Opting for the diesel means purchasing the base "Sport" model, or splurging the extra bucks for the Limited trim model. That's not an entirely bad

My Limited model included an optional DVD navigation system which crams a small display and all associated buttons into the space of the Liberty's standard radio. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press)

thing if money's no object, as it opens up the doors to a very luxurious cabin. My tester came with nearly every option available from power-operated heated leather seats, a one-touch sliding glass sunroof, a trip computer with overhead display, tire pressure monitor, premium Infinity sound system with six-disc trunk-mounted CD changer, fog lamps, machined-look alloy wheels and chrome trim.  It also included an optional DVD navigation system which crams a small display and all associated buttons into the space of the Liberty's standard radio. Its dryer-shrunk size means buttons must be carefully pushed, an annoyance at speed and on bumpy roads. Voice commands aid the miniscule screen, but its low position means that you'll have to glance down, taking your eyes off the road.

Also, the cargo area isn't what I'd call deep, but what space is available is organized as if it was for display at a Tupperware party. Three sets of hooks are mounted on the rear seatbacks to hang shopping bags, an idea borrowed from the Magic Wagon minivans. There's also a hinged parcel shelf which sits on the carpeted floor, with a built-in, fold-up organizer to keep small bags, boxes or parcels from flying around the back. It can also be raised to form a shelf, or to cover your belongings from unwanted attention.

A nice touch is the side-hinged rear tailgate, which automatically opens the glass liftback portion separately. The upper glass portion can also be raised

A nice touch is the side-hinged rear tailgate, which automatically opens the glass liftback portion separately. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press)

via the key fob, making it easy to drop smaller items in. I should also mention that Jeep offers a major advantage over its Japanese and British competitors when accessing its rear compartment too. The swinging rear door is hinged on the driver's side with the door handle on the passenger's side. This makes loading a Liberty from the curb much easier and more importantly, much safer than attempting the same into a Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Suzuki Grand Vitara or Land Rover Freelander, for instance. These models, optimized for their home markets, force those loading cargo from curbside to walk out onto what may be a busy street before accessing the cargo area. Not smart. So why not put a minivan-style hatch on the back that would benefit both right- and left-hand drive markets? That would only be possible if run-flat tires were also introduced, because the door also acts as holder for the full-size spare tire. All said, the Liberty is the safest and most convenient vehicle in the swinging cargo door SUV class, besting the Japanese by a long shot.