with an all-new Italian-built 2.8-liter common-rail diesel engine. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

news is under the hood of both Sport and Limited Libertys, with an all-new Italian-built 2.8-liter CRD (common-rail diesel) rated at an estimated 160 horsepower at 3,800 rpm and 295 lb-ft of torque at an extremely low 1,800 rpm, good enough for class-leading torque and towing capability, Jeep says, as well as boosted fuel economy and reduced tailpipe emissions.

"The availability of a diesel engine on the Jeep Liberty reinforces the Jeep brands leadership position in the sport utility market, underscores our commitment to alternative fuels and technology and gives customers an optional power plant that no other competitor can offer," commented Jeff Bell, Chrysler Group Vice President - Jeep.

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