The front foot-wells are cramped to house the 4x4 transfer case beneath, and the gearshift lever is mounted on the passenger's side of the centre console- meaning drivers may need to lean out of their seat to operate it.

It's attached to a four-speed automatic transmission with a tow-haul for added smoothness and comfort when pulling a load. The unit shifts cleanly with a throttle-cut and is reasonably quick to react- though 4-ratio gearboxes are quickly becoming obsolete all around it. There's a six-speed manual available to Liberty shoppers as well, which is fantastic if you prefer to shift your own gears.

In any case, power is generated by a 3.7 litre, overhead-cam V6 that musters up 210 horsepower. It's got a decent sound and adequate performance in most situations- though given its displacement, it's short about 60 horses from the norm for its size. Mileage averaged 16.5L / 100km during winter testing.

It's a machine that off-roads like a champ.

The trail-rated Liberty Limited came with the Select-Track transfer case as opposed to an all wheel drive setup. Jeep's system defaults to a rear-drive mode like a truck, though an intelligent 4x4 AUTO mode and a creeping 4X4 LOW mode are selectable by a simple switch.

A switch? Yes. And it's low-tech compared to an automatic AWD system. Thing is that when you've got a mud-bog to cross, you want to be calling the shots, not a microchip.

On the highway, Liberty's new suspension delivers a smoother and quieter ride- though tire and suspension noise can become intrusive at speed. The solid rear axle setup favors truck-like toughness and towing capacity over comfort- so Liberty rides a bit on the rough side. It's stronger and more rugged than a car-like independent suspension setup, but it actually handles well, with minimal body roll. It may prove a bit rugged for some- but this isn't a cute-ute, remember.

After all, on-road driving is only part of the Liberty's story. It's a machine that off-roads like a champ- scaling and pulling through most any challenge without hesitation. There's even a hill descent control function to carefully inch its bulk down steep, slippery grades with ease.

With ground clearance and water-fording abilities not common to competitors, it's the obvious choice for the adventurer in this market- bringing terrain-terrorizing traction to any situation while delivering an adequately comfortable and composed on-road ride.

It's also got the features and the flexibility needed to keep up to most every day routines. There are certainly more comfortable and refined machines at this price- though few if any as capable.


Photo Credit : Justin Pritchard