2005 Jeep Liberty: Road Test
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2005 Jeep Liberty ▼
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- MSRP: $19,480 -$25,325
- Invoice: $18,307 -$23,646
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Our road test for the 2005 Jeep Liberty includes a full evaluation of the 2005 Jeep Liberty from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2005 Jeep Liberty, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2005 Jeep Liberty help you decide if a 2005 Jeep Liberty is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 4WD Sport, V6 auto. | 4WD Limited, V6 auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4.3 |
Only V6/automatic Libertys made available for testing. Acceleration good off the line, but Liberty can feel labored in highway merging or passing, where it takes a deep stab of the throttle to coax the automatic to downshift two gears. Selec-Trac allows set-and-forget 4WD running, but requires initial driver activation. Most rivals have no-fuss AWD, but can't match Liberty's off-road prowess.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 4WD Sport, V6 auto. | 4WD Limited, V6 auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4.8 |
Disappointing for the class. Test 4WD Limited averaged 14.8 mpg. In mostly highway driving, test 4WD Sport averaged 16.6 mpg. Liberty uses regular-grade fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| 4WD Sport, V6 auto. | 4WD Limited, V6 auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4.5 |
Not overly firm on bumps, though big ruts and ripples mean a jiggly but not uncomfortable ride. Some noticeable rocking-horse motions and annoying side-to-side swaying.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 4WD Sport, V6 auto. | 4WD Limited, V6 auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4.7 |
Not as responsive as Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Mazda Tribute. In turns, grip and balance are good, but body lean pronounced. Steering firm and accurate, but transmits too much kickback off-road. Brakes feel strong. Little nosedive in quick stops.
QUIETNESS
| 4WD Sport, V6 auto. | 4WD Limited, V6 auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 |
Perhaps best-in-class isolation from unpleasant body resonance. But full-throttle exhaust note and high-speed wind rush are intrusive. Tires sing on coarse surfaces. One test model's Selec-Trac emitted 4WD gear whine.
CONTROLS
| 4WD Sport, V6 auto. | 4WD Limited, V6 auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.5 |
Large, legible gauges. Low-set audio and climate controls a little far from driver, but generously sized, clearly labeled. Door-mounted power-lock buttons easily mistaken for power-window switches, which are located on center console. UConnect easy to use and allows drivers to keep both hands on steering wheel. Interior has sturdy-feeling materials, numerous padded surfaces.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 4WD Sport, V6 auto. | 4WD Limited, V6 auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.7 |
Fine head, leg room. Seats set unusually high for commanding view of road. Passenger footwell narrow enough to make some testers feel cramped.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 4WD Sport, V6 auto. | 4WD Limited, V6 auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4.5 |
Lots of head clearance. Leg room OK. Footwell shape uneven, but good toe space under front seat. Step-in higher than Escape, Tribute, Honda CR-V, but not excessive. Narrow door openings complicate entry/exit.
CARGO ROOM
| 4WD Sport, V6 auto. | 4WD Limited, V6 auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6.7 |
With rear seat up, bay is wide and tall, but not long. Seat sections easily fold in one motion to form nearly flat load floor, but headrests need to be removed if front seats are set more than halfway back. Folded seatbacks expose brackets on cargo bay walls that intrude into load space. Swing-open tailgate takes getting used to. Its window pops fully open via remote keyfob or pull of tailgate handle, but awkward reach into cargo hold undercuts that convenience.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 4WD Sport, V6 auto. | 4WD Limited, V6 auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 7 | 6 |
Liberty is capable, solid, and competitively priced. Its on-road behavior is less carlike than that of its top competitors. But, being a Jeep, it has much better off-road ability than most. We recommend it for its range of attributes.
Total Score
| 4WD Sport, V6 auto. | 4WD Limited, V6 auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 51 | 50 | 50.7 |
Total Score: 51
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