Jeep Liberty (KJ)
The KJ Liberty took over from the XJ Cherokee in mid-2001 as a 2002 model, with round-headlamp styling inspired by Jeep's Dakar and Jeepster concepts. It was the first Jeep with rack-and-pinion steering and the first with independent front suspension since the 1960s Wagoneer, yet it kept a solid rear axle and real low-range 4x4. Buyers chose a 150 hp 2.4 L four or a 210 hp 3.7 L V6, and for 2005 and 2006 a 2.8 L common-rail diesel made it the first diesel mid-size SUV in the US. It sold strongly, topping its segment in 2003, though repeated safety recalls marked its early years.
Engines
| Engine | Power | Torque | Fuel | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4 L PowerTech I4 Dropped for 2006, when the V6 became standard. |
150 hp (112 kW) | 165 lb-ft (224 N·m) | Gasoline | 2002 to 2005 |
| 3.7 L PowerTech V6 Gained an EGR valve for 2007. |
210 hp (157 kW) | 235 lb-ft (319 N·m) | Gasoline | 2002 to 2007 |
| 2.8 L CRD turbodiesel I4 VM Motori-built common-rail engine; five-speed automatic on 4x4 Sport and Limited only; rated to tow 5,000 lb. |
160 hp (119 kW) | 295 lb-ft (400 N·m) | Diesel | 2005 to 2006 (North America) |
| 2.5 L CRD turbodiesel I4 Wikipedia lists 143 PS and 253 lb-ft (not cross-checked). |
— | — | Diesel | 2002 to 2003 (outside North America) |
Transmissions
- 5-speed manual (2002 to 2004)
- 6-speed manual (NSG370) (2005 to 2007)
- 4-speed automatic (2002 to 2007)
- 5-speed automatic (2005 to 2006 (CRD diesel))
Sizes and weights
| Measure | Size |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 104.3 in2,649 mm |
| Length | 174.2–174.7 in4,425–4,437 mm |
| Width | 71.1–71.8 in1,806–1,824 mm |
| Curb weight | 3,508–4,312 lb1,591–1,956 kg |
| Towing (most) | 2,000–5,000 lb907–2,268 kg |
| Fuel tank | 19–20.5 US gal72–78 L |
A range covers the body styles and trims of this generation.
Trims and editions
- Sport
- Renegade
- Renegade Premium
- Limited
- Latitude
- Freedom Edition
- Columbia Edition
- Rocky Mountain Edition
- 65th Anniversary Edition
Worth knowing
- The first Jeep with rack-and-pinion steering and the first with independent front suspension since the 1963 to 1965 Wagoneer.
- The 2005 Liberty CRD was the first diesel mid-size SUV sold in the US, at launch rated 22 mpg city and 27 mpg highway.
- Nominated for 2002 North American Truck of the Year.
- Sold 145,000 in calendar 2003, the top seller among mid-size SUVs that year, according to Jeep.
Year by year, newest first
- The Renegade trim and the 2.8 L diesel were dropped, leaving Sport and Limited.
- An EGR valve was added to the V6 for better fuel economy, and Jeep Green Metallic paint was new.
- A Rocky Mountain Edition was offered.
- The 3.7 L V6 became standard as the 2.4 L four was dropped.
- Electronic stability control became standard.
- A 65th Anniversary Edition based on the Sport, from $24,195 (4x2).
- Freshened exterior and interior, and the Renegade gained a flatter hood, taller grille, and rock rails.
- A 160 hp 2.8 L common-rail diesel arrived with a five-speed automatic, and a six-speed manual replaced the five-speed.
- The fuel tank grew to 20.5 gal; a Rocky Mountain Edition was sold in spring 2005.
- The Renegade gained rock rails and black bodyside mouldings.
- Fuel tank enlarged to 19.5 gal; seat-belt reminder and CD player standard; tire-pressure monitoring on Renegade and Limited.
- A Columbia Edition was offered.
- Four-wheel disc brakes and a full-size matching spare became standard.
- A Renegade Premium model, an overhead trip computer, and an optional six-disc CD changer.
- A Freedom Edition was offered.
- All-new Liberty introduced in mid-2001 as the 2002 replacement for the XJ Cherokee in North America.
- Sport and Limited trims at launch, with the off-road Renegade added during the year.
- Offered with a 150 hp 2.4 L four or 210 hp 3.7 L V6 and Command-Trac or Selec-Trac 4x4.
Notes
Latitude: Wikipedia says a Latitude replaced the Renegade for 2007, but Jeep's 2007 release lists only Sport and Limited. The Freedom (2003), Columbia (2004), and 2007 Rocky Mountain editions are from Wikipedia only; the 2005 Rocky Mountain and 2006 65th Anniversary editions are confirmed by Jeep. Height: Wikipedia gives 73.2 in (2002 to 2004) and 69.8 in (2005 to 2007), while Cars.com gives 70.9 in (2003) and 70.2 in (2006), so it is left null. Fuel tank: about 19 gal for 2002 and 2003 (Cars.com), 19.5 gal from 2004 and 20.5 gal from 2005 (Jeep). Towing: 2,000 lb (Cars.com, 2.4 L base) to 5,000 lb (Jeep, V6 and CRD). Wikipedia also lists assembly in Cairo, Egypt, and Valencia, Venezuela, not cross-checked. Outside North America the KJ was sold as the Cherokee.
Sources
- en.wikipedia.org /wiki/Jeep_Liberty_(KJ)
- en.wikipedia.org /wiki/Jeep_Liberty
- media.stellantisnorthamerica.com /newsrelease.do?id=5586&mid=51
- media.stellantisnorthamerica.com /newsrelease.do?id=1062&fIId=125
- media.stellantisnorthamerica.com /newsrelease.do?id=155
- media.stellantisnorthamerica.com /newsrelease.do?id=4860&mid=51
- media.stellantisnorthamerica.com /newsroom.do?page=2&id=38&mid=51
- cars.com /research/jeep-liberty-2003/specs/
- cars.com /research/jeep-liberty-2006/specs/