As I mentioned in a preview article (see new vehicle archives Jan 16, 2004: 2005 Jeep Liberty Preview), I really like the Liberty's new lines, especially in top-line

The large spare on the rear door can get in the way when accessing the cargo area, but allows for much more room inside. Jeep also intelligently places the hinges on the driver's side so that when the swinging door opens it can be accessed via the sidewalk. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

Renegade form. It's meaner looking than the standard Liberty as well as its predecessor. What's more, the Renegade features larger externally mounted fog lamps, utilitarian looking taillamp guards, functional skidplates, rock rails, and rugged P235/70R16 all-terrain tires with a more aggressive tread pattern. Its roof rack mounted light bar is especially robust looking. While most people will never use this feature for its true purpose, it sure looks cool. The 2005 Liberty sports minor interior upgrades too, including relocated power window switches, now in a more convenient position on the center console between the two front seats, new instrument panel cluster graphics and more stylish trim bezels, plus improvements in seat comfort. The Renegade adds an attractive "diamond plate-inspired" seat fabric to the mix, a good reason to step up to the off-road specialist. Of course, leather seating surfaces and trim is still available, which is a nice addition, especially useful if climbing aboard while covered in dirt or mud or if children are part of your life - dirt, grime and food washes right off the protected leather seats much easier than cloth. Also

The seats of my test Liberty were covered in light-gray leather, as was the steering wheel, while authentic feeling aluminum-like trim and really attractive chronograph-inspired primary gauges rounded out the upscale cabin. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

important, for the first time ever the Liberty will offer a GPS DVD-based navigation radio. While my test Liberty didn't feature the nav system, the seats were covered in light-gray leather, as was the steering wheel, while authentic feeling aluminum-like trim and really attractive chronograph-inspired primary gauges rounded out the upscale cabin. The car made me feel much richer than any compact SUV I've tested recently, a list that includes the top-line Ford Escape Limited, Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, as well as the $41,000+ Land Rover Freelander. All were leather-clad, but none delivered the upscale ambience of the Liberty. Still, I would appreciate someone in this segment offering higher quality interior plastics. On most surfaces, the Liberty fails in this regard too. While the nicely textured dash plastic features a unique dimpled effect, it would only take a hundred or so more per vehicle for the well executed layout to include premium levels of tactile quality.