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RICHMOND–Liberty might seem to be a curious name for a vehicle, but that’s what Jeep calls the new compact SUV that slots between the Wrangler and Grand Cherokee in a space currently occupied by the original Cherokee, which is being phased out. Their new baby, called the Ònext great Jeep ideaÓ by Paul Wilbur, Jeep’s general manager, joins competitors such as the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape and Nissan Xterra.

The Liberty moniker conjures an appealing image of freedom and rugged individualism, which is why Jeep chose to show it off to journalists in an area near Monticello and the heart of the American revolution. Liberty is something of a revolution for Jeep, as well. The 104.3-inch wheelbase unibody chassis is designed to deliver excellent on-road driving characteristics without sacrificing the traditional Jeep ability to slog through off-road rough stuff.

This mid-size Jeep is targeted at those who want a vehicle that feels at home on the road, looks cute and packs the creature comforts of a small station wagon.

A brand-new 3.7-liter, SOHC V-6 with 210 horsepower was developed for Liberty, although the base engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder. Prices start at $17,035 for a two-wheel-drive four-cylinder and range to about $27,000 for a fully loaded Limited with the V-6. A V-6-powered Liberty Sport, thought by Jeep folks to be the most popular combination, rolls out the door for $23,465, depending on options.

Rolling through twisting two-lane highways in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Liberty drove with the confidence of a sedan. Steering feel is excellent, as is overall responsiveness. Faced with a series of interlocking S-turns, it was as steady on its feet as a seasoned sailor riding out 10-foot swells. It does not feel like a sports car, mind you, but neither is it a thinly disguised truck with a punishing ride. Overall wind and road noise was on par with that of a good compact sedan.

The body felt rock solid and the level of interior fit and finish was commendable. Ralph Gilles, interior designer, repeated the headlight’s circular theme with round gauges, air vents, door handles and stereo speakers. The instruments have cream-colored faces. A crosshatch texture wraps the center section of the instrument panel, and the Limited model uses a satin-finished metal look on door handles, instrument surrounds and the center console.

The Liberty reflects a new design for Jeep. Its main cabin has a pert, upright stance with tall windows much like those that debuted on the Dakar concept vehicle a few years back. The front is dominated by large round headlights and JeepÕs signature seven-bar grille. Styling details abound, from the subtle beveled edges alongside the fender flares to a rear-mounted spare tire and a side-hinged rear tailgate that flips up the rear glass automatically.

In moderate off-road driving, Liberty proved its mettle as a dirt-dancing companion. It nosed its way down descents an d through hub-deep water crossings like a kid who can hardly wait to get muddy. Like all Jeeps, it must be capable of fording 20-inch-deep water at 10 mph without drowning out, so overflow outlets are placed high and electrical connections are tight enough to withstand the dunking.

New from the ground up, Liberty has a unitized body with high-strength steel sections that function as frame members. A wishbone-style independent front suspension enables the ride to be compliant on road and supple off road. Eight inches of wheel travel, both front and rear, helps in both venues. The solid rear axle is suspended by coil springs that provide a softer ride than leaf springs.

The power, rack-and-pinion steering has good on-center feel without being overly sensitive. Sixteen-inch wheels are shod with tires whose tread was designed for low noise and good fuel economy on the pavement. Their grip was not great when slithering through some off-road muck, but since that is not their pr ary use they are fine. People who do serious off-roading will want to change tires.

Sitting inside Liberty is more comfortable in front than back. Front bucket seats provide good support and more than adequate legroom. The instrument panel sits up close to the windshield, almost like that in a Wrangler, and that makes the front seat feel spacious. The back seat is big enough for adults, but legroom is on the snug side.

Carrying gear is a requisite for an SUV. The Liberty’s cargo hold is a bit small with the split-folding back seat upright, but it drops flat in one motion. Bottom seat cushions don’t have to be pulled forward nor do the headrests have to be removed, both aggravations suffered by some of the competitors. Shopping-bag holders are molded into the back of the rear seat, and the cargo area has tie-down hooks.

Unlike other small SUVs, the Liberty offers optional side-curtain airbags for head protection in a side impact.

Price
Prices start at $17,035 for the base vehicle, but a loaded Limited tops out at slightly more than $27,000. The volume model will be a V-6-powered Sport model, and it lists for $23,465 when popularly equipped.

Warranty
Three years or 36,000 miles.

To get in touch with Tom Strongman, send e-mail to tstrongman@kc.rr.com.

There is no At A Glance box because this is not regular week-long a test drive of a production unit.

SPECIFICATIONS:
Engine: 2.5-liter, 150-hp 4-cyl. 3.7-liter, 210-hp V-6
Transmission: 5-speed manual or automatic
Two-wheel or four-wheel drive
Wheelbase: 104.3 inches
Curb weight: 3,648 lbs. to 4,115 lbs.
Price range: $17,035 to $27,000
Mpg rating: 16 city, 20 hwy.
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