2006 Jeep Liberty: Road Test
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2006 Jeep Liberty ▼
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- MSRP: $21,290 -$26,190
- Invoice: $19,954 -$24,433
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Our road test for the 2006 Jeep Liberty includes a full evaluation of the 2006 Jeep Liberty from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2006 Jeep Liberty, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2006 Jeep Liberty help you decide if a 2006 Jeep Liberty is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 4WD Sport, auto. | 4WD Limited Edition, auto. | 4WD Limited Edition, turbodiesel. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 3 | 4.5 |
Automatic-transmission V6 acceleration good off the line, but is labored in highway merging or passing; takes deep stab at throttle to coax a downshift. No opportunity yet to test with manual transmission. From a stop, turbodiesel very slow for first 10 feet, then picks up quickly for good acceleration, though passing power weak above 60 mph. Liberty's 5000-lb towing capacity among highest of all compact SUVs.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 4WD Sport, auto. | 4WD Limited Edition, auto. | 4WD Limited Edition, turbodiesel. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.9 |
Test 4WD V6 automatics averaged 14.8-16.6 mpg. Test 4WD diesel averaged 22.2 mpg in mostly highway driving, 16.2 mpg with more city use. Liberty V6 uses regular-grade fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| 4WD Sport, auto. | 4WD Limited Edition, auto. | 4WD Limited Edition, turbodiesel. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.7 |
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, auto. | 4WD Limited Edition, auto. | 4WD Limited Edition, turbodiesel. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.7 |
Not as responsive as Ford Escape, Mazda Tribute, or Toyota RAV4. In turns, grip and balance are good, body lean moderate. Steering firm and accurate, but transmits too much kickback off-road. Brakes feel strong. Little nosedive in quick stops.
QUIETNESS
| 4WD Sport, auto. | 4WD Limited Edition, auto. | 4WD Limited Edition, turbodiesel. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 2 | 4.1 |
V6 exhaust note intrusive under full throttle. Turbodiesel clatters loudly at idle and during acceleration, and is almost always audible. Perhaps best-in-class isolation from unpleasant body resonance, but noticeable high-speed wind rush. Tires sing on coarse surfaces. One test model's Selec-Trac emitted gear whine.
CONTROLS
| 4WD Sport, auto. | 4WD Limited Edition, auto. | 4WD Limited Edition, turbodiesel. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.6 |
Large, legible gauges. Low-set audio and climate controls a little far from driver, but generously sized, clearly labeled. 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, auto. | 4WD Limited Edition, auto. | 4WD Limited Edition, turbodiesel. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.8 |
Fine head, leg room. Seats set unusually high for commanding view of road. Narrow passenger footwell.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 4WD Sport, auto. | 4WD Limited Edition, auto. | 4WD Limited Edition, turbodiesel. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.6 |
Lots of head clearance. Leg room OK. Footwell shape uneven, but good toe space under front seat. Step-in higher than Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Mazda Tribute, but not excessive. Door openings narrow.
CARGO ROOM
| 4WD Sport, auto. | 4WD Limited Edition, auto. | 4WD Limited Edition, turbodiesel. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7.3 |
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, auto. | 4WD Limited Edition, auto. | 4WD Limited Edition, turbodiesel. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 7 | 5 | 6.3 |
Liberty's on-road behavior is less carlike than that of its top competitors, but it has better off-road ability than most in the compact-SUV class. Overall, it's capable, solid, and competitively priced, earning it our Recommended label.
Total Score
| 4WD Sport, auto. | 4WD Limited Edition, auto. | 4WD Limited Edition, turbodiesel. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 52 | 51 | 46 | 52.5 |
Total Score: 50
Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles
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