2006 Jeep Liberty

Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, previously optional, are now standard, as is the new-for-'06 antiskid/traction-control system. Head-protecting curtain side airbags with rollover deployment are optional. Other available features include navigation system, satellite radio, sunroof, leather upholstery, heated front seats, and Chrysler's UConnect, which uses the audio system as a hands-free wireless link to cell phones.


The diesel option is a particularly interesting choice, a rarity among domestic SUVs, especially smaller ones. Made by VM Motori of Cento, Italy (diesels are a mainstay of European vehicles, comprising the majority of the market in some countries), output of this 2.8-liter turbocharged oil burner seems low at only 160 hp at 3,800 rpm. While this figure is comparable to many V6s, that's a bit deceptive, because the torque is where the CRD (Common Rail Diesel) engine really shines.


How about a stump-pulling 295 lb.-ft. at 1,800 rpm (versus 235 lb.-ft. in the gasoline V6)? That puts the diesel in the same league as most gasoline V8s powering full-size pickups. For example, Dodge's 4.7-liter V8 found in the Ram pickup has the same torque output, even with nearly a two-liter advantage in cylinder volume.

Power

Eager to see how this overachiever would handle in the dirt, we drove a diesel Liberty at a Jeep Jamboree event over all sorts of off-road obstacles. This bulldog felt unstoppable, unperturbed by steep ascents and gnarly terrain. That's because most of this grunt is low down in the rpm range, right where you want it.


On the street, don't try to out-accelerate a Hemi-powered Grand Cherokee, but the Liberty snaps to attention once the variable-vane turbo kicks in. Torque is really the vehicle's strong suit, whether scrambling up the grade or towing as much as 5,000 pounds. (How many "cute Utes" have that much pulling power?)