Jeep Introduces Liberty Diesel to North American Markets

Enhanced with a freshened exterior and interior design, the 2005 Jeep Liberty offers a new diesel option for the first time in the North American markets. Available on the 4x4 Jeep Liberty Sport and Limited models, a newly revised 2.8L turbo common rail diesel engine (CRD) is equipped with a five-speed automatic transmission.

According to Jeep, the Liberty is the first mid-size sport/utility vehicle available with a diesel in the U.S. Diesel engines improve fuel economy an average of 30 percent and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by an average of 20 percent.

The 2.8L CRD is an enhanced version of the four-cylinder diesel engine currently offered on Jeep Liberty models in Europe. The CRD boasts three best-in-class stats: 295 lb.-ft of torque, a 500-mile driving range, and 5,000-lb. towing capacity. The engine produces 160 horsepower with an estimated fuel economy of 22 miles city and 27 miles highway.

To reduce the noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) issues that plague older diesel-powered vehicles, Jeep engineers addressed the sources of NVH, re-engineered the body structure, and improved acoustics. The turbodiesel engine has a new noise-reducing cover and a torque converter turbine damper. An air induction resonator reduces induction noise emissions. Fluid-filled engine hydro mounts reduce the amount of vibration and harshness that reaches the body. Additionally, the body’s sheet metal has been stiffened and dampened to lessen the noise that travels into the vehicle. Airborne noise is decreased through an acoustic belly pan attached beneath the engine, an engine compartment hood liner, and cabin-installed, noise-absorbing carpet.

Liberty Sport and Limited design enhancements include new grille styling, and a new sill to protect the body side from road blast. The Limited also offers body-color front and rear fascias and bumpers, standard fog lamps, and tow hooks available with the skid plate group package.

The Sport model features higher positioning for park/turn lamp and optional fog lamp locations for greater protection from road debris, a new front fascia for a wider, more stable appearance, and an under-the-grille front bumper providing a twin-tube appearance.