While the Patriot has been based upon the Jeep Cherokee, the Jeep Liberty derives its roots from the Jeep Wrangler. One will find that the Liberty is far more brawny, aggressive, and rugged then the Wrangler however. Proving far more than skin deep, the vehicle's aggressiveness digs well beneath the vehicle's exterior since the Liberty has superior off-road capabilities. The Liberty is heavier, bigger, and its motor is a bit underpowered. The engine is coupled with a four-speed transmission that slightly diminishes off-road fun.
The Liberty's exterior is breathtaking, but the interior is absent of some nicer amenities found in other Jeeps. The cabin is an improvement over the Compass or the Patriot, but you get minor leather elements combined with hard, cheap plastic components in the newest Liberty models.
The Jeep Liberty is wider and longer than earlier models before it. It has improved handling and driving abilities. It's larger size ensures greater passenger room and improved materials have been instilled inside the cabin. Nevertheless, this vehicle proves somewhat cheap when compared to other Jeeps offered by the carmaker.
The Range
Bodystyles: SUV
Engines: 3.7L V-6
Transmissions: 4-speed automatic
Models: Limited, Renegade, Sport
What's New
There is even less new with the Liberty than the Compass for 2010, there are a few additional standard equipment features, depending on the model you choose. You can get the new Renegade model that gives you more off-road features and capabilities.
Exterior
The Liberty's sheetmetal is more on par with what Jeep owners like and want in a Jeep -- rugged looks. For an even more aggressive stance, you can opt for the Liberty Renegade which comes with off-road tires and a skid plate standard.
Interior
The base Liberty has a fairly cheap and plastic-looking interior, but the Limited does wrap a few pieces in leather. Storage capacity is slightly better than the Compass, but not by much.
Performance & Handling
All Liberty models get the 3.7-liter V-6 putting out 210 horsepower and 235 pound-feet of torque mated to a four-speed automatic transmission, your only transmission option. But you do have a choice of either rear-drive or two different four-wheel drive systems -- part time Command Trac or full-time Selec Trac. And with the proper equipment package, the Liberty can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
Safety
The Liberty features four-wheel ABS, curtain first and second row overhead airbags, airbag occupancy sensor, traction and stability control, electronic roll mitigation, active front head restraints.
EPA Fuel Economy
Limited 4x2: 16 mpg city/22 mpg highway
Limited 4x4: 15 mpg city/21 mpg highway
Renegade 4x4: 15 mpg city/21 mpg highway
Sport 4x2: 16 mpg city/22 mpg highway
Sport 4x4: 15 mpg city/21 mpg highway
You'll Like
- Capable off-road
- Rugged looks
- Decent tow capacity
You Won't Like
- Weak V-6
- Four-speed transmission
- Poor fuel economy
Sum Up
More capable than the Compass
If You Like This Vehicle
- Jeep Wrangler
- Nissan Xterra
- Toyota FJ Cruiser