2008 Jeep Liberty

Jeep's new Liberty is a huge improvement. And it's an appealing SUV, slated between the silly Compass and Patriot cute-utes and the more serious Wrangler models. It's a right-sized sport/utility with real off-roadability and descent, if flawed, road manners. It comes in second in a two-car comparo with the Nissan Xterra, but it's not as big and tall as that competitor.

During the launch of the new Liberty, we couldn't stop wondering how many times Jeep executives were going to mention the Liberty's new sky-slider full-length sunroof. Yes, it's cool, and yes, it's a unique selling feature, but after driving the new Liberty, it's going to take more than a trick sunroof to sell us on this vehicle. From its archaic four-speed automatic and coarse V-6 to its dead steering and down-market interior plastics, it is clear that the Liberty is far off the pace in its segment.

For 2008, Jeep launches the second-generation Liberty. If it too closely resembles its corporate cousin, the Dodge Nitro, it at least looks more like a Jeep ought to look than its soft-road siblings, the Compass and the Patriot. Two off-road-ready four-wheel-drive systems are available, and the interior is bigger than before. The standard powertrain, a 210-hp, 3.7-liter V-6 mated to a six-speed manual, has not impressed us much in the Wrangler, where it also resides. But for those looking for a proper Trail Rated Jeep that won't break the bank, the new Liberty might be just the ticket.

Enter the new-generation Liberty, which is lower, wider, longer, and heavier than its predecessor and looks like a baby Commander from the front face to the obnoxiously jutting lower-chin styling in an attempt to reach the X-box generation. Luckily, Jeep engineers saved the day by putting enough 4x4 capability in it to warrant the Trail Rated badge, although it could seriously use a couple inches of lift, a real locker, and a 4:1 transfer-case package. Inside, the comfort level increases, while ergonomics also gain a few points over the old style. The newest addition is the full sardine-can sunroof which auto retracts down the whole length of the Liberty. This one-of-a-kind option makes it so much more Jeeplike we were tempted to remove the doors. Thankfully a six-speed stick is available instead of just an automatic!

The 2008 Jeep Liberty is equipped with 35 safety and security features including the company's side-occupant protection system. The system includes supplemental side-curtain air bags with extended up time, tethers and multiple sensors in case of a rollover. Adding to the mid-size SUV's long list of standard safety and security features are Electronic Stability Program, Electronic Roll Mitigation, anti-lock brake system, tire pressure monitoring (TPM), rain-sensing wipers and three new technologies -- Trailer Sway Control, Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control.

On the test track and on our high- and low-elevation test routes, the Liberty needed a stronger engine and more functional transmission (where you have access to all the gears). A measly 210 horsepower from a V-6 when the rest of the world is getting between 250 and 275 horsepower is too much to ignore.

Among our favorite Liberty options is the exclusive Sky Slider fully open roof. The pushbutton skylight opens forward and back, depending on which passengers want the sunlight. This one feature was a huge hit with our testers. Add to this a new rear lift hatch, all sorts of standard electronic traction aids (hillhold, hill ascent, ESC, etc), and two 4x4 system choices, and there's a lot Jeep's done right here. Still, it's just not enough.

The 2008 Liberty (now two inches longer and an inch wider) has a new look for the first time since the model replaced the blocky, angular Cherokee in 2001.

Both Liberty models (Sport and Limited) are offered in four-wheel or rear drive, with a choice of a four-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission. A duo of Trail Rated 4WD systems are available: the all-new full-time Selec-Trac II or Command-Trac, a traditional part-time system.

The single engine currently available in the U.S. is the 3.7-liter SOHC V-6--rated 210 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 235 pound-feet of torque at 4000 rpm--which is carried over from last year. Towing capacity remains unchanged at 5000 pounds.

The Jeep Liberty is available with a variety of audio systems, and will offer the innovative MyGIG Multimedia Infotainment System that features a built-in navigation, audio, entertainment and communication system. MyGIG allows customers to use touch screen or voice commands to control features, and includes a 20-gigabyte hard drive where music and photos can be stored. An integrated music jukebox supports Gracenote music-file management to add song, artist and album information to the music files automatically. Space is reserved on the hard drive for approximately 1,500 songs - more than 100 hours of music. The system also includes a voice-memo recorder feature. MyGIG supports real-time traffic information, available through SIRIUS Satellite Radio, and can provide an alternate drive route based on traffic conditions.

All-new from the ground up for 2008, the Jeep Liberty remains true to its legendary 4x4 heritage by offering two Jeep Trail Rated(R) four-wheel-drive systems -- Command-Trac(R) and the all-new Selec-Trac(R) II. On-road ride and handling have been improved and refined with the new independent front suspension, new five-link rear suspension and rack-and-pinion steering.

The Liberty's exterior has been redesigned, and takes on a more rugged, classic Jeep look that is sure to captivate the attention of current Jeep Liberty owners and broaden its consumer appeal. Inside, cargo and storage space, and seat comfort improves. Making its world debut is the new Sky Slider(TM) full-length open canvas roof, an industry-exclusive -- giving the Liberty that "Have Fun Out There" open-air Jeep brand experience. Remote start, rain-sensing wipers*, memory seats, mirrors and radio controls, and express up/down windows are added to the vehicle's ever-growing list of available features and options. There are two models -- Jeep Liberty Sport and Jeep Liberty Limited.

The Jeep Liberty is all-new for 2008. It's slightly bigger and has a smoother ride, but it maintains the ruggedness of the previous version. The 2008 Liberty is quite capable off road, one of the best in its class.

Jeep has made an effort to refine the Liberty and add premium options. Snow Belt drivers will appreciate the new full-time all-wheel drive system available in addition to the carryover part-time system. Both four-wheel-drive systems make the Liberty highly capable off road, and they are aided by the addition of Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control. Within its class, only the Nissan Xterra can claim as much off-road capability.

Compared to recent Jeep offerings such as the Patriot and Compass, however, it is more of a true Jeep, with off-road prowess and bold, upright styling.

When it comes to handling, the Liberty is less capable than most of its competitors. The Liberty is relatively tall and heavy, so it is not as nimble as most of its compact SUV competitors.