Seeking to carve out a handling niche for its midsize sport utility vehicle, Jeep Liberty adds electronic stability control as a standard feature for 2006 on its three basic trims - the Renegade, Sport and Limited. Liberty first emerged on the market in 2002 and last year added a diesel engine, while providing a new exterior and refinements to all three models.

Our test drive was the 2006 Jeep Liberty Sport, with the common rail 2.8-liter, turbo charged diesel engine mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. Like its siblings, it offered two-wheel rear drive and Select-Trac, one of two four wheel-drive options, that permit shift-on-the-fly functionality. The Liberty is touted by Jeep for its versatility, especially its off-road prowess with cast iron lower control arms in the suspension system to protect against rocks and shelter the more vulnerable suspension springs and shock absorbers located above the control arms.

With electronic stability, the Liberty combines anti-lock brakes, traction control and electronic roll mitigation. Together they help determine electronically when the vehicle isn’t going where the driver intends it to go and selectively applies braking and throttle input to get the Liberty back on the driver’s intended path.

The diesel engine performs adequately, providing excellent torque at the start and good grip on the road. Common rail diesel helps inject fuel simultaneously into engine cylinders for quicker power response. Like most diesels, it is noisy at all speeds, but diesel engines reduce carbon dioxide by about 20 percent and Jeep’s diesel gets 32 percent better gas mileage than its gas-burning brethren. Jeep claims Liberty is first to offer a diesel in a midsize SUV.

Our test-drive’s steering didn’t offer on-line tracking, requiring hands to be busy on the wheel. Off-road, the Liberty displays major competence and has been trail rated with criteria from the Nevada Automotive Test Center for traction, ground clearance (6.4 inches front axle; 7.9 inches rear), water fording, maneuverability and articulation. Liberty’s exterior was redone last year, and for our Sport that means cladding around the muscular fender flares, a sill cover around the sides and a front bumper below the grille. There is room for optional fog lights. Generous space exists in the Liberty, especially using the 65/35 fold-flat second row seats. Liftover into the trunk is minimal. Jeeps are easily identified with a seven-slot grille, wide wheel flares, roof rack and external spare tire on the rear liftgate. Turning radius is good - 35.9 feet.