New 2009 Jeep Liberty [ 2008 , 2007 ]
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Jeep Liberty - What the Auto Press Says
The Liberty's strong suit is its excellent off-road capabilities. However, even with last year's redesign it can't match the raw power and refined handling of rivals.
The 2009 Jeep Liberty may boast a macho-looking exterior and unique Sky Slider full-length canvas roof (an industry first), but most test drivers say it's not a good choice for daily commuting or a lot of on-pavement driving. "Jeep calls Liberty one of its 'traditional' trucks, as it retains the brand's trademark off-road prowess -- unlike the more car-like Compass and Patriot," says Consumer Guide. "Shoppers who have no plans to venture beyond the pavement will be better served by more refined SUVS like Toyota's RAV4, but for those with real wanderlust, Jeep has a truck for you."
In an effort to improve ride and handling, the Liberty's brakes and suspension have been retuned for 2009. Jeep has also dropped the optional manual transmission.
The Liberty is available in two trim levels -- Sport and Limited -- which both come with a V6 engine and a choice of two four-wheel drive systems.
- "Jeep's Liberty is like a macho version of the Honda CR-V, offering tenacious off-road ability in the small-SUV class. Redesigned for 2008, the latest Liberty has a more chiseled exterior but it drives much like the unrefined original, finishing last in a nine-SUV comparison test." -- Car and Driver
- "The all-new Jeep Liberty is designed to appeal to customers who are looking for Jeep 4x4 capability as well as comfort and convenience. It is targeted to young couples and new families, as well as professional, young single men and women between 30 and 40 years of age, balanced male to female." -- 4-Wheel & Off-Road
- "This is exactly the kind of vehicle that will appeal to the target demographic. Plus, now that the cutesy design has been swapped out for a muscular box-on-wheels look, there's a better chance that guys will actually buy the thing." -- Autobytel
- "Since the new one is easier on the eyes, a bit more fuel-efficient and has a few new convenience features, it should continue to appeal to its soft-core demographic." -- New York Times
Liberty Performance - NA
The 2009 Jeep Liberty continues to shine in its off-road performance, but test drivers say it just isn't engineered for a comfortable on-pavement ride. "Soft springs make this tall SUV feel tippy and nervous," says Car and Driver. "Combined with a soft brake pedal and crude engine, the Liberty isn't very happy on-road." A retuned suspension for this year may improve the ride somewhat, although only time will tell. Continue with our full Performance Review to learn how the Liberty lives up to its "Trail-Rated" badging. continue
Liberty Exterior - NA
Thanks to last year's redesign, the 2009 Liberty has shed its feminine styling for a more rugged, masculine look that reviewers love. "The Liberty features Jeep's traditional seven-slot grille and trapezoidal fender flares that enhance the vehicle's side profile," says Cars.com. "Unlike many panoramic sunroofs offered today, Jeep's Sky Slider roof is made of canvas rather than glass." Continue with our full Exterior Review to learn more about why reviewers love the unique roof option. continue
Liberty Interior - NA
The 2009 Jeep Liberty's five-seat interior is comfortable enough, but several reviewers are disappointed in the quality of materials. "Liberty shares its basic design with the Dodge Nitro, and some cabin materials are a notch upscale of that SUV," says Consumer Guide. "Most of the interior, though, is shrouded in hard plastic with no soft-touch surfaces. It's appropriate for a 'Trail Rated' Jeep but trails most rivals for overall ambiance." Continue with our Interior Review to learn about the Liberty's easy-to-use tailgate design. continue
Liberty Safety - NA
The 2009 Liberty features plenty of standard safety equipment, including stability control and side air bags. It also does very well in federal government crash tests. Continue with our full Safety Review to learn why reviewers praise the Liberty's Enhanced Accident Response System. continue
Liberty Reliability - NA
The Liberty is covered by a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty. Continue with our full Reliability Review to learn about the Liberty's lifetime powertrain warranty. continue