Ford Explorer vs Jeep Liberty

The Ford Explorer was redesigned two years ago, but the updates were significant enough to keep the pioneering SUV competitive against a crowded field for the 2008 model year. Though it’s no longer the best-selling SUV in the U.S. – that title has been taken over by smaller crossovers – the Ford has capability that can’t be argued with. The Explorer’s towing abilities and long list of available options should put it on the radar for almost any SUV shopper.

The 2008 Explorer is offered in three trims: XLT, Eddie Bauer, and Limited. Each is available with either two- or four-wheel drive. Two engines are available: a 210-hp 4.0-liter V6 or a 292 4.6-liter V8. Either a five-speed or six-speed automatic are available.

The Explorer’s rivals include the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder, and Chevrolet Trailblazer. The Explorer is aimed at new car buyers that want the space and capability that a body-on-frame SUV brings, without giving up comfort and a confident ride. A smaller, unibody vehicle like the Ford Edge will provide an even smoother ride and better handling but can’t come close to matching the Explorer’s ability to tow.

The Jeep Liberty is an off-road-ready compact SUV with the heart and soul of the brand’s much heartier vehicles. It’s able to climb, crawl, and wade through much stiffer terrain than its tiny size would suggest, and makes use of four-wheel drive and a solid rear axle to get through the tough stuff.

The Liberty is targeted at new-car buyers that want a rugged and capable SUV to take where more pedestrian vehicles just can’t go. It competes with the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Subaru Forester. Jeep offers the Liberty in just two trim levels: Jeep Liberty Sport and Jeep Liberty Limited. Though it slots below models like the Grand Cherokee, the Liberty carries much of the same styling and off-roading attitude as those pricier models.

A single engine is available for the 2007 model year: A 3.7-liter V6 that produces 210 horsepower and 235 pound-feet of torque. Power hits the rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission by default, but four-wheel drive and a four-speed automatic gearbox are available.