Of course, the Liberty isn't only ideal for manly men, it's sophisticated enough for white collar business types too, as

The Liberty does exactly what an SUV should do. It packs loads of people and cargo as comfortably on the road as through the deep woods, and looks great doing it. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

well as women of all persuasions. If you've got a family of five, it might be a bit of a squeeze to get everyone inside, especially if some are still in child safety seats, at least that's what I found while testing the older version for longer periods at home. Despite the tight fit, I'd like to take the 2.8 CDI home for a longer test. It does exactly what I think an SUV should do. It packs loads of people and cargo as comfortably on the road as through the deep woods and looks great doing it. And with the diesel it's also economical to run. Yeah, it's got my vote.

Specifications:

• Price Range (MSRP): $27,360 - $32,340
• Body Type: 5-door SUV
• Layout: front engine, part-time 4WD
• Base Engine: 150 hp, 165 lb-ft of torque, 2.4-L, 16-valve, DOHC I-4
• Optional Engine: 210 hp, 235 lb-ft of torque,
• 3.7-L, 12-valve, SOHC V6 Optional Engine: 160 hp, 295 lb-ft of torque,
• 2.8-L, common-rail turbodiesel I-4
• Transmission: 6-spd manual (optional 4-spd auto, optional 5-speed auto with diesel)
• Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc (optional ABS) Curb Weight (4-cyl - diesel): 1,747 - 1,953 kg (3,648 - 4,306 lbs)
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Cargo Cap (seat up/down): 821 / 1,950 L (29.0 / 69.0 cu ft)
• Ground Clearance (lowest point): 200 mm (7.9 in)
• Payload (occupants and cargo): 522 kg (l,l50 lbs)
• Towing Capacity (gasoline-diesel): 1,588 - 2,268 kg (3,500 - 5,000 lbs)
• Fuel Economy (V6): 13.4 / 10.2 L/100 km (diesel approx. 25 percent reduction)
• Warranty (mo/km): 36/60,000 comprehensive - 60/100,000 powertrain
• Direct Competitors: Kia Sorento, Land Rover Freelander, Nissan Xterra
• Web Site: www.jeep.ca