Jeep® Liberty will offer the first diesel in the U.S. mid-size sport-utility vehicle segment, adding unique capability in support of the Jeep brand's constant push for innovation and market leadership. This new engine offering will provide increased torque, power and range.
"The availability of a diesel engine on the Jeep Liberty reinforces the Jeep brand's 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," said Jeff Bell, Chrysler Group Vice President – Jeep.
Jeep Liberty will be available with a 2.8-liter common rail diesel (CRD) engine for the first time in the United States. The 2.8-liter CRD is rated at an estimated 160 horsepower (120 kW) at 3800 rpm and with 295 lb.-ft. (400 N.m) at 1800 rpm, providing class-leading torque and towing capability. Diesel engines offer another option for increased torque, towing and range, while improving fuel economy an average of 25 percent and reducing CO2 emissions by an average of 20 percent. The diesel engine will be available on both Sport and Limited models.
The restyled and repackaged Jeep Liberty Renegade becomes the image leader for Liberty, and features a more rugged, classic Jeep appearance.
Liberty Renegade is reminiscent of vintage Jeep vehicles with a new flatter hood, taller grille, off-road foglamps and taillamp guards. This model will feature functional rock rails, four skid plates, and available P235/70R16 all-terrain tires with wider, more aggressive treads, available GPS DVD-based navigation radio and “diamond plate-inspired” seat fabric. The Liberty Renegade is also available with an optional overhead light bar.
The 2005 Jeep Liberty will offer a freshened exterior and refined interior across the line. The new Jeep Liberty is given a freshened exterior design with new front fascia, grille, foglamps, fender flares and body side-moldings. Interior refinements include relocated power window switches, new instrument panel cluster graphics and trim bezels and improved seat comfort.
"True to its Jeep heritage, the 2005 Jeep Liberty continues to give enthusiasts a sense of personal capability and freedom by offering the best four-wheel-drive lineup in the segment," said Bell. "The Jeep Liberty distinguishes itself from less capable 4 x 4s."
Jeep Liberty clearly stands apart among car-based sport-utility vehicles in terms of capability, as well as truck-based offerings in terms of on-road refinement. A coil spring independent front suspension and link-coil rear suspension provide an exceptional on-road ride and legendary off-road capability. Sturdiness and four-wheel drive give Jeep Liberty 5000 lbs. of trailer-towing capability.
The 2005 Jeep Liberty 4 x 4 models are Trail Rated® and meet or exceed the minimum requirements established by the Nevada Automotive Test Center (NATC) and Jeep Engineering. Only Jeep vehicles are Trail Rated.
Text and photos courtesy of DaimlerChrysler AG
