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A good sport of another kind is the Jeep Liberty CRD. This common rail turbo-diesel SUV is Chrysler's way of testing the waters for European-style diesel people movers. And, despite a premium price, the CRD is selling well. The reason is of course better fuel economy, or the promise of it. Our Limited 4X4 has so far averaged 21.5 miles per gallon in 5,300 miles of mixed driving. That's about 10% less than in our original test, but about 15% better than the gas V-6 Liberty we tested earlier. Since mileage is still climbing we think it will get better. The 160-horsepower 2.8-liter inline-4 turbo diesel is not as quiet at launch as some diesels we've driven, but it's still not at all intrusive during cruise.
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Long before Americans became enamored with gasoline electric hybrids, Europeans discovered fuel efficient diesel power, like our 2005 Jeep Liberty CRD. In fact, the Jeep's 2.8-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder diesel is the same powertrain Jeep uses overseas. So while it still has a rather loud clatter, it's clean-burning design has none of the sooty stigma once associated with diesels.
While its 160 horsepower is modest, it is the generous 295 pound-feet of torque that makes this Liberty CRD perform close to a V6 gas powered Liberty. Plus, mileage of 23.2 per gallon is about 25% better than a V6. And it has been totally reliable. After five months and over 8,000 miles, except for an oil change, our Liberty has not seen the inside of a service bay. And cold weather or hot, it starts quickly. But as long as diesel fuel remains pricier than gas, it is unlikely that diesels will become widely popular here. But if the moon and stars ever do align, the Jeep Liberty CRD shows us that this fuel saving technology is ready to go.
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In Europe, it's hard to find an SUV that isn't a diesel, like our 2005 Jeep Liberty CRD. In fact, its turbocharged 4-cylinder is the same diesel Jeep uses overseas. Made by corporate cousin MV Motori in Italy, the 2.8-liter combines a modest 160 horsepower with a substantial 295 pound-feet of torque. In fact, it accelerates faster than the gas Liberty V6.
And fuel economy is better too, although not as good as we had hoped. After 12,000 miles in five months, we're only averaging 21.7 miles per gallon. That's about 10% better than the gas V6. Unfortunately since in many parts of the country diesel fuel is about 10% more than regular gas, operating savings are neutralized. On the other hand, the cost of choosing the turbo diesel over the gas V6 is only about $1,500. So that, combined with its high torque delivery, is fueling Liberty CRD diesel sales to capacity.
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Those that have been following our long term test of this 2005 Jeep Liberty CRD know we love diesel SUVs. Still the combination of higher than gasoline diesel fuel prices and less than spectacular mileage have left us in limbo about the Liberty CRD. Well, maybe that worm is turning. Diesel fuel has moderated in price in many parts of the country. Plus, our around town average of 21.9 miles per gallon is over 10% more efficient than a V6 gas Liberty. And on a recent long highway trip we managed a superb 28 miles per gallon. So, even though all of this may not be enough to warrant the CRD's premium price, at least we can feel good about not spending as much money on oil to get where we need to go.
Otherwise, everything else about the Liberty has been to our liking. After 16,000 miles it's been trouble free. The back seat is not the roomiest, even for a couple of child seats, but the Liberty handles both roads and off-roads expertly well.
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Sales of the Jeep Liberty CRD turbo-diesel have exceeded expectations and that's great news. It's about time Americans got more familiar with the efficient diesel engines that are common in sport-utility vehicles sold in Europe.
The bad news is that production for the Jeep Liberty diesel has stopped. The current 2.8-liter doesn't meet new emission rules. So, you either have to settle for one on a dealer's lot, or wait for a diesel Jeep Grand Cherokee due next year.
The Liberty was a test of the acceptance of diesel SUVs in America. We certainly accepted our 2005 Liberty which has been fault free a full year and 18,000 miles. Our overall test results of 21.9 miles per gallon may be only 10% better than a V6 gas Liberty, but it exceeded 28 miles per gallon on the highway.
So, while the 11,000 Liberty diesels may only be a drop in the bucket now, maybe that trickle will turn into a steady stream, as even more efficient diesel engines prove that you don't have to give up power for economy in an SUV.
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Time to sum up our long term impressions of the most modern diesel powered light-duty vehicle ever sold by a domestic brand. This 2005 Jeep Liberty Limited 4X4 CRD.
The Liberty CRD was an experiment by DaimlerChrysler to see if Americans would buy the same efficient, turbocharged diesel SUV available in Europe. They did. In fact, Jeep sold out of CRDs.
Its Italian made VM Motori 2.8-liter 4-cylinder turbo diesel exceeded our expectations on smoothness and power, with its modest 160-horsepower augmented by a hefty 295-pound-feet of torque pulling power. That's comparable to many gas V8s.
What didn't meet our expectations, unfortunately, was actual miles per gallon. After 14 months, and over 20,000 miles, our total test mileage settled at 21.7. That's at the bottom of its 21 City/27 Highway government fuel economy ratings. Still, the last V6 Liberty we tested only managed in the high teens.
So, it was an improvement, although maybe not enough to warrant a big premium in price. Still it gave Jeep planners confidence enough to introduce a Grand Cherokee with an ultra-clean Mercedes V6 turbo diesel next year.
So, the Liberty CRD is indeed a trail blazer, and it may help make diesels as commonplace in America as SUVs.
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