Serving as a replacement for the aged Cherokee, the new compact Liberty was a roomier SUV with a more sophisticated suspension and available curtain side airbags. Built with unibody construction, like the Cherokee, the four-door Liberty wagon rode a wheelbase about three inches longer, and measured seven inches longer overall. Width and height also grew, and the Liberty weighed about 400 pounds more than the Cherokee. A coil-spring front suspension replaced the Cherokee's solid-axle, leaf-spring setup. The Liberty's tailgate opened to left and held an outside-mounted spare tire. Sport and Limited trim levels were available. Equipped with a 150-horsepower four-cylinder engine, the Sport had contrasting-color body cladding. The Limited Edition had a monochromatic exterior and brushed metallic interior trim, as well as a new 210-hp, 3.7-liter V6 that was optional for the Sport. Four-cylinder models came only with a manual transmission, while the V6 got either manual or automatic. Liberty offered rear-wheel drive or a choice of two four-wheel-drive systems, both with low-range gearing. Jeep's Command-Trac 4WD must be disengaged on dry pavement; Selec-Trac 4WD can be left engaged at all times. Standard equipment includes 16-inch wheels and a 65/35 split/folding rear seat. Leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a sunroof were available. Curtain side airbags and antilock braking were optional. Liberty's 5000-pound towing capacity was tops among compact SUVs, This Jeep competed against the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, and Mazda Tribute. As a running change phased in during the 2002 model year, the ride height of all Libertys was lowered by about an inch. Jeep said the change was intended to improve stability in turns. A bolder-looking Renegade model joined the group during the 2002 season.