Jeep has upgraded the Liberty with available amenities, including automatic climate control, remote starting, a Sky Slider sunroof and the MyGIG Multi-Media Infotainment system. Jeep says the available MyGIG system can hold 1600 songs. It can also hold pictures to use as screen savers, and it contains the navigation system's map information. Songs and pictures can be ripped from a CD or loaded from a jump drive via an integrated USB port. The 6.5-inch navigation screen is a bit smaller than most. It absorbs some of the audio controls, but is generally easy to use.
The Sky Slider sunroof is much larger than a standard sunroof. It is made of canvas and creates an open air feeling, especially for rear seat passengers. However, it also creates wind noise at highway speed when closed. That's a shame because without the Sky Slider the cabin is impressively quiet. Wind noise and tire noise are well checked, and the engine is only noticeable under hard acceleration.
The second row offers lots of head room. Leg room is decent, even with the front seats all the way back. Toe space is plentiful under the seats, but there is an annoying hump on each side next to the transmission tunnel. The second-row seats aren't the most comfortable, however; they're flat and short with little thigh or shoulder support and they lack a fold-down center armrest. Getting in the second row is an easy step in, but the opening is a bit small, so it requires some ankle twisting.
Cargo space is about average for the class. The second-row seats fold flat in an easy one-step process to yield 64.6 cubic feet of cargo space (slightly less than the previous generation). With the seats up there is 31.2 cubic feet of cargo room, which is plenty of room for hauling groceries with the kids in the vehicle. The available fold-flat front-passenger seat allows for loading long items. In back, Jeep provides a shallow under-floor storage area with a reversible cover that is carpeted on one side and formed into a plastic tray on the other. This is a useful feature for stowing muddy boots. Cargo tie-down hooks are also provided to secure loose items. The load floor is fairly low, making it easy to load heavy cargo. For 2008, Jeep has changed to a liftgate (from a side-opening swing gate); the rear glass panel opens separately, so groceries can be set inside without opening the tailgate. Next Page