The 3.7-liter, 210-horsepower V-6 is sourced from the company's 4.7-liter V-8. As such, it has an unusual 90-degree bank angle--most V-6s are 60 degrees for operational smoothness--making it sound odd and thrashy at certain revs. What you can't criticize is its ability to produce 210 horsepower and 235 pound-feet of torque. While the Liberty didn't win any drag races at our test track (all effectively tied), it was the most tractable engine when we hit the trail: steady and confident, especially crawling up steep terrain in low range. Not only is the Jeep the most powerful of the three, it returns above-average fuel economy at 17-city and 21-highway mpg, nearly as good as the one-liter-smaller Suzuki. Furthermore, if you need to tow a boat, the Jeep outpulls the other two by 1500 to 2000 pounds with a 5000-pound rating when properly equipped.
Generous ground and fording clearances, tidy proportions, and a capable 4WD system make the Liberty the king of the hill, field, and stream.
Opting for the $600 ABS accompanied by 4WD means you get a nifty system that allows the brakes to "skid" in the dirt in 4-low range, building up a small mound in front of the tires. Anybody who's cursed ABS while freewheeling down a loose or slippery surface, waiting for the ABS to apply the brakes will know why this feature is so thoughtful and necessary for serious, safe off-pavement excursions.
Without a doubt, the Jeep is designed for more than an occasional dirt road. At 36 and 32 degrees, the Liberty's approach and departure angles allow it to go up and over most obstacles without snagging its bumpers or the spare tire that's hung on the back. We never found ourselves in a situation where the Jeep couldn't maneuver, pull, or otherwise extricate itself from a tight spot. In fact, we used the Jeep to free the stuck Suzuki, which had high-centered on a sandy berm.
Jeep goes old school with a hand-operated 4WD lever.
The Jeep Liberty Limited can't haul seven passengers around town. It doesn't slalom like a sports car. It's not even the least expensive. Yet, the Liberty is the clear winner here. It offers around-town performance, comfort, and efficiency on par with the others, but goes a country mile further when you leave the city. Jeep has an image and reputation to uphold, and the Jeep Liberty does so with charm, confidence, and skill.
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