Here is what I do not understand. How does a Jeep liberty have a higher towing capacity than the new 2007 Wrangler Unlimited.

Liberty 5000lbs, Wrangler Unlimited 3500 lbs.?

They have a similar engines with similar outputs in HP and torque.

Liberty 3.7L V-6 210HP @ 5200 RPM and 235 ft. lbs @ 4000 RPM
Wrangler 3.8L V-6 205HP @ 5200 RPM and 240 ft. lbs @ 4000 RPM

They have the same transmission, the 42RLE

The Wrangler has a longer wheelbase by 12”.
The Wrangler has a 116” wheelbase
The Liberty has a 104”

The Wrangler has a wider track width by 2”

The Wrangler is a body on frame design rather than the Liberty's unibody

Wrangler also has a stronger rear axle a new generation Dana 44 (larger ring & pinion, larger axle shafts and spline count) vs. the Chrysler 8.25

So why would a Liberty have a greater towing capacity than a Wrangler???

Maybe some of you with connections at Jeep can get an answer on this.

 

Also why does a 3.7 engine have more horsepower than a 3.8 ?....:sad:

 

Great question. Anyone? I just bought my Rubicon two days ago and am curious if anyone has towed. I have a Chaparral 18' bowrider with trailer coming in at 3200 pounds. Anyone with towing comments would be welcome.

 

Im not sure on the whole reason, but part of the reason is probably because the Wrangler is heavier then the Liberty, which cuts into some of the Wranglers towing capacity.

Another plus for the Wrangler though, is the available 410 gears, can you even get those in a Liberty?

I know one thing, when I get my Unlimited Rubicon, I will be pulling our 21' Malibu inboard ski boat with it, which is right around 3500 lbs
Im not worried about it.

 

on the base curb wieghts the Wrangler only weighs about 200 lbs or so more than a Liberty